Web 2.0 Tools
Being an Educational Technology Specialist, I use Web 2.0 tools frequently in my professional work. I train teachers on how to create blogs and ideas of use, ranging from basic daily information to true integration with the curriculum. I have also used Wikispaces to facilitate a collaborative video conference. The wiki site housed monster descriptions uploaded by each class that the partner school accessed. Many of the teachers I have worked with use Wordle for a variety of integration activities. Some teachers had students select a variety of adjectives describing themselves and posted them for Open House so the parents could identify which one belongs to their child. Others used Wordle to show students what dull words they are using too frequently in their writing. I have also used Prezi to create an interesting "Department Highlights" presentation. I hope to be able to keep up with all the Web 2.0 tools to come in our ever-changing digital world.
Web Conferences
I only attended one web conference - the very first one - but it was all I needed. I was extremely worried about the fact that I had not completed the documentation of my campus-supervised activities, in addition to the large amount of work I was going to face in this culminating course. After working with Dr. Abernathy on my Internship in Ed Tech Leadership, I should not have been worried. She has such a positive attitude, as does the entire Education department at Lamar, and I knew that they look for what you have done rather than focusing on what you are missing. This web conference eased all of my fears and clarified the direction that the course was taking. The communication through the EPIC system clearly communicated the changes after that first meeting, that the assignments had been reordered. I never once felt like I needed to attend another web conference, and my weekly grades reflected that I was on the right track.
Discussion Board
I am a woman of few words when it comes to writing. The discussion board is never the first activity that I gravitate toward; however, once I get into the discussion board prompt, I become quite passionate. The contributions of the other participants get my mind working, and I definitely appreciate any responses to my own posts. I like validation of my thoughts as well as constructive comments on ways I can improve. Even though the discussion board is not my favorite weekly assignment, I do think that it adds value to the course. At the very least, this practice models a form of technology integration that teachers and administrators can employ.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Sunday, September 26, 2010
PSA Final Reflection
I loved working on this group project. I have always enjoyed working with video editing software, but I have only used the basic features. This project allowed me to experience more of the features that video editing products have to offer. In addition to the content of the project, I was very pleased with my group members. We worked well together and communicated effectively.
My group was able to complete this project with ease through the use of clear organization and frequent communication. We were able to complete all phases of the project - pre-production, production, and post-production - quite successfully. We used our Google site as a central location to post ideas, feedback, and comments on each phase of the project. This helped organize our thoughts before coming together to meet on tinychat.com. By having all of or thoughts organized, we were able to discuss the specifics of each phase of the project with ease. It helped us to keep or face-to-face meeting time to minimum which was important for all due to our busy work and personal schedules. It was easy for us to make decisions regarding the PSA. Everything from shot selection to editing choices to the final delivery format seemed to come together very easily.
Our public service announcement had several strengths, but also some weaknesses. We feel strongly that our PSA i interesting and holds the attention of the audience. Natalie P. did an amazing job of telling her own personal story of cyber bullying, which strengthens the message of the PSA. The music has the correct tone for the message. It is light, but serious at he same time. It does a good job of sending the message that cyber bullying is an issue that parents should not take lightly. As fantastic as the PSA came out, it could still be improved in a few areas. The overall quality of the video could have been better. The PSA looks amazing considering we used a simple Flip Camera, but obviously the quality could have been improved by using a more sophisticated camera. Not only would a higher quality camera have improved the look of the shots throughout the video, but the lighting in the opening shot would have been better. All in all, my team agrees that the strengths o our PSA greatly outweigh the weaknesses.
We have obtained a Creative Commons License at the most restricted level for our work. All team members agree that the safety of Natalie P. is most important and we want to respect that. Our Creative Commons License s documented on the YouTube site where the video is posted.
Our team collaborated on all aspects of this project. We had ongoing communication throughout the project with the use of e-mail and our team's Google site. This kind of interaction allowed each member to pose questions, make comments, or read updates to the project at any time of the day. That asynchronous communication was very important for our team, as we all have busy schedules. We were each able to contribute an communicate on our own timelines. In addition to these flexible communication methods, we also met twice a week on tinychat.com. I attribute a lot of our success to this free Web 2.0 tool. Even though we were able to communicate throughout the week over e-mail and on the Google site, we were able to discuss ideas or changes to the PSA and make decisions immediately as a team. It also brought that "pesornal" element int the project, since we are all working from different location in Texas. All team members were respectful of each other's thoughts and ideas. We worked well together to create the best PSA that we could produce. Because of this, all team members felt like our project was a huge success.
