EDLD+5363+reflections

 1. What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned? This course exceeded my expectations. When reading the course title, I envisioned things like advanced powerpoint or other presentation softwares. I did not imagine video production. I found week one, digital photo story, very helpful. I love trying to find new ways to present information. The photostory was easy to do and can be very powerful to the viewers. I had not previously used this specific format, but enjoyed learning it. I also had not expected the creation of a public service announcement to be so involved. I found myself constantly re-reading the assignments to make sure I was not missing information. I think I will now set my expectations higher.

 2. To the extent that you achieved the outcomes, are they still relevant to the work that you do in your school? Why or why not? I found this course and its outcomes very relevant to my current position. My students wrote part of the script and were part of the talent in the PSA. The students are very excited to see the final PSA as well as use the footage to create one themselves. I am also using this same format with the //Odyssey//. Students are using storyboards to keep a summary of what is read each day. They will use the storyboards to write a script. After the planning/script writing, the students will create sets and perform the //Odyssey.// This format of media is very appealing to my students and the faculty at my school. I can foresee several other teachers using this media format in the future.

 3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them? I came into the course with the expectations to work with presentation softwares. Since the class focused on video, I did not accomplish the outcomes I had entered the class with. I was very happy with the turn of events in relation to the actual class outcomes. I feel that I still need to work on editing skills and using Audacity. I feel pretty comfortable using programs to edit video, but audio still scares me. I am hoping that my students will be able to help teach me!

 4. Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you? The course assignments were fairly straight forward. I did not experience trouble completing the various aspects of each. I was discouraged during the actual production of the PSA. Our group ended up with six members, two of whom did not participate much. Our group emailed several times a week to discuss ideas and progress. Those two members did not respond to email or attend group chats. I found it very frustrating to work in that situation. I wanted to offer opportunities for all members to participate, but also did not want to wait till the last minute to do the PSA. The four of us who did particpate and shared the load, got along well and completed a great PSA.

 5. What did you learn from this course: about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?  I have learned that I can add to my technology skills. I need to give each new technology skill several days of practice before I "give up". I also found that if I am experiencing a bad day or frustration of any kind, I do not learn technology skills very well. I was able to apply my new skills immediately in my classroom. This helped cement my skills and confidence. I found sharing leadership with two other women in my group to work well. We each had an area in which we led, but could all work well together to accomplish goals. I do see the need to set goals/due dates along the way to help others (and myself) with time management. I struggled with my attitude towards the end of the project due to the issues with my group members. Other than that, I believe I have had a positive experience and have a positive attitude concerning technology.