Week 2 Reflection: Creating a Podcast for a Video Editing Software

In week 2 we had to learn the basics using a video editing software suite.  We had the option of using different types of software as long as the file extensions were usable.  I chose Windows Movie Maker 2.6.  I have never worked in this program and didn’t realize that I had an earlier version of Windows Movie Maker on my computer.  I went to YouTube to view a tutorial on how to use the program and what features the program offered.  Once I found my video and began to experiment with the features, I figured out some of the basic operations.  I really had fun working with this software.  It was very user friendly.  The part I had the most difficulty working with was how to save the video so that it could be uploaded to YouTube.   I haven’t given up on Windows Movie Maker yet.  My group partners have had success with their projects using the same program, so I know it’s just a minor issue, hopefully.  Overall this week has been slightly stressful trying to complete this assignment but I like having the freedom to create.  The podcast portion of this week assignment was very simple.  For some reason I thought it would be much more difficult to complete.  We used two programs to complete the assignment.  The only problem I can see with students doing a podcast will be finding a place quiet enough to record.  Both types of projects would be very beneficial to students because the finished product would be relevant and authentic.

Multimedia and Video Technology Web Conference Reflection Week 1

This web conference was very helpful.  Initially, I was unsure of what the final product was supposed to be or look like.  At the same time I was eager to get started on the project because I want to try this with my students this year.  My students will collaborate with different classes from around the world and create a digital story.  So the timing of this class was perfect.  It was good to hear Dr. Abernathy discuss the topic of working in teams.  Teachers need to know how to do this if we expect our kids to do it.  There will be many different elements to make the project successful as we work from week to week.  So as an educator, I need to have experience doing this because my students will come across the same issues.  During the conference we touched on the expectations of the program.  One of the program goals is to prepare teachers to be ISTE technology facilitators.  In turn we can push for every K-12 course to be fully integrated with technology. The belief is that all faculty needs to be able to use technology.  As a facilitator it would be a plus to share any products your kids create with administrators to let them know of the endless possibilities.  It helps the administrator buy in to the idea of full technology integration.  It was good to see that the professors have all had many years of K-12 experience.  So they understand the dynamics of what I do.  It was also good to know that the technology Masters program is transferable in 26 other states.

The conference discussed the progression of the project through each week.  In week 1 we can use (1) partner to help and assist with the creation of the digital story.  It would probably be a good idea to add more people as we get into weeks 3-5.  As of now, I have one partner and I think she will be an excellent person to work with.  Based on our initial conversations, I think this will be a great experience for me.