EDLD+5363+Reflections


 * EDLD 5363 Reflections **

The envisioned outcomes for EDLD 5363 Multimedia and Video Technology were to survey the design, production and reflective evaluation principles of multimedia and video technology. The individual assignments and group project helped me achieve and exceed the envisioned outcomes. Working together to develop the Public Service Announcement: CPR – The Act that Saves Lives was an outstanding experience. Besides learning to create a detailed project proposal, script, shot list, using video, text, graphic, motion effects as well as voice-over narration, music and sound effects, the team collaborated to ensure fair use guidelines were followed and proper citations were used while following strict deadlines and project time allotment constraints.

The team created, planned, and managed the project proposal to ensure all members had opportunities to provide input. “The best teams tend to have a good time together, network well, and communicate clearly” (Kaiser, 2006, p. 15). The group collaborated on a Google site, and used email and Skype, “a service that allows multiple users to talk for free, regardless of location, through their computer” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 154), to communicate effectively and efficiently in a collaborative environment. Group de-briefing and the reflective evaluation process ensure members of the team have opportunities to evaluate the project experience and gain additional insight.

The Alvin Independent School District Human Resources Department will benefit from the knowledge I gained from the Multimedia and Video Technology course. The insight acquired for creating, planning and managing a multimedia project proposal will serve to make me a stronger team member when participating with co-workers to revise and/or update the district employee handbook, develop the mentor training program, and substitute teacher orientation. Collaboration skills as well as principles of multimedia and video technology design and production will prove useful when the Human Resources Department works on updating the department webpage on the district website. I am excited about having the background knowledge to participate in creating a video production project using technology equipment and software. Human Resources Department team members will utilize individual strengths to work together using digital images, video shots, text, graphic, motion effects, voice-over narration, transitions, music and sound effects to plan, design, and develop a multimedia video for the Human Resources webpage.

Fine-tuning of the new skills acquired in this course can only be achieved with practice. Additional time is needed to create another team project. The first project involves figuring out processes and procedures. Once the processes and procedures are figured out, the team can concentrate on productivity and creativity. A second multimedia group project would provide a higher level of skill while affording the students opportunities to help each other succeed. Students can benefit by helping each other explore other roles in the process of creating another project. I will attempt to fine-tune the skills learned in the Multimedia and Video Technology course by volunteering to lead a similar group project in the work environment. Working on a similar project with different team members will prove challenging yet beneficial in further development of technology as well as collaboration skills. Practicing the acquired skills will help me gain confidence while ensuring knowledge is shared with others.

Success was achieved in completing the individual assignments as well as helping the team complete the group project. Using collaborative tools to communicate and develop the project ensures team members can successfully collaborate while remaining in remote locations. The four team members in the group were unable to come together in one physical location. The project was successfully completed because a collaborative site was used to post the assignment segments as each part was completed. Skype was used to hold real-time group meetings. Solomon and Schrum wrote, “Students can use Skype to interview experts, conduct a conversation with groups of people, and talk to one another as they work collaboratively on projects from home” (2007, p. 69). The group was able to discuss the project and make decisions quickly because all four members could participate in the Skype conferences. Although the first attempt for me to join a Skype discussion was not successful, I was not discouraged. With assistance from the rest of the team, the issue was resolved and I was able to fully participate in the next Skype discussion. Email was used when segments of the assignment needed to be sent to each team member of when a team member had a question regarding the assignment.

As a digital immigrant, I acquired many new skills from the Multimedia and Video Technology course. The most exciting skills were participating in a Skype conference and posting a digital story and an edited video to YouTube. I learned how to edit, design, produce, and distribute a video. While working with video and audio effects for the individual project, I discovered how much I already know about using technology. More importantly during the course I learned how much more there is to learn about technology.

Collaboration in the group project helped me realize that my leadership skills need to be developed more. Initiative and assertiveness are good skills when utilized appropriately. While I have a positive attitude and am supportive of others, I need to demonstrate initiative and assertiveness. If conflict is avoided when working on a team project, the team will not reach its full potential. By avoiding confrontations, team members can keep the team from achieving success.

References Kaiser, S. (2006). //Deliver First Class Web Sites: 101 Essential Checklists//. Collingwood, VIC, Australia: Sitepoint.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). //Using Technology with classroom instruction that works.// Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum

Development.

Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). //Web 2.0: New Tools, New Schools//. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.