I have never created a PSA before, bu I am so glad to have gone through the experience. I can now understand how meaningful this kind of project can be for students to complete as well. I have already thought of ways this can help to support technology objectives as well as higher level thinking in students.
My group was able to complete this project with ease through the use of clear organization and frequent communication. We were able to complete all phases of the project - pre-production, production, and post-production - quite successfully. We used our Google site as a central location to post ideas, feedback, and comments on each phase of the project. This helped organize our thoughts before coming together to meet on tinychat.com. By having all of or thoughts organized, we were able to discuss the specifics of each phase of the project with ease. It helped us to keep or face-to-face meeting time to minimum which was important for all due to our busy work and personal schedules. It was easy for us to make decisions regarding the PSA. Everything from shot selection to editing choices to the final delivery format seemed to come together very easily.
Our public service announcement had several strengths, but also some weaknesses. We feel strongly that our PSA i interesting and holds the attention of the audience. Natalie P. did an amazing job of telling her own personal story of cyber bullying, which strengthens the message of the PSA. The music has the correct tone for the message. It is light, but serious at he same time. It does a good job of sending the message that cyber bullying is an issue that parents should not take lightly. As fantastic as the PSA came out, it could still be improved in a few areas. The overall quality of the video could have been better. The PSA looks amazing considering we used a simple Flip Camera, but obviously the quality could have been improved by using a more sophisticated camera. Not only would a higher quality camera have improved the look of the shots throughout the video, but the lighting in the opening shot would have been better. All in all, my team agrees that the strengths o our PSA greatly outweigh the weaknesses.
We have obtained a Creative Commons License at the most restricted level for our work. All team members agree that the safety of Natalie P. is most important and we want to respect that. Our Creative Commons License s documented on the YouTube site where the video is posted.
Our team collaborated on all aspects of this project. We had ongoing communication throughout the project with the use of e-mail and our team's Google site. This kind of interaction allowed each member to pose questions, make comments, or read updates to the project at any time of the day. That asynchronous communication was very important for our team, as we all have busy schedules. We were each able to contribute an communicate on our own timelines. In addition to these flexible communication methods, we also met twice a week on tinychat.com. I attribute a lot of our success to this free Web 2.0 tool. Even though we were able to communicate throughout the week over e-mail and on the Google site, we were able to discuss ideas or changes to the PSA and make decisions immediately as a team. It also brought that "pesornal" element int the project, since we are all working from different location in Texas. All team members were respectful of each other's thoughts and ideas. We worked well together to create the best PSA that we could produce. Because of this, all team members felt like our project was a huge success.
I have never created a PSA before, bu I am so glad to have gone through the experience. I can now understand how meaningful this kind of project can be for students to complete as well. I have already thought of ways this can help to support technology objectives as well as higher level thinking in students.
Video Editing Software Evaluation
Windows Movie Maker vs. Wax 2.0
When tacklng the Week 2 assignment, I selected Windows Movie Maker and Wax 2.0. I selected Windows Movie Maker because I am very famiiar with the program and have used it multiple times to create various projects in the past. I selected Wax 2. because I was under the impression that it was a pretty straightforward program that I would be able to figure out fairly easily. Both were desirable to me becausethey are free.
I decided to start with Wax 2.0, since I knew the least about the program. Right off the bat I was frustrated with the program. I was unable to upload videos that I had taken of my daughter. I quickly realized that it did not accept .mod fles (which is what my camcorderit set to apparently), but to my surprise it alsodoes not accept .wmv files. This was very frustrating, s that means it takes an extra step for me to use Wax 2.0 to edit my videos together. I also found the overall interface quite difficult to navigate. I consider myself a digital native, and I do not want to feel urged to read the instruction manual to figure out how things work. For basic programs anyway, I expect to be able to figure it out myself, and if I can't then I'll just move on to something that I can figure out with ease, which is basically what I did I did not enjoy the 30 minutes spent in the Wax proga and will promptly uninstall it from my computer.
