EDLD+5363+Course+Reflection


 * 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?**    I envisioned creating effective multimedia video. The course outline and progression of the week’s content and collaboration allowed meet the expected outcomes for this course. In reading the article “ //Digital storytelling cookbook ” // by Lambert, J. (2007), I learned effective expression using PhotoStory 3, while creating my own personal video. I acquired hands on experience to several video editing programs such as Adobe Premiere, Corel Video VideoStudio Pro, and Windows Live Movie Maker. In using the programs, I found out that it took some work to get proficient. Throughout the different projects, we informed about the use of Creative Commons and I utilized the licensing in my video postings.    I was fortunate to get on a team with that Lawrence, Ramona, Melba, and myself. The team collaborate well and used Google Video Chat and Skype to communicate. We utilized our Gmail account, Google Sites, and Google Docs to share and update our project. The team collaborated well during the pre-production, production, and post-production phases of the project. I ended up shooting some of the video for the project.
 * 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?** Technology has made big impasses into our everyday lives. It no longer is a luxury, but a necessity. It is required to communicate, collaborate, and educate. The Multimedia Video Technology class is an important part in my work as a Technology Director. I am getting to the point that just proving technological support is not sufficient, but the instructional technology part is starving for training with all the equipment that has been deployed to the campuses. In my position, I could provide staff development for our teachers to provide engaging and motivational videos for their classroom. The teacher could generate video that explain concepts and real life scenarios that could assist in the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). In the teachers being technology savvy, this would go a long way in preparing our students with 21st century skills. The digital immigrants need to be prepared to engage the digital natives with multimedia to encourage student achievement.  **3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevente****d you from achieving them?**

In participating in the majority of the activities for the class, I had some problems with the scheduling of the web conferences. They usually conflicted with my work schedule. Luckily, for me there were many web conferences. I attended the majority of the web conferences, and those that I did not attend I tried to read the transcripts. Other than the work schedule, conflict not much could prevent me from achieving the outcomes. I have the computer, Internet connection, the video camera, and audio. In retrospect, I have looked at the possibilities that could have prevented the team from achieving our goal and they are few. I remember in testing the different programs for video editing would lock up, but this was easily resolved once I downloaded the proper document and configured the proper settings. One of our team members had technical difficulties in connecting to our Skype session during the second week, but this was remedied by a reinstallation of the software itself. As a team, we achieved all our outcomes and made minor adjustments to ensure a successful team project. **4. Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?** I am glad to say that there was success in completing the course assignments. In assuring the completion of the project there were a few hurdles that the team and I had to overcome. We had to overcome some technical difficulties in the beginning and align our different schedules to ensure that we collaborated on the project through the various stages. There was great collaboration between all members of the team for a successful project completion. The team successfully came to a consensus of the project that we would work on. We communicated via different tools using the different tools at our disposal as e-mail, texting, Web 2.0 collaboration tools like Google Docs, and the Google site. I am glad and fortunate that the team came to me for the technical expertise to assist them in implementation of the site. I have to repeat that the team makeup was vital in the ultimate completion of the project and its results. The only thing that could have prevented the completion of the project was ourselves, but because the team worked well collaboratively and diligently, we were successful. **5. What did you learn from this course: about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?**

In reflection of this course, I know that big gains were made in learning how to record and manipulate audio with Audacity. I learned volumes about storytelling in creating the PhotoStory project and the finer points our scripting, shot lists, and multimedia selection to enhance the video. I have learned so many things in this course to integrate into my District. I have learned how to about story telling and video creation that can useful in providing professional development. This course has allowed me to collaborate with a great group and learn many things from them. The team and the leader were awesome because they provided much insight into the project. I know that my attitude towards learning and integrating this new knowledge is positive and I will definitely incorporate it in the District to improve the arsenal of tools that teachers have to maximize the leaning potential of the students. I know that my twenty-five years is technology is good, but I have only had fourteen plus using it in an educational environment. As an administrator in the District, I have a good repertoire with the teachers in the District. They have often asked me for help in implementing these new technologies in the schools and I will make sure that with the justification that I present to upper administration this will become a reality. References:

Lambert, J. (2007, February). Digital storytelling cookbook, 1-30. Story Center. Retrieved April 4, 2009, from [].