"Mr. Bob Recycles
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Course Reflection
When I began this course, I was very excited to be learning about web technologies and had been looking forward to this course. The learning outcomes were very clear on the syllabus. During this course we were expected to (1) communicate the impact of multimedia and video on learning and teaching for both adults and children; (2) formulate and communicate the value of digital storytelling in the educational context; (3) plan, design, develop, and evaluate an individual digital storytelling project; (4) demonstrate video editing techniques; (5) plan, design, develop, and evaluate a group video production project; (6) select and use technology equipment and software for appropriate tasks; and (7) assist others for continual growth and expertise in technology operations and concepts.
As we began our first assignment, my excited grew as I would be working with a program, Photo Story, that I had used and was being given the opportunity to learn to utilize it in new ways. As we moved to week two, again we utilized a program, Audacity, I had used once before within an assignment. This time we were tasked with creating a podcast of instructions within a specific timeframe. This was a challenge as I could have went on for a significant amount of time and had to edit my project several times to be short enough. When we moved to weeks three through five I was overwhelmed with the task at hand. We picked our own groups of three to five people and worked on a public service announcement. My partners in the assignment were not in close proximity and we had to figure out how to not only do the assignment, we had to utilize current technology to work on it together and our project time limit was only 60 seconds. I quickly discovered there was a significant amount of work that goes into a 60 second video. I had limited knowledge of video and audio work, so the collaboration increased my knowledge significantly and I was grateful to have a group with experience. We also learned that the challenges of distance could be overcome and we quickly utilized the strengths of each member of the team. Overall, the outcomes of the course were as I envisioned and I do feel I met the outcomes.
I do not feel I am an expert in digital storytelling, video editing, video production, or audio podcasts. I have learned the basic concepts of each and have successfully created a podcast, digital story, and a public service announcement video. That being said, I also feel that I need additional practice and experience in each area to become comfortable with the program. As with any program, the more you utilize the program, the more proficient you become. Proficiency in these programs is not mandatory for me at this point as I am not a teacher and I do not utilize these programs in my current position. I do believe that I can still utilize these programs and concepts in my duties as a training facilitator for a large state agency. My participants would probably not create audio podcasts or videos. I on the other hand could possibly add these technologies to my trainings to emphasize ideas.
I did complete every assignment listed and I was often extremely frustrated and unsure if I completed all the revised assignments. The syllabus was revised and the most current was never placed on the virtual classroom. Then each week we had to check not only the syllabus and the virtual class assignments, but we had to ensure we read the email from our academic coach closely for changes and then additional revisions were made during web conferences. In week two, the assignments listed in the virtual classroom were not the assignments we completed. The problem with revisions during the web conferences was that it was not mandatory to attend any of the web conferences (they were listed as optional in the syllabus) and there was not room for every participant to attend0. In addition, the conferences were not held the first day of class each week so revisions were made mid-week. In one instance, I had completed the assignments for the week and found there were revisions, thankfully before I submitted. I found this to be extremely frustrating. I expected to be responsible for more of my own learning as this was a graduate level course; however, I expected the program to be more organized. I understand that the course is new and under revision; however these revisions need to be made between classes and not during a class.
This course challenged me in many ways and I feel I met those challenges. However, even though I feel the course did align with what I expected to work with, I was often frustrated with the various changes in the course during the week and additional assignments made during web conferences, which were not even mandatory to attend.
As we began our first assignment, my excited grew as I would be working with a program, Photo Story, that I had used and was being given the opportunity to learn to utilize it in new ways. As we moved to week two, again we utilized a program, Audacity, I had used once before within an assignment. This time we were tasked with creating a podcast of instructions within a specific timeframe. This was a challenge as I could have went on for a significant amount of time and had to edit my project several times to be short enough. When we moved to weeks three through five I was overwhelmed with the task at hand. We picked our own groups of three to five people and worked on a public service announcement. My partners in the assignment were not in close proximity and we had to figure out how to not only do the assignment, we had to utilize current technology to work on it together and our project time limit was only 60 seconds. I quickly discovered there was a significant amount of work that goes into a 60 second video. I had limited knowledge of video and audio work, so the collaboration increased my knowledge significantly and I was grateful to have a group with experience. We also learned that the challenges of distance could be overcome and we quickly utilized the strengths of each member of the team. Overall, the outcomes of the course were as I envisioned and I do feel I met the outcomes.