On the other hand, I had a much more positive experience with Windows Movie Maker. While I have already created several "movies" in Movie Maker, I had actually never used videos or added effects to them in the program before this assignment. I had a particularly good time experimenting with videos of my children, imagining the way I could document their childhood in creative ways. One of the drawbacks I found with Move Maker was the need to convert my .mod files into another format. Windows Movie Maker accepts several formats, but unfortunately not this one. Once I was able to convert them into a compatible format, I was very easily able to upload them into the program and start editing. The Movie Maker program steps you through the process very easily with their numbered steps that tell you the activity during each step. After uploading, the next step is to add video effects which were also very simple to add. I also liked the fact that several video effects could be added to a single file with just a few clicks, and including video transitions between clips is just as easy. The variety of choices is impressive, especially for a free program. Previewing any changes helped me realize if I had achieved the desired result immediately. Then finishing up the movie is a very simple as well.
Both programs have pros and cons, but for me Wax 2.0 had too many cons for me to follow through with my project. I found it to be difficult to navigate and use without extensive reading through the instructions. Because I consider myself a "digital native" I am generally able to figure out new software programs with relative ease. For this reason, Windows Movie Maker i definitely my video editor of choice.
When tacklng the Week 2 assignment, I selected Windows Movie Maker and Wax 2.0. I selected Windows Movie Maker because I am very famiiar with the program and have used it multiple times to create various projects in the past. I selected Wax 2. because I was under the impression that it was a pretty straightforward program that I would be able to figure out fairly easily. Both were desirable to me becausethey are free.
I decided to start with Wax 2.0, since I knew the least about the program. Right off the bat I was frustrated with the program. I was unable to upload videos that I had taken of my daughter. I quickly realized that it did not accept .mod fles (which is what my camcorderit set to apparently), but to my surprise it alsodoes not accept .wmv files. This was very frustrating, s that means it takes an extra step for me to use Wax 2.0 to edit my videos together. I also found the overall interface quite difficult to navigate. I consider myself a digital native, and I do not want to feel urged to read the instruction manual to figure out how things work. For basic programs anyway, I expect to be able to figure it out myself, and if I can't then I'll just move on to something that I can figure out with ease, which is basically what I did I did not enjoy the 30 minutes spent in the Wax proga and will promptly uninstall it from my computer.
On the other hand, I had a much more positive experience with Windows Movie Maker. While I have already created several "movies" in Movie Maker, I had actually never used videos or added effects to them in the program before this assignment. I had a particularly good time experimenting with videos of my children, imagining the way I could document their childhood in creative ways. One of the drawbacks I found with Move Maker was the need to convert my .mod files into another format. Windows Movie Maker accepts several formats, but unfortunately not this one. Once I was able to convert them into a compatible format, I was very easily able to upload them into the program and start editing. The Movie Maker program steps you through the process very easily with their numbered steps that tell you the activity during each step. After uploading, the next step is to add video effects which were also very simple to add. I also liked the fact that several video effects could be added to a single file with just a few clicks, and including video transitions between clips is just as easy. The variety of choices is impressive, especially for a free program. Previewing any changes helped me realize if I had achieved the desired result immediately. Then finishing up the movie is a very simple as well.
Both programs have pros and cons, but for me Wax 2.0 had too many cons for me to follow through with my project. I found it to be difficult to navigate and use without extensive reading through the instructions. Because I consider myself a "digital native" I am generally able to figure out new software programs with relative ease. For this reason, Windows Movie Maker i definitely my video editor of choice.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Web Conference - September 6, 2010
This week in my Multimedia Video Technology course, I had to evaluate two video editing software products, and then create a podcast tutorial. There was major confusion regarding the assignments, as one assignment was posted in the Courseware, but another assignment was sent out by the Instructional Associates. The web conference definitely helped to clarify this issue. In addition to the confusion about which assignment we were supposed to complete, there was also some ambiguity about the podcast element. Generally speaking, a podcast has no video. A podcast with video is usually referred to as a vodcast instead. So many of us wondered if we were required to use video and music. Dr. Abernathy was able to clarify this issue in the numerous web conferences she holds each week as well. I attended tonight's web conference live, but did refer to the chat notes from previous web conferences to get clarification on the assignment.
