The PSA assignment was the one that I loved the most in this EDLD 5363 class. Just the idea of working with people whom I have not even seen was overwhelmingly fun. Our interaction was limited to Gmail and Google Doc but those were enough to come up with a product that we were all satisfied with.
I learned more about my team members through our document which allowed us to share some professional and even personal information about ourselves. We quickly discovered who were good at writing scripts, shooting raw footages, researching, and editing. Angela Corder emerged as the leader as she assigned team members their roles and the deadlines for submission. I also appreciated the fact that all of us quickly included a classmate who did not belong to a group at the beginning. His suggestions were helpful. By week 4, we basically completed the entire PSA. This early completion allowed us to comment on the product and to even explore further options for the project.
In conclusion, I learned so much from this collaborative process. This brings to mind what Randy Nelson (2008) said about collaboration. He said, “Collaboration means amplification.” All the members of the group amplified each other strengths. Each completed their assigned task on time. Suggestions were made constructively and all were very respectful of each other’s contribution.
Nelson, R. (2008). Learning and working in the collaborative age: A new model for the workplace. Edutopia. Retrieved December 13, 2011, from http://www.edutopia.org/randy-nelson-school-to-career-video
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Video Editing Reflection
Free Video Editing Software
This assignment was an eye-opener for me. I did not know that there was so much free software available online. I only had the opportunity to explore two for this assignment, but on my free time, I will explore the other ones. I hope to be able to find one that would serve my purpose of introducing my students to different tools they can use to do a school presentation.
The Desktop Video Guide (n.d.) for the top 7 video software for beginners pointed out that, “The cheaper programs will give you automated or 'quick-n-easy' methods of editing video, while the higher end programs will let you customize and tweak every video frame to your heart's content.” I was looking for something quick and easy. Unfortunately, the first one I tried, WAX, was not an easy one. I thought this program was a bit complicated for my purpose. It had too many tabs or buttons to push, and absolutely too many choices. It was not simple and easy to use. I thought if I introduced this software to my elementary students, they might just get frustrated with the whole video making process and forget about their projects. I wanted something that they could easily use so they could immediately present their ideas without wasting time on learning the software.
Then, I tried Video Spin 2.0 by Pinnacle and upon seeing the work space, I knew it was going to be easy. It looked similar to Windows Live Movie Maker – the program that I like to use because it was free and user-friendly. Sure enough, VideoSpin was very straight forward. I did not need to watch so many tutorials because it was very easy to explore. Thus, I decided to do my Podcast on Videospin because I actually liked using it. I would like my students to learn how to use it. Just a quick note though, Videospin will only edit video files with the AVI extension.
To help me with my planning for my podcast, I applied one of the suggestions of Janis Lonquist in making a multimedia production. She wrote that, “Prepare a shooting script, a storyboard or--if it is not a scripted production--an overview for your program. This will be the blueprint for your production” . Making the script and planning the images/videos that go with the script made the video making process easier and faster. A lot of the planning was done on the story board instead on the video editing software.
Finally, I am excited to share my knowledge of podcasting to my students. I believe it is something that they would love to explore. Students nowadays are always looking for ways for their ideas to be presented. Podcasting is something that I believe they will enjoy and learn a lot from.
Desktop-Video-Guide. (n.d.) Top 7 video editing software programs for beginners. Retrieved on November 26, 2011, from http://www.desktop-video-guide.com/top-7-video-editing-software-review.html
Lonnquist, J. (1994, November). The art of edit. Videomaker. Retrieved on Lonnquist, J. (1994, November). The art of edit. Videomaker. Retrieved on November 26, 2011, from http://www.videomaker.com/article/1691/.
This assignment was an eye-opener for me. I did not know that there was so much free software available online. I only had the opportunity to explore two for this assignment, but on my free time, I will explore the other ones. I hope to be able to find one that would serve my purpose of introducing my students to different tools they can use to do a school presentation.
The Desktop Video Guide (n.d.) for the top 7 video software for beginners pointed out that, “The cheaper programs will give you automated or 'quick-n-easy' methods of editing video, while the higher end programs will let you customize and tweak every video frame to your heart's content.” I was looking for something quick and easy. Unfortunately, the first one I tried, WAX, was not an easy one. I thought this program was a bit complicated for my purpose. It had too many tabs or buttons to push, and absolutely too many choices. It was not simple and easy to use. I thought if I introduced this software to my elementary students, they might just get frustrated with the whole video making process and forget about their projects. I wanted something that they could easily use so they could immediately present their ideas without wasting time on learning the software.
Then, I tried Video Spin 2.0 by Pinnacle and upon seeing the work space, I knew it was going to be easy. It looked similar to Windows Live Movie Maker – the program that I like to use because it was free and user-friendly. Sure enough, VideoSpin was very straight forward. I did not need to watch so many tutorials because it was very easy to explore. Thus, I decided to do my Podcast on Videospin because I actually liked using it. I would like my students to learn how to use it. Just a quick note though, Videospin will only edit video files with the AVI extension.
To help me with my planning for my podcast, I applied one of the suggestions of Janis Lonquist in making a multimedia production. She wrote that, “Prepare a shooting script, a storyboard or--if it is not a scripted production--an overview for your program. This will be the blueprint for your production” . Making the script and planning the images/videos that go with the script made the video making process easier and faster. A lot of the planning was done on the story board instead on the video editing software.
