Multimedia+Video+Tech+Course+Reflections

1. What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned? In this course, we were introduced and then given the opportunity to create our own digital photostory. We also reviewed video editing software and conjured a tutorial podcast to one of the editing software. I chose Movie Maker. In the latter portion of the course, we collaborated with other students in the course to plan and create a public service announcement video. Prior to the beginning of the course, I had envisioned creating a video as one of the products for this class based on the title of the course. Since we are working entirely online rather than face to face, I did not know how the assignments were going to be presented and carried out. The actual outcome of the course did align with what I had envisioned. We were able to successfully create a photostory, audio recording, and PSA video. The assignments granted me practice on editing graphics, managing time frame for each clip, enhance video with audio components, and publishing on YouTube.
 * Sunday, September 26, 2010 **

2. To the extent that you achieved the outcomes, are they still relevant to the work that you do in your school? Why or why not? Since I do not teach Multimedia Video or Computer related courses at my school, I did not initially think that the course work was directly relevant to what I teach. Upon further reflection, I realize that the course work can be tailored to the subject that I teach. This week and next week, at my school, we have our students create a multimedia presentation on Gas Laws. The students have a choice of power point, video, or audio for their presentations. I had to change my mind set in creating the Gas Laws lesson. In this course, the focus is learning to use the tools. Everyone creates a photostory, for example, but the content of the story varies based on the individual. At my school, we have to keep the content the same. All of our students need to learn about Gas Laws, but the choice of technology may vary depending on the student.

3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them? Even though we were successful at creating the photostory, Audacity audio, and video clip, I felt that I have only scratched the surface of each of these applications. Time is always the limiting factor. The course provided a survey view of the various tools in the given time frame of mere five weeks, but it offered a glimpse of the potential that each may extend beyond what we have accomplished here. Within the course, we shared our multimedia products with one another, expressed what we have learned in the process, and exchanged future ideas for incorporating our experience into lessons with our students. On the reading links, examples from existing photostory and PSA videos along with lesson ideas enriched my understanding of these multimedia tools, but I will need more time in the future to further utilize each application. What I had hoped to achieve was a more comprehensive understanding and mastery of the video making and editing, but such skills develop over time and practice. Overall, I have gained a sense of confidence and feel less intimidated by the movie making process.

4. Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you? For the photostory and audio tutorial, I was able to successfully complete those assignments without any major difficulty. After completing the reading and visiting other tutorial resources online, I was able to learn through trial and error. There were a lot of trial and error, but I was able to learn from my mistakes quickly, error-recovered, and proceed. I was satisfied overall with the work I submitted. If there was more time, I could tweak the photostory and make minor editing, but for the perfectionist in me, I could spend endless time tweaking any products. For the PSA video, the collaboration was the most difficult. Learning to work online with others whom you have never met or worked together before is no easy task. We do not know each other’s strengths or weaknesses. The expectations must be set early in the process. Even then, we had one member who did not follow through, and other members had to step in and complete the task.

5. What did you learn from this course: about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes? Through this course, I learned that I love to use technology and that learning new technology comes natural to me. I still have a lot to learn, and I feel that I have only experience a small glimpse of all the tools that are available. At times, it feels overwhelming, but the positive experience I have from this and previous courses granted me confidence to continually explore and go beyond. For the group PSA video, we mostly communicated via Google document. I was the person who created the online document and began the online collaboration. While learning to collaborate, I listed the various tasks that needed to be completed, and each member selected their task of choice. I pushed and encouraged the group to meet the deadlines set by each member on their particular part. Each member did email me individually for advice and directions, and I communicated with each member individually as well as a group. I feel that I have unofficially taken the leadership role. The feeling is a bit awkward since I know that I am the youngest member in the group. In a face to face group, the youngest person rarely leads, but I feel that such barrier is lifted in an online working environment.