Multimedia+and+Video+Technology+-+Reflection

Multimedia and Video Technology is a course that I had been looking forward to since I started the Educational Technology Leadership Academic Partnership. I expected to learn more about how to create videos and multimedia projects. I also expected to learn the best practices for creating videos for use in the classroom and for teacher professional development.
 * 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?**

This course exceeded my expectations. The course provided me new knowledge about how to best create video for effective learning. I use multimedia a lot but I can now produce multimedia with the correct combination of media types. I plan to further explore the principles that influence the effectiveness of multimedia.

I did not expect to be exposed to free video editing software other than Windows Media Player. I learned about three free video editing software programs: Avid FreeDV, Wax, and Zwei-Stein. The combination of Audacity and Podbean was a completely new experience that shows that podcasting can be a quick and easy tool to use to engage students.

This course has equipped me with additional resources to help make the integration of technology in the classroom easier for teachers. In October I am scheduled to facilitate a few Digital video classes. One of the things that I am going to share with the teachers is the Audacity Online Manual. I also have more open source video editing software to share with the teachers.
 * 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 principles of effective multimedia are extremely relevant in my development of multimedia for the classroom. The redundancy principle that “learning is better with animation and narration than from animation, narration, and on-screen text,” (Shank) will help me produce effective multimedia for my students.

I was able to successfully complete the course assignments. The way our group assigned roles and responsibilities did not require me to explore Audacity the way I originally intended. So I still only know what I started the class knowing about Audacity. However, I do now have the online manual to assist me in learning more about Audacity.
 * 4. Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?**

I learned that when there is no one else taking charge I will step forward and lead. As the leader I encourage everyone to play a role in the planning and creation of a project. I value the input of my colleagues and seek feedback on completed tasks.
 * 5. What did you learn from this course: about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?**

As a Technology Facilitator I prefer to shoot my video footage, but I have a ready supply of resources to acquire media licensed under Creative Commons, royalty free media, and public domain media. I prefer software that is easy to use and unrestrictive.

Resources Shank, P. (n.d.). The value of multimedia in learning. Think Tank. Retrieved September 28,2010 from http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/thinktank/valuemedia/