course+EDLD+5363+-+final+reflections

Harlow Final Reflections

__1. What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned?__

Beginning this course, I had hoped to become a better videographer and learn to use video editing software. I had also hoped be exposed to various uses of video projects in the classroom. I had especially wanted to learn how to create enhanced podcasts and video podcasts for use with my students this next school year. I achieved most of these outcomes and plus many more.

I became familiar with the video editor I chose to use but even more importantly, I now know of many free and inexpensive editing software available for download. I plan to experiment with these programs and share them with my students and colleagues. I also learned to create pleasing video transitions and voice over to enhance video footage and make for more enjoyable presentations.

The exposure to the Audacity software was very helpful with understanding the way audio software works and what it is capable of creating. The general information is also helpful when using the audio software provided with video editing software.

I think the greatest improvement techniques to improve my video recording as well as how to record with editing in mind. I have become much more aware of editing and video skills when watching movies and television programs. During the interview and video recording I conducted for the project, I tried to be very aware of the atmosphere and thought of the ways I have seen it done by the professionals.

__2. To the extent that you achieved the outcomes, are they still relevant to the work that you do in your school? Why or why not?__

I will apply the video making skills learned during this course to create podcasts and teach others to do the same. In order to create these podcasts, I will utilize my experience with digital storytelling, video taping and editing skills. In addition to the video aspect, I will consider the importance of audio quality. When I discuss the possibilities with colleagues on campus, my understanding and offering many options will allow teachers on campus to find software they are comfortable using. Hopefully this will translate into teachers podcasting and videography more often in the classroom.

Having experienced group collaboration I believe I will be a better facilitator of collaborative work. I may not use this when directing teachers as much as I will when directing students. However, the final video by Mr. Nelson (2008) put an interesting spin on collaborating and cooperation that can be used on campus this next school year. I was especially struck by his statement about making other people in your group look good. It is a great lesson to learn for anyone at any age.

__3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?__ I am not sure that I learned any leadership connections to this material. Perhaps with practice I will be more proficient and able help others with their projects. I guess I was looking for how to produce video but also different ways for teachers to use these skills in the classroom. The coursework did not address teacher produced applications and just touched on student produced projects. I now could lead a workshop on video production; however, without examples of uses for teachers to experience, I feel any instructions from me would be a waste of time. One use I can think of is podcasting and although we did not discuss podcasting, I think this outcome has been cover. Digital storytelling is an enhanced podcast and video taping can be edited to be a video podcast and I feel comfortable with both. I think the only reason I see the connection is my limited experience with creating podcasts. The course could have made a point of this use so other students would see the connection.

__4. Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?__ I feel I was very successful in completing the course assignments and I am very proud of each of my products. The hardest aspect of each assignment was coming up with the topic but once one was decide on, the process was fun to experience. As I became more familiar with the editing software I tried to create more interesting variations and enhancements. Throughout the group project, I became very stressed when I could not get the video that my partner was trying to send. It did not help that I was on vacation and had issues getting any type of internet access. This made for long sessions at the end of the day when I could get to a location with internet service. I spent much of that time downloading clips sent by my group members and converting the files to use on the Mac. I was never discouraged because our group worked very well together and we would brainstorm ways to get the files to me.

__5. What did you learn from this course: about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?__ The material learned was immediately used, I think it will continue to be something I use often. I have taken so many still pictures as well as video and have never done anything with them; however, I have started taking pictures with an idea of the storytelling that will accompany it.

I am very interested in creating podcasts for my classroom and had learned the basics earlier this year. I now have a full understanding of how to create a short video as well as why each step is needed and what they accomplish. I also have a better understanding of the audio aspect which will help with the delivery of the information. I am conducting an inservice before school starts which will include using podcasting in the classroom. The skill I learned in this course will definitely be used to make my products better and also to help those in my workshop. ||