I am a tried and true "Digital Native". I had no problems considering an online format when shopping around for a masters program. I love the fact that I can have a job but also obtain a masters. I love the fact that I can work on assignments and readings at my convenience. I love the fact that I don't have to spend my precious time driving to and from classes during the week. I love the fact that technology allows me to connect, although on a different level, with others in the program in a similar manner to a traditional program. I do NOT, however, like the fact that I am not able to get clarification from professors and instructional associates regarding assignments on a regular basis. The online format does not provide the opportunity for me to ask a question after class, or go visit during office hours. There are many times where I need to "talk it out" for me to understand the answer to a question I have. The web conferences address this issue for me. Even though I would probably still prefer a face to face interaction, the web conferences are the closest thing to a face to face interaction. Most of the time Dr. Abernathy is able to address all questions which are typed in the chat box, and I love the fact that she will respond to those questions orally. By listening to her responses, I am able to pick up the important things that might be "lost in translation" in an email.
I am glad that Dr. Abernathy is so committed to this program that she is willing to hold "virtual office hours" via web conferencing. It helps clarify the expectations, which puts everybody's mind at ease!
I am a tried and true "Digital Native". I had no problems considering an online format when shopping around for a masters program. I love the fact that I can have a job but also obtain a masters. I love the fact that I can work on assignments and readings at my convenience. I love the fact that I don't have to spend my precious time driving to and from classes during the week. I love the fact that technology allows me to connect, although on a different level, with others in the program in a similar manner to a traditional program. I do NOT, however, like the fact that I am not able to get clarification from professors and instructional associates regarding assignments on a regular basis. The online format does not provide the opportunity for me to ask a question after class, or go visit during office hours. There are many times where I need to "talk it out" for me to understand the answer to a question I have. The web conferences address this issue for me. Even though I would probably still prefer a face to face interaction, the web conferences are the closest thing to a face to face interaction. Most of the time Dr. Abernathy is able to address all questions which are typed in the chat box, and I love the fact that she will respond to those questions orally. By listening to her responses, I am able to pick up the important things that might be "lost in translation" in an email.
I am glad that Dr. Abernathy is so committed to this program that she is willing to hold "virtual office hours" via web conferencing. It helps clarify the expectations, which puts everybody's mind at ease!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
My First Digital Story
As part of my Multimedia and Video class (EDLD 5363), I was asked to create a digital story. It was actually my first one to make, though I have worked with several students making their own digital stories. I enjoyed making this video more than I thought I would, especially considering I didn't feel like I had anything particularly interesting to say. It turns out this story is actually quite special to me, though I didn't know it at first.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Action Research Plan
My original action research idea involved the reasons that teachers do not integrate technology as frequently or as seamlessly into curriculum as they should. However, I have decided to change my action research topic to something more fitting in the new position I am taking on. Being new to two different campuses, and an Instructional Technology Specialist with no experience on record (in this particular position), I can imagine that some teachers may not fully trust me initially. This can be a hurtful situation to both teachers and students if my guidance and suggestions are not taken seriously. I have decided to complete action research on the following question: How can I build trusting relationships with teachers so they will have confidence in my ability as a new Instructional Technology Specialist? I plan to pursue my original wondering about why teachers are not using more technology with today's digital native students at a later time. Establishing a sense of community with the new staff members I will be working with seemed like a greater priority right now.
My current action research plan on building relationships:
My current action research plan on building relationships:
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Blogging in Education
The uses of a blog in education are limitless. There are countless ways to incorporate a blog into daily classroom activities that support curriculum objectives. However, blogs are not only useful in the classroom setting to improve student achievement. Educational leaders can also use blogs to enhance the overall school environment which will translate to success for all students. Principals can incorportate blogs as an extension of their office, much like teachers' classroom blogs are extensions of their classrooms. Principal or other school leaders can also use blogs to facilitate the reflective process of action research.
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