When I saw that this course was called Multimedia and Video Technology, I was excited. I love to create video and looked forward to the “multimedia” aspect and what I would learn. This course offered me the opportunity to learn about podcasting, digital storytelling and video editing software. I also learned about camera shots, the importance of a storyboard and tools to collaborate with other classmates. The actual outcomes actually exceeded what I had expected. I found most of the assigned readings applicable and informative. I especially enjoyed the Week 5 assigned video, Pixar University's Randy Nelson on Learning and Working in the Collaborative Age. I plan to show this to our principals and hope to share it during a professional development to encourage conversation regarding encouraging this aspect of learning.
I found the information I learned very relevant to what I do. There was one area that I would have liked to be incorporated. Because I am in charge of my student video announcement broadcast, I had hoped that there would be more information related to this form of video technology. Now, I am working on having 6th grade students create PSA’s. I am encouraging them to find something they feel strongly about and write me a letter about it and why they feel strongly about this topic. I will then group them (if applicable) and have the create a storyboard for a one minute PSA. When I introduced this idea to the students, they seemed to really like the concept. I have also had students create a podcast on a picture they created and record their narrative. Here is the link to the teachers wiki. I am also planning on teaching a video technique course. I am going to go over camera angles and creative ways to shot a video. As you can tell, I am applying much of what I have learned in this course! I was able to achieve all the outcomes of the course.
I believe I was able to complete all the course assignments and the outcomes without much difficulty. The only issue I had was to attend the web conferences during the appointed time. I have two daughters and am very busy with two schools, so I wasn’t home many times during the times they were offered. I did get to attend one on a Saturday morning though and found it helpful. I have a Lamar Facebook page that I am a member of, and found other members helpful with questions and information. I also had difficulty with the Week 2 assignment of comparing video editing software. The assignment wasn’t difficult in itself, I simply had a hard time deciphering the requirements.
In this course, I enjoyed the Discussion Board much more than in previous courses. I think we are getting to know each other and that reflects in our board comments. I love to hear what position the other students have in their district, some of the activities they are doing with students, and their thinking on some of the articles that we have read. Again, I am going to bring up the video by Randy Nelson. I was truly inspired by what he had to say. I feel I am one of those that would have been able to go to the moon. J I have failed many times in my endeavors and know that I have learned from those failures. I also prefer to think outside the box and appreciate when people notice that about me. I might not have the right idea, or the concept that THEY were looking for, but I know that I want to think of something that no one else had thought of...even if it is wrong (in their eyes.) I hope to use this degree to find a position that encourages my innovative thinking and allows me to make mistakes as I think outside the box.
Resources
Desktop-Video-Guide. (n.d.) Guidelines for shooting quality video. Retrieved on April 22, 2009, from http://www.desktop-video-guide.com/shoot-video.html
