EDLD+5363+Multimedia+and+Video+Tech-Course+Reflections

= = == = EDLD 5363 Multimedia and Video Tech-Course Reflections: =

Prior to beginning the 5363 Multimedia and Video Technology course, I had envisioned learning how to create and use various types of media and technology for use in a classroom setting. I was only familiar with creating Power Points and so I was very excited to learn about any new technology that might help me engage my students. I was a little weary about the skills that might be required for creating and managing multimedia projects during the course, but the benefits of using multimedia far outweighed any fears I had. According to Shanks (2005) “Well-designed multimedia helps learners build accurate and effective mental models than they do from text alone.” For this reason alone I was eager to learn how to incorporate multimedia in the building of mental models for the second language learners in my classroom. Through the creation of the video and multimedia projects during the course, I feel that I have achieved the outcomes that I envisioned. I was able to create a digital photo story, a podcast tutorial, and a PSA video. I learned how to edit video, music, and narration. The actual course outcomes aligned with those that I had envisioned by enabling me to create and manage the various multimedia and video projects. Furthermore, this course empowered me by giving me the confidence to use video and audio editing software and improve my videography abilities. I have discovered a new found respect for the many professionals that work hard in video and audio production. Being able to create a photo story, podcast, or video are all relevant to my work as a 1st grade teacher. My students are easily excited and engaged by technology. They can never get enough time in the computer lab and when we are in the classroom, they are fighting over the 3 computers we have to share. Also, by showing them how to express themselves through the creation of their own photo story, podcast, or video, they are eager to be seen and heard. Through the multimedia and video projects, they no longer let language become a barrier to their ability of expressing themselves. Any work that I do in the classroom that incorporates technology is also a reflection of the work that the other 1st grade teachers want to implement. When other first grade teachers see the excitement that my students express while carrying a video camera around the school, everyone wants to get in on the “action.” By ensuring that my students and I are able to create and manage multimedia and video projects, I am preparing both myself and my students for the 21st century. The outcomes that I achieved created a yearning for more ideas on how to implement more of the projects in my classroom. Creating lessons and activities in which my students use more of the multimedia and video technology is an outcome that I feel was not achieved during this course. Lack of time to search for pre-existing or create new activities or lessons that incorporate multimedia and video technology for the students prevented me from achieving this outcome. I was successful in completing the course assignments despite the beginning of the school year stress and a death in the family during this last week of the course. It was a challenging time for me especially since I had to create the video footage and merge them together all while traveling to my grandmother’s funeral. At the last minute one of the team members was not able to gather the video footage for our PSA and so I decided to overtake that responsibility and it also coincided with the death of my grandmother. This was a challenge but in a sense it was a relief for me to get my mind off of the funeral and keep my mind busy on creating the PSA. I learned that I am more capable than I sometimes give myself credit for and that when times get tough I can handle the pressure and not give up. I feel that my technology skills improved with the completion of each project during this course. I also feel that by working collaboratively during the PSA project, I developed more leadership skills by finishing the job even though it might have been easier to give up. I knew that the group was depending on me to have the video complete. I feel that my attitude towards letting the students use the equipment such as the camera and computers for creating their projects has changed significantly. Previously I was reluctant to let any of my students use the overhead in a station. Now I can hand over the video camera, the microphone, mouse and other technology equipment over to them with out fear or worry that they will break or lose something. With plenty of modeling and practice, my attitude is that of let them get their hands on the technology and keep it coming!