EDLD+5363+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? **   ﻿ I expected to learn how to use multimedia video technology in an educational setting. I thought that we would learn about the value of multimedia for instruction, and how we could produce multimedia video for instructional use, and how we could use multimedia video for student projects. The course met and exceeded my expectations. We began by turning photographs into a multimedia product. The pictures were displayed as a story with movement, transitions, and narration. We then started a collaborative project to produce a public service announcement. My group included Marcela Hernandez, Aminah Geary, and myself. We collaborated by using a combination of google documents and email. We each contributed to the final product. While working on the project we read technical and informative documents. I added many of the readings to my favorites on Internet Explorer so that I could utilize them in improving my classroom video project.  **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?** I feel that I achieved all of my expectations and more. I feel that I am prepared to use and teach the principles learned and used in this course. In addition to the concepts of multimedia video, I participated in group collaboration to produce a product that demonstrates my understanding of how groups can collaborate and produce a multimedia video. I enjoyed using web 2.0 tools to meet with two other people geographiclly located in different parts of Texas. The activity allowed me to experience what my students are expected to do with my own multimedia project. ﻿  I learned about shooting quality shots, choosing editing software, capturing video, and adding sound and other features. I discovered how hard it is to meet a short time requirement by selecting and rejecting video clips. The editing software can correct some mistakes, but planning and following the shot plan avoids the extra work on the editor. I also learned how to use audacity to record and improve sound quality.  I found that the projects were engaging but rigorous. Like my students, I found the project to be fun and relevant. Multimedia is a twentyfirst centrury tool! ** 3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them? ** I was not completely satisfied with my photo story or our public service announcement. In regards to the photo story, I found it difficult to read my narration while transitioning through my photographs. As a result, my sound was not consistent. It would break up and drop during the playing of the story.

I felt that my clip was not up to par. The actor, my granddaughter, could not remember her lines. She was leaving for a soccer game and was in a hurry to get it over with. My other clip, which was not used, was also rushed. I shot the scene at my school over the weekend and the building was about to be closed.

The major reasons for my problems were time issues. I am trying to balance so many things. I am teaching a brand new course this year, travel a lot of weekends as a debate coach, and attempt to fulfill my responsibilities in a large family. I need to exercise better time management.  4. Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you? I was able to complete all of the course assignments. Frequently it was a race against the clock, but I always managed to get it done. The changes that were made to the assignments as we went along was a bit frustrating. It was also difficult for me to make room on my hard drive for all of the free and trial software we were required to download. It was rewarding to see how web 2.0 allows us to do so many things for free.

Another area of frustration is that school districts will not allow us to utilize most of the open source software on district equipment. I understand the risks, but some risk are worth taking. ** 5. What did you learn from this course: about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes? ** I learned a great deal about myself, my technology and leadership skills, and attitudes. I love working with students and technology continues to be an important tool for learning. I believe that my technology skills are a strength in my instructional tool kit. I believe that my knowledge and skills have grown during this course as well as the entire program.

I believe that my leadership skills were valuable in contributing to my group's process of planning and executing our project. I feel that I helped by asking important questions and suggesting direction. I was also able to be a good follower when others had ideas. I think that our group experienced and utilized synergy to produce a better product than either of us could have done on our own.

I also have begun thinking beyond my classroom regarding developing and using the things that I have learned. I now envision teaching the teachers to utilize technology in their classrooms. I feel that I can help others integrate technology in their curriculum and use it to enhance learning. I think there is a big difference between using technology and using technology to improve instruction and learning.