I do not feel I am an expert in digital storytelling, video editing, video production, or audio podcasts. I have learned the basic concepts of each and have successfully created a podcast, digital story, and a public service announcement video. That being said, I also feel that I need additional practice and experience in each area to become comfortable with the program. As with any program, the more you utilize the program, the more proficient you become. Proficiency in these programs is not mandatory for me at this point as I am not a teacher and I do not utilize these programs in my current position. I do believe that I can still utilize these programs and concepts in my duties as a training facilitator for a large state agency. My participants would probably not create audio podcasts or videos. I on the other hand could possibly add these technologies to my trainings to emphasize ideas.
I did complete every assignment listed and I was often extremely frustrated and unsure if I completed all the revised assignments. The syllabus was revised and the most current was never placed on the virtual classroom. Then each week we had to check not only the syllabus and the virtual class assignments, but we had to ensure we read the email from our academic coach closely for changes and then additional revisions were made during web conferences. In week two, the assignments listed in the virtual classroom were not the assignments we completed. The problem with revisions during the web conferences was that it was not mandatory to attend any of the web conferences (they were listed as optional in the syllabus) and there was not room for every participant to attend0. In addition, the conferences were not held the first day of class each week so revisions were made mid-week. In one instance, I had completed the assignments for the week and found there were revisions, thankfully before I submitted. I found this to be extremely frustrating. I expected to be responsible for more of my own learning as this was a graduate level course; however, I expected the program to be more organized. I understand that the course is new and under revision; however these revisions need to be made between classes and not during a class.
This course challenged me in many ways and I feel I met those challenges. However, even though I feel the course did align with what I expected to work with, I was often frustrated with the various changes in the course during the week and additional assignments made during web conferences, which were not even mandatory to attend.
PSA - Final Project
The final course assignment for Multimedia and Video Technology was a three week group assignment were we created a 60 second Public Service Announcement (PSA). Our group consists of four members. This was a challenging assignment as each of our four members are in different parts of Texas. We utilized Google Docs, email, chat, screencast and You Tube to share ideas and communicate. After some discussion, our group created a PSA of Mr Bob (similar to Mr. Bill) who is learning about recycling white paper. Scripts were written, reviewed, and revised. Then the video and audio were recorded. During week 4 we viewed the first version and opted to do some more editing and added a video scene which required the audio to be revised as well. During week 5 we needed to reduce the length of our video, so we went back to the drawing board and revised our scripts and screenshots again to ensure we did not lose the message and then edited the video a final time. Everyone participated and each had no problem volunteering for more activities. We utilized and cited two sources to support our recycling facts. Our biggest challenge was getting the video under 60 seconds.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Podcast (week 2)
Below is my link where I provide an introduction to using Windows Live Movie Maker on my podcast.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.jamendo.com.
Special music: London by The Dominant Gene
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.jamendo.com.
Special music: London by The Dominant Gene
Comparing Video Editing Software (week 2)
This week we were tasked with comparing two different video editing software packages; preferably free programs. I started out wanting to compare Windows Live Movie Maker and Photobucket. After a problem with Photobucket, I reviewed a third program called Wax.
When I started looking into Photobucket further, I discovered that this online video editing software program did not have the capabilities it claimed to have. Photobucket incorporates the Adobe Premier Express package. The Adobe site indicated that indicated that you can "reorder, split, and trim your video clips; add music, transitions, and titles; and then make it all your own with a mix of favorite photos, graphics, and animation" (Adobe, 2009, np). This should have been able to be accomplished by simply signing in and utilizing the "create remix" link. After I signed up for the Photobucket online program I had the option to select the free version or a paid version which claims to have more statistics and more upload room. I selected the free option and after numerous attempts was not able to locate the "create remix" link.
As a result, I downloaded another freeware program called Wax. Wax was easy to find through the search process and easy to download. This program gives you the ability to crop videos and create transitions. I found it interesting and a bit confusing that the program separates the audio and video that you import into two separate files. This could get difficult to work with if you are utilizing multiple videos to create one video. There is a drag and drop feature that allows you to drop the imported videos into whatever sequence you want. I personally do not think that the visual aspect of the program is user friendly. I have become accustomed to simpler icon views. There is also an audio glitch I learned about from one of the YouTube videos I reviewed (GrannyGoddy, 2010); apparently the audio that is imported and dropped into your project will not play sound unless you drag the play bar to the right and then back to the left. A glitch that could cause tons of headaches and cause a person to give up on a program unless they had been told about it. Overall I believe Wax has some great features, minus the audio glitch, and can be used by a beginning video editing user; however, I believe the program is more suited to intermediate users.
