EDLD+5363+Course+Reflection+Responses

__**EDLD 5363 Course Reflection **__

Upon reading the description of this course, "Multimedia Video Technology," I envisioned learning all that is involved in the creation of multimedia (audio and video in particular) that serve an instructional purpose, and perhaps how to train teachers in using such digital tools in the course of teaching -- and student learning -- in the classroom. These outcomes have been achieved primarily by learning the intricacies of digital video production and everything involved afterwards, with the added benefits of practicing planning, task delegation, and collaboration in the age of the internet. The actual course outcomes aligned with most of what I envisioned, but it fell short of delivering on the "hardware and software tools" of which I feel were lacking since Audacity, Microsoft PhotoStory (already obsolete, please replace this with Windows Live Photo Gallery and Movie Maker), and the aforementioned Windows Live Movie Maker were the only software tools I was able to use and no mention of other hardware tools were made.

The course outcomes that I have fulfilled or achieved are relevant to the work that I do in that, as the syllabus states, formulating and communicating “the value of digital storytelling in the educational context” is a skill that educational technology leaders need to convince and motivate classroom teachers to “plan, design, develop, and evaluate an individual digital storytelling project” in their classroom to enhance and enrich instruction. Demonstrating “video editing techniques” and planning, designing, developing, and evaluating a “group video production project” would also be necessary in this endeavor, as well as selecting and using “technology equipment and software for appropriate tasks.” Currently, planning, designing, and developing a digital storytelling project along with using the appropriate technology for this task are the only course outcomes relevant to my position as a classroom teacher. Although this is the case, I plan to obtain a position in instructional technology in the near future.

I wanted to learn more about were how to "communicate the impact of multimedia and video on learning and teaching for both adults and children," as well as how to "assist others for continual growth and expertise in technology operations and concepts." The first of these is highly relevant to the work that I currently do, and the second one to the position that I aim for in the near future. My current position prevented me from even attempting to put this into practice as the needs of my students come first, and thus far, these needs are so overwhelming that I and my colleagues have had no time to fulfill any other obligations or responsibilities during the course of the workday and work week. Another circumstance that prevented me from achieving these outcomes is that I have just moved full-time into my current campus and am still establishing relationships with my fellow teachers, although I have already indicated to my administrators and colleagues my skill set and willingness to contribute to enhancing the technology aspect of classroom instruction in our campus.

Completing the course assignments, though quite difficult, was achieved primarily through task delegation and collaboration with my fellow team members, especially the Video Production teacher who produced and directed the video footage that I edited with another team member. One particular assignment that I did not attain my goal toward was the digital photo story, for which I was limited by the features of the program I used. Microsoft PhotoStory lacked the necessary features that would have addressed the primary criticism of my work, which was a leveler or audio mixer that would have boosted my narration volume and decreased the background music volume. Another thing that I found discouraging was the video editing assignment which I found very challenging. Granted that it was my first real video editing attempt, both tools I used – Windows Live Movie Maker and CyberLink Power Director – offered different feature sets as well as ease of use. Movie Maker was very easy to use and had the added bonus that let me convert video file types so I could import into Power Director, which has a more robust feature set that let me add more eye-catching subtitles but was more difficult to use for a beginner like myself.

This course taught me a lot of things about myself and my skills. Prior to taking this course, I did not know that video editing was difficult. After this assignment, I have found a new appreciation for video editing and I now put Hollywood-caliber video editors up on the highest pedestal of creativity and technicality, and remain baffled at the celebrity status of mere actors. Even though my technology skills are not advanced, I was able to learn how to use the digital tools within the time frame the assignment deadlines allotted and meet the course competencies. With regards to leadership skills, I learned that I am able to participate in task delegation, group collaboration, and lead by reminding my colleagues about the deadlines and expectations, and perform the tasks I volunteered for or assigned to me. With regard to attitude, I have always known that I have a good work ethic and that I can work with almost anybody, and I have proven that even more during this course.

Abernathy, K. (2010, August 20). //EDLD 5363 multimedia video technology course syllabus.// Retrieved from []