EDLD+5363+Video+Technology+and+Multimedia+Embedded+Assignment+Reflections

** Self assessment  ** I was excited to see this project because it is similar to a project that I have been assigning students in communication applications. I was not aware of the importance of what Shank (2005) calls mental models that help learners capture an accurate image of what they are trying to learn. Multimedia allows viewers to see as well as read about something. I knew that students enjoyed video projects, but Garrison (2009) helped me see that “integrating media production in your curriculum can help you find new access to students and help them find new access to the material” (paragraph 1). I already knew about shooting, editing, and publishing video. I had also created some podcast in an earlier course, so I was acquainted with audacity. I saw myself as competent in this area of technology, but my skills were enhanced by following the wisdom of Lonquist (1994) “editing may be the final step of the production, but to make a truly successful video, you need to begin making editing choices in the concept stage.” I soon discovered knowledge and skills that I lacked. In order to successfully complete the assignment, I needed to know how to collaborate with two other students to decide on a subject for our public service announcement, and plan the scenes or shots. I had used collaboration before, but this was a challenging situation because of the distance factor. I learned about Google Docs and their use in collaboration. The three of us worked together as if we were in the same room. We made decisions and determined what role each of us would fulfill. I chose to demonstrate the inspirational role of teachers to inspire others to become teachers. I learned to improve my video skills and learned about additional editing tools. I found and compared web2.0 editing programs that I was not aware existed. As a group we decided to use Imovie because a member of the group was accustomed to editing with it. We individually chose the scenes that we would shoot and submit for editing. I was chosen to do the brief narration. I was not pleased with the voice quality. Our editor indicated that her editing program could not improve the volume or quality. I reedited the sound in audacity and resubmitted it. Since our editor taught Spanish speakers, she provided subtitles. We decided as a group to include Spanish subtitles for the English speakers to make the announcement available to more people. Finally we uploaded the video to youtube.com. I was able to build on my prior knowledge and skills through reading and collaborating with others. I discovered resources to improve the video assignments that I assign each semester and feel more confident about using video to create multi-media presentations. I was able to contribute to my group project in more positive ways because of what I learned about using multi-media. I was confident that we could meet the requirements of the assignment while having fun. I am more prepared to help students move beyond just making a commercial to make a better commercial. I have also added other multimedia projects because of the things I discovered through the project. ** Learning as a learner  ** I was really engaged in my own learning as we completed this project. Because I was interested in multimedia, I was able to comprehend and apply my readings. I know that I learn best by doing and this project was all about doing things. I learned to trust myself with my colleagues and to grow through relationships. I also learned that we cannot always perfect our projects. I compared my contributions to the appropriate portions of the rubric included with the assignment. I also evaluated our group project by viewing other announcements shared by other groups. ** Lifelong learning skills  ** Once again collaboration is something that has changed in my life. I feel a sense of community with my colleagues and have grown to look forward to working with them. I have always been a bit of a loner, but this project and others in this program have made me more social. It is an improvement that I do not have to do everything by myself. I have really opened up to working with others. ** References  ** Garrison, A (1999, Winter). Video basics and production projects for the classroom. //Center for Media Literacy//. Retrieved from http://www.medialit.org/reading_room/article3.html. Lonnquist, J. (1994). The Art of the edit//.// Videomaker. Retrieved from [|http://video] maker.com/article/1691. Shank, P. (n.d.). The value of multimedia in learning. Think Tank. Retrieved from http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/thinktank/valuemedia/.
 * Public Service Announcement Project **