Finally, I am excited to share my knowledge of podcasting to my students. I believe it is something that they would love to explore. Students nowadays are always looking for ways for their ideas to be presented. Podcasting is something that I believe they will enjoy and learn a lot from.
Desktop-Video-Guide. (n.d.) Top 7 video editing software programs for beginners. Retrieved on November 26, 2011, from http://www.desktop-video-guide.com/top-7-video-editing-software-review.html
Lonnquist, J. (1994, November). The art of edit. Videomaker. Retrieved on Lonnquist, J. (1994, November). The art of edit. Videomaker. Retrieved on November 26, 2011, from http://www.videomaker.com/article/1691/.
Web Conference Reflection December 11, 2011
I reviewed the web conference on December 11, 2011. There was substantial information that truly was helpful. First of all, it was nice to know that no assignments were due for week 4. That was certainly good news. I appreciated the information shared by Dawn pertaining to the submission of documents on Week 5. I have a hard time keeping up with what and when to submit but her information was very clear.
I am still amazed at how much information is shared through the web conference process. It still blows my mind away that people from different places are able to meet and discuss without physically being in the same room. I also appreciate how the transcript is posted for all to see. I have been reading them as have a child with disability at home that needs a lot of attention when he is still awake. Online education is such a blessing to me.
I am still amazed at how much information is shared through the web conference process. It still blows my mind away that people from different places are able to meet and discuss without physically being in the same room. I also appreciate how the transcript is posted for all to see. I have been reading them as have a child with disability at home that needs a lot of attention when he is still awake. Online education is such a blessing to me.
Web Conference Reflection December 6, 2011
I reviewed the web conference as posted on EPIC. It cleared some of my concerns about when to submit the project and how to share video footage and images to team members. I found out that we submit Pre-production assignment first by end of week 3, then the Post production assignment by the end of week 5. There was a lot of small talk chatter at the beginning. That is why I sometimes hesitate to join these. However, the discussion eventually turned to what is necessary.
The suggestion to post documents on Google Docs really helped our team to put our ideas together. We have a document introducing ourselves to each other and what we could contribute to the project. Also, we have a document in which we shared all our ideas and dumped necessary images, documents, and links to rough draft of our PSA. Our interaction was excellent and we knew exactly what we needed to complete and when to submit them.
The suggestion to post documents on Google Docs really helped our team to put our ideas together. We have a document introducing ourselves to each other and what we could contribute to the project. Also, we have a document in which we shared all our ideas and dumped necessary images, documents, and links to rough draft of our PSA. Our interaction was excellent and we knew exactly what we needed to complete and when to submit them.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Web Conference Reflection
Last November 14, 2011, I attended a web conference for the second time in this entire master's program. I did not have a microphone but I was able to listen on the instructions of Dr. Abernathy and the questions of the participants. It was awesome to see all the people involved in the program. I always felt so isolated in doing this program but seeing all those people made the course more exciting. I didn't know there were so many other people interested in instructional technology.
Furthermore, I saw the value in participating because a lot of my questions about the collaborative projects in the course were answered in this session. For example, Dr. Abernathy emphasized the need to work with a partner in the same section that I was enrolled in. That meant looking for another set of people to work with. However, I didn't mind that part. I want the opportunity to get in touch with different people. I will learn more as I interact with more people.
Furthermore, I saw the value in participating because a lot of my questions about the collaborative projects in the course were answered in this session. For example, Dr. Abernathy emphasized the need to work with a partner in the same section that I was enrolled in. That meant looking for another set of people to work with. However, I didn't mind that part. I want the opportunity to get in touch with different people. I will learn more as I interact with more people.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Reflection on Personal Digital Story
I really enjoyed this assignment. It made me reflect on what is important in my life and present it in a way that was powerful and engaging. It was my first time to be exposed to this kind of storytelling. I've always created slide shows but I never thought of adding any narration to it. I was moved when I saw the examples at http://www.storycenter.org/. It was an "aha" moment for me because digital storytelling combines two of my most favorite activities in the world - video making and writing.
I also appreciated the fact that I worked with a partner. Her interview questions prompted me to think deeply into my topic. At first, I just wanted to talk about how I like photography. However, her question on what is the best photo I've ever taken triggered my desire to present my story on my son with autism, Poleev. I believe my best photos are of him because they reveal so much of his innocence.
Focusing this project on him was a cathartic experience. All the feelings and thoughts about my son are embedded in every aspect of my story. Many tears were shed yet they were all tears of joy at the privilege of raising a beautiful child like him.
I also appreciated the fact that I worked with a partner. Her interview questions prompted me to think deeply into my topic. At first, I just wanted to talk about how I like photography. However, her question on what is the best photo I've ever taken triggered my desire to present my story on my son with autism, Poleev. I believe my best photos are of him because they reveal so much of his innocence.
Focusing this project on him was a cathartic experience. All the feelings and thoughts about my son are embedded in every aspect of my story. Many tears were shed yet they were all tears of joy at the privilege of raising a beautiful child like him.
Monday, March 14, 2011
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