Course+Reflection

Course Reflection:

In beginning the Multimedia Video Technology Course I envisioned learning about software or programs that are used in creating multimedia files. I also felt that we may also learn proper technique’s in the use of video equipment. I was most excited to learn about these topics and hoped that we would also learn about how multimedia is being used in the classroom. I did not achieve the outcomes I desired, but do feel more knowledgeable in the subject area. I read about types of multimedia equipment and also video editing software. Much of what I read will not be retained because I did not experience using any of this equipment. The actual course outcomes did not really align with what I had envisioned because I was envisioning learning a practical use for this equipment. I did experience using some video editing programs and practiced on my own after learning of them, but I it was more of a slide show which I already knew how to do, as do my 8th grade students.

The outcomes that I learned in this course are still relevant, but the relevancy is continually being challenged by the exponential growth of technology. The programs that I learned are free and open source which made them more accessible. As I learned programs like Window’s Movie Maker I polled my students to learn that many of them use more advanced video editing software’s that were already beyond my capabilities. However, because Movie Maker is a program that is loaded on the computers at our school I feel that if I were to create an assignment that included creating a video I would advise using Window’s Movie Maker so that my students would be on a more level playing field. On the other hand, the multimedia that my students currently view is much more advanced than a Movie Maker production. I would have liked to have learned the ability to manipulate more advanced file extensions that are used in my students’ curriculum when using the computer. At the very least I would have liked to have been able to add on an extension of what they currently use.

I think the biggest outcome I did not achieve was the practical use of equipment. I was hoping to be taught the proper way to shoot video, and be given tips and examples on what makes a video better than another. I also wasn’t able to learn any video editing software other than a very basic program. I was limited by time constraints and also the access to such programs. I would have rather spent several weeks learning a particular video editing software, so that I know the “in’s and out’s” of the program. With the limited time to complete an assignment I instead wanted to ensure that I was able to complete the assignments in a timely and quality manner. Another outcome that I did not achieve was learning to use the green screen. I learned about green screen in another class and was very optimistic when starting this course that we would get a chance to learn more about how to use it or at least some resources pointing us in the right direction. We could have had the opportunity to incorporate this in our final video, and I did suggest possibly using it. However, due to the time constraints and the way our script was laid out, there really was not a great place for us to use the green screen. Especially since I was unfamiliar with how to use it or where to get started.

I think I have been able to successfully complete the course assignments. I have so far received a grade for the first three weeks. Due to the complicated nature of this course I am hoping I have done everything correctly in submitting everything that I need. If there is one obstacle that has prevented me in submitting any part of an assignment it is confusion of what I was supposed to submit. I also did have an instance or two in which I barely made the deadline. I learned quickly how frustrating technology can me when it is not working appropriately. In my case, I had to stay up all night trying to upload my video to my Wiki and Schooltube. I later learned that the reason I was having so many issues was due to my internet connection speed. I was also in the process of complaining about the speed of my internet. I was able to use the internet, but it was sometimes slow. Because I used a broadband connection I thought it was the internet sites giving me the problems. When I tried to upload my files onto the sites the upload would sometimes time out or give me a fail message. It ended up taking me three hours just to upload the document. Now that my internet has been upgraded I am able to upload files in minutes.

I learned a lot about myself in regards of how I deal with other people. I think sometimes I don’t give myself enough credit when it comes to ability. When working in a group I am especially sensitive to others needs and try to finish my portions of the assignments in order to help out others. During this course I learned a lot about collaboration and how to work within a team. This was the first real application of using a collaborative tool such as Google docs and utilizing it to conserver time. I was pleasantly pleased with how much the google doc helped us, and am getting more and more comfortable with using it even more. I learned that I may sometimes take to much of a step back when I am unsure of something. I wish I would have been more outspoken and assertive in some areas, but did not want to over power the rest of the group, especially when their skills in technology areas could be better than mine. At the same time I think our group was very effective at utilizing each person’s strengths in order to complete the task. In any group assignment I think we are all going to feel the pressure of deadlines and in mine we certainly did. I learned that my easy going attitude can be comforting to some and stressful to others. I think it is important to recognize the personalities that make up your group and be able to adjust appropriately in being a good team member.

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