Multimedia+Final


 * Multimedia Technology Course Reflection by Monica Barnes**

I was really excited about taking this Multimedia Technology course because it is something I enjoy doing. I expected that we would be creating videos, songs, DVDs and possibly enhanced podcast. I was also hoping that I could create just one personal project and was delighted that the first video was personal digital storytelling. I found working with teachers as an instructional technologist that the best way to teach applications is to make them personal. It no longer is a chore. This is something I will definitely encourage my staff to do with their students. In regards to the PSA, I did not realize the depth in which we would go into creating a video nor that we would collaborate with other students to complete a project. I envisioned horizontal learning, not vertical learning. Because we spent 3 weeks on one project, exploring all the aspects of the multimedia. I learned more.

To be able to examine my achievements, I must reflect on the projects that I created. Foremost, I did not realize the amount of work and manpower it takes to create a video. I have a deeper appreciation for every video, song and movie I enjoy. In regards to a personal video, I learned and will be able to incorporate into my current position, different kinds of personal stories, ways to help a student develop an idea, how to overcome the mental block by writing on a 4x6 card, the necessity of and way to create a storyboard. I was quite familiar with editing video, but it was nice to revisit this skill. Some of my most powerful learning came from making the PSA. I gained valuable knowledge on the stages of production, planning a project and great photographic and video techniques. Of course, through all of this, I internalized copyright laws, which I will be passing on to staff and students this fall.

Probably, my one biggest disappoint was not joining the web conferences that were held. I worked most of June, am taking 12 hours and remodeling my home. My days were filled and as I prioritized, the web conferences were placed on the back burner. In prior classes we were not enticed to create interpersonal relationships with other students. The web conference provided a great opportunity to do this and am probably why I wished I had participated. But, I do feel that I was able to accomplish this through the assignments. It was slightly uncomfortable finding someone in which to collaborate, but by doing so, I gained some valuable digital friends. Finally, the other thing I wished I had the opportunity to experience was Adobe Premiere Elements, but I do not own this. I will be inquiring in the school system if some licenses may be available.

The assignments were not completed without roadblocks, difficulties and problem solving. There were many lessons learned along the way. First, be organized. Have all props and supplies listed, make sure each shot is very detailed, and check all equipment and supplies before beginning. Also, don't assume that the props and places you intend to use will be readily available. At first, I really had a difficult time getting the jail to allow us to film inside a cell and use their uniforms. Be prepared to edit sound with voiceover in the actual video because things interfere with sound while video. Probably I learned the most while transferring data via the Internet to another member. One cannot send an extremely large file of data through AIM or email. Nor can you upload it to Google Docs or a wiki unless you purchased extra space. We had to devise a way to send it. Therefore, I opened an iDisk account using MobileMe (Apple product), which allows for large uploads. This took HOURS! Finally, when we were able to exchange raw footage, my partner could hear but not see the video. She owned an earlier version of iMovie that wasn’t compatible. We solved this by using her daughters 2009 Mac Book.

Regardless of the problems I encountered in this class, I learned that I am truly in the right field and I love technology. I spent hours working on my daughter’s graduation personal video and didn’t even realize that I was doing it. It is just fun! I also learned that one can never stop learning when it comes to technology. Sometimes I feel sufficiently prepared to do my instructional technology job when a new technique or device is introduced and I feel insufficient. More importantly, this class and other classes have made me appreciative of the teachers I help and their insecurities towards technology. My technological learning has taught me to be patient, understanding and complimentary of small achievements of others. Because of this understanding, I feel I do a good job of helping staff integrate technology into the curriculum.