Since I have used MovieMaker before, I chose to try a new video editing software in order to fully experience what this assignment intended. I was excited to try something new, as in the past when using Movie Maker I have had repeated issues with the program freezing or the video being corrupted and un-viewable when finished. I found the program Video Spin, by Pinnacle and after reading reviews I chose to try this software. Once I got the program downloaded and started to explore, I found the program to be very user-friendly and it even reminded me of Movie Maker with its drag and drop features and easy to edit time-line. My biggest problem was finding video clips to use to edit for this assignment. Usually, when creating a video, I would be using photos or videos that had been taken using our school flip cam and would be importing them directly to the program to work with. Here at home I do not have a flip cam so I had to search the web to find clips to use and make sure I was following copyright. After searching for a while I found videos to download that were free and legal from PBS. Converting the file was extremely time-consuming and frustrating; I wanted to give up and use a different program but then realized that all video-editing softwares would require this step as well. When using this program in the schools, for the most part I feel we will be uploading directly from the video camera the students or teachers used to record so this frustrating step would not be a problem often. This problem I encountered will be helpful though in case another teacher or student encounters this problem as well, I will be able to help them solve the problem and save them the time consuming trial and error solution finding process. I tried numerous videos, converted them to numerous different file formats, tried numerous converting programs and was ready to drop out of school. After finally solving the conversion problem and getting videos into the program to work with, I watched the tutorial provided by the program to get myself familiar with the layout and components and was ready to start editing. Overall, I found the actual video editing process to be very simple with this program and feel it will be easy to teach to any teacher or student. I especially liked the “Make Movie” tab which offered extensive output options; I felt this made publishing the video to be a simple process. The movie can be output as a .avi file, windows media file, real media file, .mov file, and even a ipod compatible file format. Creating the recorded tutorial in Audacity was extremely easy as was uploading to Podbean and linking to my own blog.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
EDLD 5363 Week 2 Web Conference Reflection
One thing I liked about this web-conference is how Dr. Abernathy focused on the importance of us using multiple softwares and technologies so we are prepared and able to be facilitators for every teacher on our campuses. This refocused me to remember that my goal in this program is to not only prepare myself to be able to create technology integration projects with my students but to also be prepared to assist all other teachers on my campus. This program has done a very good job of exposing us to numerous softwares and especially freeware. I like that the program requires us to learn and use freeware softwares, ironically our district is more than happy to provide technology tools but not the software needed to make properly use these tools. I also learned in this conference more about the week 3 through week 5 PSA assignment. I feel less anxious about this upcoming project now and am excited to see what my group decides to make a PSA about. I am still anxious about creating a video with my group, in my experience creating videos are extremely difficult and time consuming, I feel that adding the group element as well as us meeting online and not in person will add a difficult element to the project.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
EDLD 5363 - Creating my Personal Story
I really enjoyed creating my digital story. After watching Dr. Abernathy’s story I was overwhelmed and felt there was no way my story could be anywhere near as interesting. I interviewed my partner, and as I read his phenomenal story of how basketball has a pathway for success in his life, I felt even more so that I had no story to share. I answered the interview questions myself and as I read my responses, I noticed: I too have a story. The unexpected detours in my journey are my story, I am thankful for where I am and how I got here. At this point, creating the story became much more exciting. The process of editing the script and working with my partner in Google Docs was very easy and convenient. Searching for pictures was the most exciting part of the assignment, I looked through old scrapbooks and uploaded pictures, this inspired me and motivated me to create a great story. I found PhotoStory 3 to be a very easy program to use and after a few technical difficulties with my microphone, the digital story creating process was fun and painless. I did have numerous problems trying to get the video uploaded to a public sharing site and was worried about it needing to be private since it has photos of students in my classroom. Finally, I was successful with YouTube and easily posted my video on my wiki. I am excited to take a project like this to the next level and learn how to use this as a part of my career. I’m excited at this moment, thinking of a potential career creating Professional Development or training videos like these.
EDLD 5363 Multimedia Video Technology – Week 1 Web Conference Reflection
This week’s web conference has been a struggle for me. I started the course late and missed the live conferences then read the script from the 11/15 web conference which mostly focused on technical difficulties of the web conference. Finally, I watched the recording of the 11/14 Web Conference and learned a lot. Dr. Abernathy starts out the conference talking about how this course is a favorite by 95% of students, I can see how this course will be extremely beneficial as I am very excited after only part of week one’s readings and assignments. This course has already motivated and inspired me to increase tangible products and increase my use of multimedia projects for my students. Listening to this web conference has clarified for me the partner and group work for the specific weeks. Dr. Abernathy’s discussion motivated me to work with a group for this course. I, like most people, prefer to work alone than in a group but after listening to Dr. Abernathy in the web conference, I am excited to hear that previous students have enjoyed and benefited so much from the group experience. I also am clearer on the future of this course which helps me focus as I know what is coming and what is expected of me. I am looking forward to this course and it is at a great time, I really need some inspiration and motivation in my workplace and my masters work right now!
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