Video+Editing+Software+Evaluation+and+Reflection

__ Video Editing Software Evaluation __

“Multimedia offers the potential to augment learning with a vibrancy that the old computer-based training couldn’t easily achieve” (Shank n.d.). As educators, we can use video technology both for instruction and as the instruction. Free and available video editing software can be the vehicle that helps advance student motivation collaboration, and deeper understanding. Video editing productions can be as simple as a TAKS review that motivates students with popular music, or as involved as a collaborative movie production where students become consumers, critics, and creators.

Two video editing software programs available are MS **Movie Maker** (2.6) and **Wax** (2.0e). These two reputable systems should be understood and evaluated prior to use. The following is an attempt to compare strengths and weakness of each, while offering insights on the wide array of tools and features available. __ Microsoft Movie Maker __

If Movie Maker needed to be summed up in one phrase it would be, “Easy to use for basic tasks”.

This program comes free with most MS Windows packages (various versions) and is simple and solid with little if any bugs reported. Movie Maker has many features that make it a great option for beginning to intermediate skilled educators and students.

Strengths include, easily added (drag and drop) images and videos segments, a decent selection of transitions, a storyboard timeline with two views, and text, title / credit insertion overlays (color, font, and size options). The program is compatible with any Windows based set up and can be published to a file or DVD.

Weaknesses include, low video quality / resolution (limited to 640 x 480), small storage capacity for larger edits, no image or effects presets, no music creator (imported audio and Windows Sound Recorder only), a timeline that might not be as precise as wanted, and it lacks some editing features (black bars in photo removal).

Although MS Movie Maker has certain limiting features, its overall ability to produce quality video edits is strong. The combination of availability, ease of use, and acceptance by most K-12 school districts makes MS Movie Maker a good choice for most educators and students.

__ Wax __

Wax video editing software claims to be high performance flexible video compositing and special effects software. Overall this is true, Wax is a complete, free, versatile, editing package that can handle a multitude tasks. Wax is considers itself capable of both business and personal use. It can operate as a standalone platform or as a plug in for other editing software (Sony Vegas / Adobe Premiere). It handles all popular image formats for input and output (including AV1, WAV, MPEG, and Flash) and operates with most windows programs (Windows ’98 – 2000 XP).

Strengths are many with Wax rumored to have been used in several recent movie productions. The software contains 2D and 3D effects with a multitude of presets for special effects, unlimited transition options that allow for warping and morphing, good project management (media bins / folders), and 3D compositing with objects, lighting, textures, shadows, and generators. Finally Wax allows for unlimited video and audio tracks with several compositing modes.

Only two weaknesses were discovered, which by no means such persuade the acceptance of this software for projects of all sizes. First and less obvious, you can output files in flash format but you cannot import flash files. Finally, the learning curve is a bit steeper for this software and requires a bit more preparation and training than others.

Wax can have a dizzying array of features, especially to beginner or even intermediate skilled users. Its overall ability to produce high quality complex video edits is well-built. The features discussed above make Wax editing software best suited for advanced skilled users at a high school or college level.

__ Reflections __

Video editing tools and multimedia learning are powerful concept that need to be instilled in our current educational thinking,

"The shift to Web 2.0 tools can have a profound effect on schools and learning, causing a transformation in thinking. This will happen because the tools promote creativity, collaboration, and communication, and they dovetail with learning methods in which these skills play a part" (Solomon & Schrum 2007).

Evaluation of these video editing programs has inspired reflections of past learning, new learning, and impact on lifelong learning.

My “instructional technology awakening” did not occur until my fourth year of teaching. My previous year had been challenging, student motivation was the major challenge. In my fourth year I was offered the position of campus technologist and I eagerly accepted. Not only would I be helping teachers with technology issues but the professional development I could now attend would technology based. Knowing this knowledge would transfer to my classroom I was encouraged by possibilities for improving student motivation.

Later in my first year as campus technologist, I attended a workshop for MS Movie Maker. I very impressed with the multimedia aspects for both presentation and instruction. Of course, I immediately asked permission to have campus technology training on my ne w found software (that was already on most teacher and student computers). Many teachers and even administrators were motivated by the training and I now regularly observe MS Movie Maker on my campus.

Not unexpectedly, many new things were learned while evaluating these two software programs, Generally speaking, the abundance of available video editing software is staggering. I wanted a completely new editing program to learn about and chose Wax software to broaden my knowledge. Interestingly, while researching Wax, I discovered that MS has updated their offerings in Movie Maker (2.6). Working with Wax editing software I discovered about plug-in options, 3D animation, morphing capabilities, and much more. Overall I was impressed at the “open source” status of this quite professional program.

ISTE Technology Facilitation Standard VIII supports leadership and vision. I understand this standard to encourage a vision of technology integration for the entire campus culture. If we are truly intent modeling lifelong learning with the goal of our students becoming inspired, Web 2.0 tools must be accepted used and taught. As mentioned above, they promote creativity, collaboration, and communication for our educators and students alike.

Shank, P. (n.d.). The value of multimedia in learning. //Think Tank.// Retrieved May 5, 2009, from [].

Solomon, G. & Schrum, L (2007). Web 2.0 New Tools, New Schools. ISTE. Eugene, Oregon / Washington, DC.