EDLD+5363+Reflection



EDLD 5363 Video Technology & Multimedia Reflection “Multimedia that's effective in learning doesn't simply consist of using multiple media together, but combining media mindfully in ways that capitalize on the characteristics of each individual medium and extend and augment the learning experience” (Shank, n.d.). This statement holds much truth. When creating the learning experiences for the classroom, it is important to keep in mind the background many of these students come from. They have been immersed in media from the cradle, with mp3s taking the place of compact discs, streaming video replacing a trip to the video store. When elements of multimedia are combined in such a way that it enhances the student learning experience, many more opportunities for engagement occur. By incorporating multimedia into the education system, it allows the student to enter the learning experience through terms that are familiar to them. Within the Multimedia and Video Technology course, development of a public service announcement by means of a group project was the task at hand. This activity was a daunting undertaking on the surface. I was extremely relieved to have found such a good group to work with; everyone contributed equally and worked together. Communication was accomplished via our wiki page and email, creating constant contact with one another. This demonstrated Standard I, showing advanced understanding of technology operations and concepts. Our planning set the stage for what turned out to be a fantastic project and quite a learning experience. As Williamson and Redish (2009) conveyed, it is important for the leaders in educational technology are cognizant of the tools they are implementing and can disseminate this information, as addressed in the second standard. As we advanced in our planning, our original idea, which was a standard video production, with short video clips, still photos and text making up the shots with an overlay of a script warning of the dangers of unsupervised internet surfing. The fifth standard, which sets forth that leaders in technology should develop and model products that use technology resources, was incorporated as we moved forward with an idea to produce a rap and have that incorporated into a Second Life animation that included other video backgrounds and multimedia. The seventh, eighth, and ninth proficiencies as determined in the TExES Framework were all incorporated into the project, as what began as visions of grandeur quickly turned into reality. This project allowed each group member to bring their expertise to the table while learning about video and multimedia production and distributing it on the World Wide Web, as addressed in proficiencies seven and nine. With the wiki serving as our primary means of communication, we were able to utilize proficiency eight, as we planned the video production and adjusted as necessary to complete the project. It was refreshing to utilize software I was familiar with, such as Audacity, while learning about a multitude of other video and editing software. My previous use of Audacity was primarily for splicing multiple audio tracks together and syncing them. Additionally, I had used it to record audio for projects in the past. For our group production, I took it upon myself to delve deeper into the features offered by Audacity. Our original recording of the rap for the audio component was over the allotted minute for the project. In reading the guides provided by Audactiy (n.d.), I was able to adjust the audio by increasing the rate and tempo and modifying the pitch along with editing out unnecessary components to allow the group to have a major component of the project all the while being able to increase my knowledge on a program I enjoy using. In addition to the excellent hands-on applications of learning offered by this course, I learned a much more valuable lesson. I typically dread group work, as I have been victim of the slackers in my group work history. More often than not I would end up doing more than my share or assigned portion of the assignment, as I am unwilling to take a low grade for someone else’s unwillingness to complete their share. However, this assignment was very refreshing. My group members were very prompt and professional. This experience created a lasting impression, once more allowing me to not dread working in groups. The communication and support offered in this project has reassured me that my decision to move forward in academia to pursue my doctorate will be an excellent chance to surround myself with motivated, hard working students like those I had the opportunity to work with in creating the public service announcement. Audacity. (n.d.). Introduction-Editing for beginners-Parts 1-4. //1// (2). Retrieved from [|http://audactiy.sourceforge.net/manual-1.2/tutorial­­_ed_beginner1.html]. Shank, P. (n.d). The value of multimedia in learning. //Think Tank.// Retrieved from http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/thinktank/valuemedia/. Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). //ISTE’s technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K- 12 leader should know and be able to do//. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.