EDLD 5363 - Week 5 Reflection -- PSA Video

Our group began the project by creating a Google website where collaborations and final products would be posted. Once an outline of the pre-production information was posted, all members of the team chose their favorite color and began filling in information on the chart. We communicated our individual progress with each other by a running email conversation. When decisions were made, the information for the pre-production was moved to our final assignment. Throughout the production and post-production phase, we posted both our assigned shots and commented on which we will need to pull from the Internet. The first edit was rough and did not quite turn out as it was originally envisioned. The second edit was much better. It balanced the message with the images.

In reviewing our video, my one improvement would be to include a varied ethnic mix for both those who dropped out and those who were successful. With the short time limit, we looked for pictures that would illustrate our point without considering the ethnic mix. We made an effort to choose photos with Creative Commons Licenses.

As a group, we worked well together. Our personal strengths complemented each other and allowed us to perform each of the tasks required.

Here is our final video.  Enjoy!

EDLD 5363 - Week 4 - Web Conference - December 10, 2011

Attended the Saturday morning web conference. Looked like all of us had a rough week when you look at the video. Dr. Abernathy introduced us to Pamela, who is managing the TK20 site. Pamela was available for questions about the site. Dr. Abernathy reviewed what needed to be uploaded on the TK20 site for this class: Revised Pre-Production document handed in Week 3, the final PSA Video, and the site/document showing the collaborations that took place during Weeks 3-5. She also mentioned these are the items that need to be submitted by the end of Week 5 on December 16, 2011. Many of the students were sharing information about the resources they were using to complete the PSA video. There was some discussion about the Lamar assigned mentor that several of the students had. If you still need a mentor (depending on when you entered the program) you needed to contact Mr. Benivedez. The rest of the conversation was answering miscellaneous questions regarding the PSA video.

EDLD 5363 - Week 2 Web Conference - November 23, 2011

After a late start, I was beginning to think I had not calculated the time correctly for Mountain Standard Time zone, Dr. Abernathy logged in and began the session. Many of us had questions regarding the assignment. "Were we to do a podcast with or without pictures or videos?" seemed to be the main problem. The instructions were somewhat confusing between the weekly overview and the assignment itself. Traditionally, a podcast is an audio file only, though there are "vodcasts," which are podcasts with video included. Dr. Abernathy expressed that our focus in the podcast should be presenting information that is universally accessible for all. We were to practice working with audio only, similar to our video focused assignment from week 1. Another point from the web conference was the need to post the "free video editing software evaluation" on both our ePortfolio site and the discussion board for others to view. This created a resource for all of us to view the variety of options available. The conference really cleared up many of the questions I had about the assignment for this week. It also helped to know that I was not the only one struggling to get my head around the work required. I am looking forward to our web conference next week as we explore the ins and outs of our group project.

EDLD 5363 - Week 2 -- Free Video Editing Software Evaluation

For the past 10 years, I have been using FinalCut Pro, professional video editing software, with the students in Video Technology classes. When I first started teaching the video class, we used iMovie, because it was easy to use but only basic editing options. For this assignment, I decided to explore the new iMovie 2011. I was surprised and impressed with the expansion of editing options in this program. Without any experience or knowledge, a beginner can easily create a professional looking video that includes videos, stills, titles, music and special effects. When compared to the professional software, it does not have as many options but does give the beginner a nice selection. One of the more exciting options was the variety of file formats that could be used when exporting the video. Along with .mov and .mp4, there are options to export directly to YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, CNN iReport and Podcast Producer.

With tight budgets, iMovie is an exceptional value for those schools with Apple Macintosh computers. The software is integrated with Garageband, iTunes, and iPhoto to give you a wide range of resources to include in the movie. Our campus does have several mobile Macintosh laptop carts. When teachers are looking for a unique project for students to demonstrate their learning, I always encourage them to look at iMovie. Andrew Garrison (1999) stated it well, "Integrating media production in your curriculum can help you find new access to students and help them find new access to the material" (p. 1). With a little instruction from the teacher and clear parameters of what is being assessed, students become excited and engaged in the learning.

Here is an example of a video created in iMovie:




You can view it also on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aQVa4wTO4M




Garrison, A. (1999, Winter). Video basics and production projects for the classroom. Center for Media Literacy. Retrieved November 9, 2011, from http://www.medialit.org/reading_room/article3.html

Web Conference -- November 13, 2011

This evening's web conference focused on clarification of the course requirements. Confusion over the discussion board was the first problem. We are to pick one quote from the reading and express why that quote was important to us. We also need to respond to one other person's post. With regards to the use of the discussion boards, Dr. Abernathy would like us to use these as a place for conversations about the assignments or other course related topics. She does not expect them to only be for the specific discussion assignment. Please use it to find your partner for week 1 and 2 assignments, groups for weeks 3, 4, and 5, reviewing scripts, and any other topic you would like input.I am looking forward to this class and the assignments ahead.

EDLD 5362 Week 5 Assignment

Glogster