Reflections+-+EDLD+5363

EDLD 5363 Video Technology and Multimedia
I hate to be redundant, but this is another one of my favorite classes. I enjoyed learning and creating. We started by using editing software and digital photos to create a short (no more than three minutes long) personal digital story. I used Microsoft’s Photo Story 3 because Apple’s iMovie would not work on my computer. It is easy to use and I would love to share it with my students, but, it is blocked by campus filters. I explored free video editing software. I use Microsoft's Window Movie Maker and Nero for most of my editing, but I was able to use Cyberlink which was already on my computer. I did not and will not use this software because its free version is very limited in what it can do. I used Audacity to create a podcast tutorial of how to get started with the video editing software This was my first time using Audacity and found it very easy to use. My podcast was uploaded to podbean, which I had not heard or used before. I have continued to use free software to edit audio tracks. I had to write a script so that I could stay focused. I also worked with peers to create a Public Service Announcement (PSA) which I placed on our campus' Students against Destructive Decisions (MHSSADD, 2010) web site.
 * Self Assessment**

I enjoy incorporating multimedia components in projects I assign my students. According to Shank (2011), "In instructional design, the purpose of multimedia isn't just to incorporate multiple media, insert cool text, or add complexity (which can detract from learning). Use each medium to its advantage and to combine media so that the potential learning is greater and more effective than using single elements alone" (Designing multimedia applications, para. 1). Our digital native students have grown up with multimedia and video from birth. We, on the other hand, have to catch up with them. They can all teach us a thing or two. Many of my students have FaceBook and MySpace pages. They know how to add elements to these sites. Many have posted to YouTube. They also know how to use Picasso to edit photos. We have to make sure they use each medium effectively. Quite a few of the students want to major in graphic design or computer game design. They are digital natives; this is the only world they know. We can guide them so that they are the next Martin Scorsese, with lots of imagination and skill.

I had problems with my audio on the Photostory project. I found myself going back and forth just trying to adjust the volume of the audio track. I set it to the lowest volume I could hear, but when I would edit my transitions, the volume would change. There was no way to highlight the entire thing and adjust the volume. That may be why my voice sounds so far away while adding narration to my Photostory project. I did not like downloading programs to my computer. Many were proprietary and cannot be removed simply. I learned that standing behind a cameral does not make you a film producer. I never envisioned that so much was involved in a great or even a mediocre multimedia production. I have learned that the angle from which you shot sends a message to your audience. I was more aware of shooting techniques while videotaping. I also learned that good video stories are the creative artistry of several skills blended together (Lindenmeyer, 1995). I now record with my storyboard edits in mind (Lonnquist, 1994). I did not have to collaborate with peers for the assignments.
 * Learn as a Learner**

The assignments in this course were very interesting and challenging. Because of the course, I opened and used a program, Cyberlink, that I have had on my computer since I bought it about two years ago! Video editing is very challenging. Many times we forget what goes into creating what we see on the screen or hear on various venues. This exercise has given me a new appreciation for the craft and skill that is need to make multimedia meaningful, especially for our students. I use multimedia, but just as a way to challenge students to explore what is available for them in the future. This course has made it imperative that I help my students prepare for a future that may include using the many multimedia options available. They are the digital natives. We have to tap into their natural desire to use technology. Multimedia is an excellent tool to that end.
 * Lifelong Learning Skills**

I enjoyed the video by Pixar University's Randy Newman. He made so many valid points that are worth remembering. I tried to share this video with my students, but, of course it is blocked. One thing that he said that I never would have conceived is that NASA did not try to find perfect astronauts for its first space flight. They did not hire those who had a perfect resume but no portfolio proof to support it. NASA avoided those who had "simply avoided failure," as stated by Newman. We must encourage our students to push beyond their level of comfort. They like to be safe; they need to know that to simply avoid failure does not necessarily make you successful. I know that I will have to help teachers embrace multimedia in the classroom. Many may feel that it is a distraction. Students are very creative. They can take any story or concept and create a multimedia production that is worthy of Hollywood. We have to challenge them to step out of the box.

Questions for further research would be: How can I help teachers create lesson plans to include multimedia?

Audacity. (n.d.). //Introduction - Editing for beginners - Parts 1 – 4. 1(2).// Retrieved from @http://audacity.sourceforge.net/manual-1.2/tutorial_ed_beginner1.html Edutopia. (2008). Randy Nelson on learning and working in the collaborative age. Retrieved from @http://www.edutopia.org/randy-nelson-school-to-career-video Lindenmeyer, H. (1995). //Writing voice-over narration for video//. PSA Journal. Retrieved from @http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1306/is_n9_v61/ai_17461871/ Lonnquist, J. (1994). //The art of the edit//. Videomaker. Retrieved from @http://www.videomaker.com/article/1691/ MHSSADD. (2009). Memorial High School Students Against Destructive Decisions. Retrieved from @http://mhssadd.yolasite.com/ Peters, M. (2006). //Shoot to edit: A guide to using your camcorder. Digital director//. Retrieved from: http://www.videoforums.co.uk/reviews /features/shoo-to-edit-aguide-to-using%20your%20camcorder-a184.html Shank, P. (n.d.). Designing multimedia applications. Adobe Think Tank. Adobe Systems Incorporated. Retrieved from @http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/thinktank/valuemedia/.