Course+Reflections

 (1) Envisioning outcomes for EDLD 5363 Multimedia and Video Technology led me to think about the wide variety of possibilities the topic covers. The title alone conjures up images ranging from simple presentation design to all out movie production. Exactly what outcomes did I expect I really did not much contemplate, trying to leave the door open for any possibilities. However, in general I did have certain expectations as to the outcome of taking a graduate level multimedia and video class. Improving current skills, learning new technologies, and combining that knowledge into educational leadership where the basic results I envisioned.  As to my achievement of those expected outcomes, the book is still being written. I am completely convinced of the accomplishment of two of the three, but the leadership component has not been completely attained. First, my skills with familiar concepts and technologies have certainly improved. I especially enjoyed learning and working with Digital storytelling. The two readings from Week One, //How to Use Digital Storytelling in Your Classroom// by Jennifer New and the //Digital Storytelling Cookbook// by Joe Lambert served as great sources of inspiration and planning. Additionally I was exposed to several exciting and impressive new technologies, such as Audacity and UTUBE video posting. As far as the last, combining the knowledge I believe a bit more is needed to feel accomplished. The group collaboration was incredibly helpful and many components of leadership, only practice in the field will yield true achievement.
 * Course Reflection **

 The actual course outcomes far exceeded with those that I had envisioned. My simple wish list of outcomes in no way compares to the real ones. For example, by using the discussion board and group collaboration I learned how to //communicate the impact of multimedia and video on learning and teaching for both adults and children//. With Week One’s assignment I was educated on how to //formulate and communicate the value of digital storytelling in the educational context and Plan, design, develop, and evaluate an individual digital storytelling project.// Next I improved my skill on how to //demonstrate video editing techniques// with others. Finally, by leading, collaborating, and sharing the final outcomes of learning how to //Plan, design, develop, and evaluate a group video production project, Select and use technology equipment and software for appropriate tasks, Assist others for continual growth and expertise in technology operations and concepts// was realized.  (2) I believe these course outcomes had been achieved to the extent of exposure, understanding, and use. However more practice and real world application will be needed to fully meet advanced implementation the teaching of others. While creation of a digital story and posting it to UTUBE, creating a tutorial for Audacity digital audio creator, and developing a Public Service Announcement then sharing it with the public were all wonderful and fulfilling achievements I will take with me always. Yet, until they are implemented in the field I cannot be totally fulfilled with my achievement.  This field work or practical application leads into the next consideration are the outcomes of this course still relevant to the work I do or will do in education. The simple answer is yes, absolutely, and without a doubt. This course has been one of that will enable to take ideas, projects, and concepts directly into the education realm. Connecting with the audience, collaborating instead of directing, and allowing others to express themselves are great ways of effectively educating people. In particular to students, and more particularly teenagers, using any form of multimedia gets their attention. Or course exposure and presentation of concepts by the educator translates more effectively with multimedia and video. However, when students are allowed to create a product that expresses their concerns, beliefs, and/ or attitudes the pay off can be huge.  (3) All the course outcomes were achieved with varying degrees of success. The particular outcome that I feel was on the low end of achievement was the PSA video project. This is not to say a poor product was created, on the contrary a great piece of work was accomplished. I was my desire to work on every aspect of the production myself that prevented me from the expected outcome.  The simple fact of time prevented me in participating in all of the production aspects that I wanted to be a part of. It was simply too large and complex to fully completed by one person within the time of the course. Again, I know that this is a lifelong learning experience and that I will take this knowledge with me. Undoubtedly, any project in my future that calls for the production of a video will has team elements. The knowledge gained will equip me in the facilitation and leadership of such a project.  (4) Success can be found regarding technology in many different ways. As a campus technologist my advice to the teachers is to expect challenges and failures and you will succeed. I take this advice to heart and draw it through the challenges I encountered with my weekly assignments.  The fact that you ask one question to 10 people and receive 10 different answers rings true when working with technology. At time when certain elements seemed to discourage me or prevent me from my goal I would attempt to change. The change I wanted was a change in direction or perception that would allow me to accomplish the goal. I believe is a sign of success and leadership.  The lessons learned in the assignments in course and the entire program in fact, will lead me to success. I look at the challenges put forth by the course design is there to provide me tools for my role as an educational technology leader.

 (5) As I have adopted the saying, “Be a lifelong learner” I realize the saying applies to myself, my technology skills, my leadership skills, and my attitudes. This is what I have learned from this course, simply put’ keep learning and open your mind to knowledge.  Every course teaches me a bit more about myself. My resilience, my patients, or my attitudes are always being tested. In particular the group project, oddly enough, makes you look at yourself. The way we practice our diplomacy or fact that others have great and valid ideas about issues. Your eyes are opened to the possibilities  My technology skills have improved for several reasons. Most importantly by having the opportunity to create these course projects. These multimedia and video projects require several skills to be drawn from different areas of technology for success including; communication, software usage, internet copyright laws, and more.  Finally, I learned that my attitude and leadership skills complement each other. By appreciating everyone’s unique skills and accepting diverse opinions a leader is created.