Multimedia+Final+Reflection

Course 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? Of all the courses in the curriculum, this was one I was looking forward to the most. I had dabbled in a bit of audio editing, but my video editing experience could have been better classified as film editing after years of working in movie theatres. The translation into digital video editing was a simple transition taking the concepts applied from splicing flim together with tape and a splicer to digitally cutting frames from a video was a simple one. I was able to make a seamless transition into the technology interfaces offered for both audio and video editing. I was able to accomplish my objectives and learned how user-friendly the technology has become. I look forward to utilizing the Movie Maker software within my classes. Now that I have experienced the ease of use of both that and Audacity, it will be a great integration of technology to allow my students to express themselves through multimedia. 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? The outcomes achieved in this course are extremely relevant to the work I do in my school. Not only will the video and audio techniques employed in the class be easily incorporated into my curriculum, they will allow my communication students the opportunity to express themselves in ways that will be more comfortable for each student. Some students are extremely creative but lack the self confidence to stand in front of a crowd and express their opinion, these options will allow them to produce creations that will create a stage for their voices to be heard. The only issues I fear revolve around the lack of equipment necessary for the students to actively pursue use of these tools. While Movie Maker is available, and Audacity is on every machine, we do not have microphones in our labs for every computer. With over 160 students in my Communication courses alone, it will be difficult, but not impossible to provide them the opportunity to tell their own Personal Digital Story. 3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them? One outcome that I did not achieve that I wish I had was the ability to animate within Second Life. Our group produced an amazing PSA with a multitude of Second Life animation. While I was able to contribute to the sound editing and creation of other pieces of video footage, I never quite grasped onto Second Life. While I realize that it was not a direct outcome I sought upon entering the course, the evolution of our PSA made me realize that I have not grasped the full potential of many of the software and online options available. The ease of Movie Maker showed me that need to open myself up to more possibilities of software programs to try. My own resistance has prevented me from achieving this. I am very much a creature of habit, but have begun to find ways to change that. One of the most obvious changes has been my initial reluctance to a newfound respect and admiration for the Wiki. Not only did it allow my group the chance to communicate with ease, but I am now using a Wiki to help plan my parents’ 40th wedding anniversary party! 4. Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you? I was successful in completing all the course assignments. The video production in the first week had me excited. However, I was apprehensive about the impending group assignment. I was very glad to have joined a group early on, not having to worry about who I was going to work with. Everyone was very proactive and used the Wiki and email to communicate on a regular basis. Many of us worked with group members for the assignments in the first two weeks, which gave us all an opportunity to work with one another and talk before we delved into the PSA assignment. Our group assignment took a big turn in the intial direction it was going, but it could not have turned out better. For the distance between us all and the obstacles of working only via the internet, the process was seamless and it was a great opportunity for everyone to share their passions and strengths to create a great group environment. 5. What did you learn from this course: about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes? One immediate thing I learned from this course is that there are times that it is best when I do not assume the leadership role. I am often the person in group work that will take the reins and lead the way. However, when I started this course and began getting to know my group members, it became clear that I was not the best suited to lead this project. I analyzed my strengths and shortcomings and knew that I could be a good contributor, but did not have the technological prowess to be in charge. This is very uncharacteristic of me in group work, but to be a good group member and to create the best outcome, it was time for me to take a step back. In doing so, I have learned so much about what can be created by a hardworking team that allows everyone to incorporate, or add to, what their teammates created. Overall, I have a greater respect for the software options available and will approach group work with a much better attitude thanks to the great experience I had during this course.