Cathy's+Reflection

=** __EDLD 5363 Course Reflection__  **= I was very excited to be able to continue the masters program, and especially for being able to enroll in the EDLD 5363 Video and Multimedia course at Lamar University. I have always been interested in learning how to create a video and learn how to use video and digital equipment. Some of the outcomes that I had envisioned for the course included just being able to identify the steps in creating a video and possibly being able to shoot short sequences. I also had hopes of being taught how to actually use a digital camera and learn about the different software available for both beginners and for those who have some experience. After completing this course, not only was I able to create a video, I was able to create a second and then have the opportunity to work with three of the best people on a group project creating a PSA. In addition, I was able to read many more exciting and knowledgeable links that taught me the skills that I need to continue learning about my camera, creating videos, and many tutorials for software. This course aligned perfectly with the skills that I envisioned for the course and so much more. I have already used some of the skills taught and have a list of things to achieve and use for both my personal, my department and for the classes that I teach.

All of the skills that I learned or achieved in this course will definitely be relevant to the work that I do at my school. I am currently a Sr. Lab Instructor and an Adjunct Faculty member for a local community college. In the past, I have not been able to assist students who wanted to learn how to create video, or use digital equipment. Starting this semester, I will not only be able to assist them, but with my supervisors request, I am planning on setting up a room and assisting the faculty in our department in learning how to create and edit videos that they can use to teach their courses. My supervisor has already approved some of the suggested software and is excited about having this learning opportunity available to others. I am also excited, and have started a list of learning videos that I would like to use to help teach the students using my lab, and in the courses that I teach. I have definitely achieved the objectives in the course, the outcomes that I was hoping to achieve, and will continue to learn and use my skills to pursue further knowledge so that I can make learning for both myself and others a more positive environment.

The only outcome that I did not achieve in this course was becoming a true professional. I feel that assignments that had been turned in were my best at that particular moment, but with the interest that I had in the course and in learning the most that I could regarding creating videos, I have achieved more than I could ask for. I know that the videos I created have definitely improved over the short time in this course, and I have also seen my accomplishments improve dramatically as I re-read or visit links on the assignment readings. I know that I will never become a true professional because I am not actually in the profession, but I am on my way to becoming a true professional in creating videos that I will be able to use in my professional and for personal accomplishments. I do not think that anyone is prevented from achieving outcomes in this course unless they truly do not have the desire, or the creativity to dream, or learn. This course will definitely help me to reach my teaching potential.

I feel that I have definitely been successful in completing all of the course assignments, although I was hesitant or second guessed the videos that I created in the beginning. I know that part of the learning process is in understanding what is being required for the actual assignment, but when you are uncomfortable in the environment, it is understandable that your work is not the finest. While in school, most of what I learned was taught by example…hear the assignment, see an example, create one of your own. Online courses have taught me that although the final product may be different from another student, the real accomplishment is in making sure the objectives have been met, and you are proud to show your work to others. The only discouragements that I had was in having to learn a lot of the steps in the beginning on my own since I have not worked with digital equipment. I feel that creating audio files was the hardest thing that I had to learn because I just did not like my voice. It seemed like I had to learn to speak again with a new tone and pitch in order to make it fit my video. Apparently, my discouragements were not as discouraging as I think because I continued to work hard and learn what was needed to be successful.

It is with great sadness that I write my final comments regarding my course project, my technology skills, about myself, and my group. For the past several weeks, Betsy, Billye, Michael and I have worked very hard to come up with ideas for our public service announcement, the narration, recording of videos, pictures and even finding a picture of a real flu germ. With several of us new to the video environment, I felt sure we would have to work very hard to not fail. It is now the end of the most fantastic learning adventure that I have ever taken and I feel that it important to say what I really think.

In the past, whether work or school related, I have had to participate in several group projects. I can honestly say that I have always disliked them and felt as if one person usually does all of the work...well, at least the majority of the work, and then the others get a nice grade. I think most of you will probably agree with me. Group projects, in my opinion, are simply ways to train a person how to work with others....and just like on the job, you do not get to pick your coworkers. In this technological world, working online, in a group, is becoming more and more common. Whether you know your group members, or whether you have just met them in a class web conference, learning to work online, away from one another is very important skill that we all need to learn in order to be successful in the 21st century.

