EDLD+5363+Course+Reflection+Responses

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 honestly did not know what to expect from this course. I assumed I would be creating a video of some sort, but did not know what that would entail. Would we have to use a MAC or would our PCs work? My site supervisor said I would love this course because I would be learning not only new personal skills, but also new skills I could use as a librarian/technologist. I believe I achieved the outcomes expected of me in this course. The hardest parts for me were learning how to edit a video in week two and learning how to work collaboratively with an online group for the PSA project. I have to say that the actual course outcomes did not necessarily align with what I had envisioned. I found this course to be very challenging for a beginner like me. Going into this course with some prior skills would have helped.

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 and will be very relevant to the work that I do in the library. According to the National Association for Media Literacy Education, “Media literacy is an essential life skill. By applying literacy skills to media and technology messages, by learning to skillfully interpret, analyze, and create messages, media literacy empowers people to be both critical thinkers and creative producers of messages using image, language, and sound.” ([|www.edutopia.org], 2005) Before this course, I never realized how important it is that students use media technology in the classroom. I am fortunate to have a full computer lab within my library, so I plan to use many of the skills learned in this course as part of my curriculum. My first goal is to show our GT teachers and students how to create digital stories using Photo Story 3. I also plan to help my campus technologist create and edit our school’s end of year slide show, which includes video. I am not yet experienced enough to teach editing skills to students, but with more practice and help from our campus technologist, I hope to be able to do this someday.

Ellis, Ken. (2005, July 13). Students evolve from consumers to critics and creators. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/print/1321

3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?

The main outcome that I did not achieve was effectively editing existing video clips into one coherent video sequence. I believe what prevented me from achieving success in the editing process was my lack of prior experience. Before this course, I had never used a video camera to record anything, so my editing skills were lacking. I found it difficult to locate appropriate videos on the internet to edit and once I finally found one, I did not know how to transfer it to my computer video file. Fortunately, I went to another student’s blog and found out the proper procedure. Without her instructions, I do not think I could have figured it out on my own. I am glad we had to post our blog address on the discussion board. Desktop Video has some good advice, “Technical support is crucial to video editing success! Even the most experienced editor encounters problems that aren’t covered in the manual.” (Desktop Video, 2010) I am glad I started the experience of editing in this course. At least I now know the basic steps and where to find help when using editing software.

Siegchrist, Gretchen. (2010, August 30). Before you buy video editing software. Retrieved from http://desktopvideo.about.com/od/editingsoftware/bb/Buyeditsoftware.htm

4. Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?

Happily, I was successful in completing all the course assignments, but not without a mountain of stress in the first two weeks. EDLD 5363 has been the most stressful course I have taken since beginning my masters at Lamar. Receiving updated assignments during weeks one and two was disconcerting. Part of the reason for so much stress was the wording in the updated course assignments. The instructions were confusing and, I felt, hindered the learning process. Once I understood the instructions, I was very happy with my finished products and the opportunity to learn new technology skills. Working collaboratively on the PSA assignment during weeks three through five was a blessing, although I did not feel that way at the beginning of the assignment. I was frustrated over having to work with a group online and wished we could work on this assignment by ourselves or with groups from our campus. Ultimately, our group formed a cohesive bond as we worked together to create a successful PSA.

5. What did you learn from this course: about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?

First and foremost, this course taught me that I have a lot to learn in order to be proficient in multimedia and video technology. I came into this course with very little experience using Audacity and Photo Story 3. I had absolutely no experience in filming and editing video. What I did have experience in was writing scripts. I found that I loved writing scripts for the Photo Story 3, audio recording, and PSA assignments.

In order to be an effective technologist in today’s educational settings, I need to open myself up to experimenting with new technology, even when it seems scary and confusing. Pushing past my insecurities in order to learn new technology will benefit my future staff and students. The campus technologists I know seem so confident in their skills, but after visiting with my site supervisor recently, she informed me that she is learning all the time and that it is impossible for a technologist to know everything. It is all about practice and asking for help when needed.