The first difference I see between Wax ans Windows Live Movie Maker is the visual difference. Live Movie Maker is more visually appealing and user friendly. The program utilizes the icons that I am familiar with and this alone makes me more comfortable to start and more willing to play around in the program. Windows Live Movie Maker is a free program and the updated version of Windows Movie Maker. The new Live version is created for Windows 7. I love how I can click on the "add videos and photos icon" and load 9 videos in seconds. I can also see the changes I make to the final video on my video preview section. Like Wax I can add titles, narration, music, and credits. However, Live Movie Maker gives the new video editing user a simple one click "Auto Movie" icon that will provide a template for the Title, music, and credits. When you are done there is an icon that will let you upload your video directly to You Tube and other to upload to your Facebook page. What I like most about Windows Live Movie Maker is that as a new video editing user I can grow with this program.
For the use in the classroom, I believe that Windows Live Movie Maker is a great choice for new users because it is visually similar to other Microsoft programs students utilize and has many simplistic options. The more advanced and older students could be challenged with Wax and assist them in working in more detail. The fact that both programs are free is a great option for schools.
Sources:
Adobe Premier Express (July 14, 2009). Mix and mash media right in your browser. Retrieved September 1, 2010 from http://www.adobe.com/products/premiereexpress/.
GrannyGoddy. (January 10, 2010). You Tube: The wax video editor lesson 1. Retrieved September 2, 2010 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lw9dbJ0wahM
When I started looking into Photobucket further, I discovered that this online video editing software program did not have the capabilities it claimed to have. Photobucket incorporates the Adobe Premier Express package. The Adobe site indicated that indicated that you can "reorder, split, and trim your video clips; add music, transitions, and titles; and then make it all your own with a mix of favorite photos, graphics, and animation" (Adobe, 2009, np). This should have been able to be accomplished by simply signing in and utilizing the "create remix" link. After I signed up for the Photobucket online program I had the option to select the free version or a paid version which claims to have more statistics and more upload room. I selected the free option and after numerous attempts was not able to locate the "create remix" link.
As a result, I downloaded another freeware program called Wax. Wax was easy to find through the search process and easy to download. This program gives you the ability to crop videos and create transitions. I found it interesting and a bit confusing that the program separates the audio and video that you import into two separate files. This could get difficult to work with if you are utilizing multiple videos to create one video. There is a drag and drop feature that allows you to drop the imported videos into whatever sequence you want. I personally do not think that the visual aspect of the program is user friendly. I have become accustomed to simpler icon views. There is also an audio glitch I learned about from one of the YouTube videos I reviewed (GrannyGoddy, 2010); apparently the audio that is imported and dropped into your project will not play sound unless you drag the play bar to the right and then back to the left. A glitch that could cause tons of headaches and cause a person to give up on a program unless they had been told about it. Overall I believe Wax has some great features, minus the audio glitch, and can be used by a beginning video editing user; however, I believe the program is more suited to intermediate users.
The first difference I see between Wax ans Windows Live Movie Maker is the visual difference. Live Movie Maker is more visually appealing and user friendly. The program utilizes the icons that I am familiar with and this alone makes me more comfortable to start and more willing to play around in the program. Windows Live Movie Maker is a free program and the updated version of Windows Movie Maker. The new Live version is created for Windows 7. I love how I can click on the "add videos and photos icon" and load 9 videos in seconds. I can also see the changes I make to the final video on my video preview section. Like Wax I can add titles, narration, music, and credits. However, Live Movie Maker gives the new video editing user a simple one click "Auto Movie" icon that will provide a template for the Title, music, and credits. When you are done there is an icon that will let you upload your video directly to You Tube and other to upload to your Facebook page. What I like most about Windows Live Movie Maker is that as a new video editing user I can grow with this program.
For the use in the classroom, I believe that Windows Live Movie Maker is a great choice for new users because it is visually similar to other Microsoft programs students utilize and has many simplistic options. The more advanced and older students could be challenged with Wax and assist them in working in more detail. The fact that both programs are free is a great option for schools.
Sources:
Adobe Premier Express (July 14, 2009). Mix and mash media right in your browser. Retrieved September 1, 2010 from http://www.adobe.com/products/premiereexpress/.
GrannyGoddy. (January 10, 2010). You Tube: The wax video editor lesson 1. Retrieved September 2, 2010 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lw9dbJ0wahM
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