First, I would like to thank all of my group - for giving me the opportunity to work with some of the finest master students in the world. This experience has given me a whole new perception of group projects. Even with our varying schedules, planned vacations, choir camps, family and friend issues, we held together and worked as a team to complete our project, almost effortlessly. (I really shouldn't say it quite like that just in case the instructors actually read this) Although I work in an environment that assists students in a computer lab, my experience is with application software and programming. As much as I love technology, and learning, this course has opened a whole new realm to my technology knowledge. This course has taught me many exciting new skills that I will be able to use in the department, with my faculty, and especially in my classroom for my students. It taught me to use video, narration and pictures to create a learning environment that I can use to help to teach others. Most importantly, it has taught me that group projects can be very successful. I am grateful that I was able to learn with best "co-students" in the world and hope that I have the opportunity to work with them in the future.

To those who don't like group projects....give it time. It took me many, many years, or maybe it is just related to the age thing, to find a group of hardworking, dedicated, efficient, responsible people to prove that group project can be successful. I may never have the chance to work directly with them in the future, but I will remember my journey with them forever.  Just hearing the words “group project” has never had a positive influence on me, and I assumed that history would repeat itself on this assignment. Boy, was I wrong. Betsy created a Wiki were we spent the first week sharing our strengths and weaknesses in different areas with one another and finally deciding that although everyone would be able to give input in any of the areas, we shared responsibilities for the big “jobs” even if we were not quite sure what we would be doing. We brainstormed ideas for topics, sharing storyboard scenarios, and finally agreed on what we would use as a title. I kept thinking that everything was going too well on the project, and that it would soon begin to unravel…..but it didn’t, it just kept getting better.

In addition to the wiki that Betsy created, and in the process of learning, I created an Office Live account so that we could upload pictures and video (it allowed more overall space) so that we could share them with everyone in the group. Adding video clips and pictures, was an easy way that the group could see what each other was thinking, or to share any ideas. As the weeks went on, everyone did a super job in doing their part for additional ideas to be included, or changed. Michael shared his ideas by creating an initial video from some of our suggestions, and Darlene (Billye); Betsy and I worked on the narration aspects. I learned that videoing injections was frowned upon due to the legalities of physicians offices, drug manufacturers, and patients rights and had to use “Plan B” by using our campus nursing lab “dummies” to create the injection videos. Not only did it show realistic backgrounds with the hospital equipment and tubes, but I could show the actual injection process. The wiki was used as a way to make sure that all of us were able to keep up with what was going on at the moment. As each portion of our video was completed, the video was posted so that each member could comment on what additions were needed or what needed to be omitted. Normally, it was only a change in the timing, or waiting on another video sequence or additional narration.

Our group agreed that our project was something that everyone should be able to see, or learn, so we posted it to You Tube. As our final video was being viewed with one another to make sure that we covered all aspects of the assignment, I realized that not only can you work as a team ”online” to complete a project, but that group work could prove to be a positive learning environment. I was impressed, not only with the video we were creating, but how everyone worked well together.

The only insights that I could offer on how the group could improve our public service announcement is to allow the time to be a little longer (maybe even by 15 seconds). I feel that in order to be able to say what it really important, that you sometimes have to leave out other areas that could be beneficial in the public service announcement. Our PSA covered the important areas and not only showed what you can do to prevent the flu, but what to do when you have the flu. In our creation, we emphasized the importance of washing your hands to prevent spreading the virus, the correct way of washing, the importance of using a hand sanitizer, getting a flu shot and the importance of getting plenty of rest and eating correctly. Overall, I think it was planned perfectly and would continue to emphasize those same areas if I was to create this on my own.

For our team’s collaboration on this project, we used some email, a Wiki and an Office Live account. The wiki is where we did all of our collaboration, including brainstorming ideas, sharing our strengths, weaknesses, general comments with one another and very often to share compliments. It was also used as a way to keep in contact with one another as some of us were not “in our offices” due to family, vacation or other issues. The Office Live account was set up to share pictures and videos with one another, mainly because it was easier to upload and allowed more space. We also used it to do our “debriefing” on the project and decide our copyright attributions and how we would post it when complete.

Overall, I would be more than honored to work with our group again for future projects and I am proud that I have overcome some of the fears that I had of group projects. This has definitely been not only a learning opportunity in knowledge, but the opportunity to view myself and my skills in a new light.