EDLD+5363.8021+Multimedia+Course+Reflections

I expected to become proficient at using various types of multimedia in my classroom. Our first project was photo story. This was similar to animoto from one of our previous classes. I felt confident that this would be an easy assignment. I will say that it was one of the easier ones, but it was not as easy as I had envisioned. Looking at this assignment with the eyes of a director or editor opened a whole new world for me. The group PSA project certainly seemed insurmountable. I was unsure how the group would be able to function without physical meetings. I was surprised how quickly our group gelled, and how fast things started moving. Although I had reservations, my group experience was very exciting. We worked well together, and our PSA turned out awesome. The actual outcomes of the class were mostly aligned with my vision. I do think that the group aspect is nice, but it did provide an easy out for tasks that I did not feel proficient enough to complete on my own. The outcomes that I achieved in this class were very relevant to the work that I do in school. My students are required to complete projects for gifted and talented, as well as technology projects. This class has expanded my horizons on the type of projects that I can have my students submit. After my previous class, I was very excited about animoto, but photo story has exceeded my expectations. I hope to have students create their own photo story to coincide with our animal care book. Later in the year, I would like my students to work in groups to create a PSA to accompany their persuasive writing piece. The students will cover topics such as dress code, extended school day or school year, and recess. My students really enjoy the persuasive writing pieces, but I can’t wait to add the PSA requirement. I think it will create new excitement.

Overall most of my outcomes where achieved. I do feel that there were several outcomes that I just skated around. I would not say that I became proficient at editing our PSA. That was a task that I was not as comfortable with. Working with a group allowed me to not spend as much time on this. I chose tasks that I felt more accomplished doing. Another task that due to group work I didn’t have to work on included creating slides with text. This again was simply a task that I didn’t have to perform on my own. I enjoyed working with the group, but because I didn’t have to complete some of the tasks independently before working in a group, I don’t feel that I achieved all the outcomes that I desired. I know enough to be able to attempt this task again and teaching my students; however, I think that individuals within a group should have to create their own PSA.

**//The course assignments were completed. I do feel that I was successful in completing each assignment. The review of the editing software/freeware was a little intimidating. I did not feel that I was qualified to judge these programs because I was not proficient at this task. I could judge how easy or difficult they were to use; however, I feel that my review was meaningless because I had not actually used the software/freeware for editing. This assignment may receive a more honest attempt if it was completed at the end of the course. I am unsure what I want in these programs until I have actually used them. Even after use, some of the features may not even be used until I become proficient in the assigned task. I do not think that I was ever discouraged. I do feel that at times I was a little overwhelmed because of my lack of experience with creating multimedia. I would recommend keeping contact with someone taking the class or someone from your group. This will help answer questions that you might have, sound off, and bounce ideas of each other.//** **//﻿//**   ﻿**//I learned that this was an exciting course that I would like to learn more about. I wish that it was longer. I learned that technology integration is endless. I am excited to begin to think of ways to incorporate technology in my classroom. I can’t wait to begin to utilize the photo story with my gifted and talent project on animal care. I also would like to skip straight to the persuasive writing unit (April/May) so that the students would be able to work on their group PSAs. I learned that my leadership skills are good. I am able to take charge when needed, or to sit back and assume a lesser role. Both of these aspects are important. One must know when to take charge or to sit back and let someone else drive. Leadership is multifaceted, and I feel that my leadership skills are sharp. I learned that my attitude is good. I feel that I maintained a positive attitude when working with my group and put my best foot forward in all aspects of the group work. I couldn’t have asked for a better group. I realize that I do need to have a support system during this graduate program, and am thankful that I have a wonderful study buddy (Thanks, Becky), and past graduate (Thanks, Coach) that keep me straight!//**