Course+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? **  I did not come into this course with many specific outcomes in mind. I thought that we would learn to use video editing software and have to create some sort of video for later use in our eportfolios. In the course, we achieved the limited outcomes that I envisioned and much more. In addition to using PhotoStory, software that I had trained students on but had not used myself, we also got to evaluate 3 video editing softwares. This was excellent and unexpected because it gave me a chance to compare what I had been using with other options to ensure that my choice was the most effective. We all wonder if the software we chose is the best option for our needs but often do not have time to experiment with others. Lastly, we did create our own original video as I expected, but I did not expect to have to complete it in a group. This added an extra component because instead of just doing whatever you want, you had to collaborate with a group and give and receive ideas on topics and a direction for the PSA. This made the project more effective than I had originally envisioned because at this point we are all pretty good at working alone but we could always use more help working effectively in a group. Overall, this course more than aligned with the outcomes I had envisioned and too my surprise and pleasure, I got much more out of the course than I originally expected. I already had experience with video editing software but I also gained insight into video editing techniques and processes, collaboration strategies and reviews of other software. ** 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? ** The concepts covered in this course are relevant to my work at school, future positions and are also useful in my private life. In my current position, I teach students video editing concepts so I use both free software and the expensive Adobe Premiere. In future positions, there will probably definitely be times where I have to produce videos of concepts in action, training or things going on within the school district. We have a communications department that produces major videos in our own production studio but it will still be necessary for me to know how to create videos for my individual job purposes. Video editing is a useful skill, in the workforce, when editing family videos and teaching others so the skills learned in this course will benefit me in many ways in the years to come. In addition, the video editing techniques lea rned in this course will help me in producing videos for school as well as in teaching students to make better quality videos. The collaboration piece of the course also offered excellent learning opportunities by giving me "food for thought" in the videos and reading as well as additional practical during the PSA. Originally, I preferred to work alone but now I definitely see the added benefit of completing the project with a partner or group.

3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?  I believe that I achieved all the outcomes of the course, although it was definitely a struggle for me more than any other course. My daughter was born on August 24th, the day the course started by c-section. In my mind, I would be up and moving about rather quickly as this is my third child however it did not work out that way. Juggling an incision that was difficult to heal, daily doctor visits and a newborn in addition to meeting the requirements of the course proved very challenging for me. Since I am out on maternity leave, I envisioned having ample free time to complete all assignments with ease but that it not at all how it worked out. However, I was extremely grateful that Creighton was so flexible, understanding and easy to work with. He made the process as smooth as possible and helped me find a partner to complete the final project. ** 4. Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you? **  As I stated in question number 3, I was successful at achieving all the course outcomes and I completed all the assignments. The situation described in question number 3 certainly hindered my ability to complete some of the assignments as quickly as I originally expected to complete them. Getting behind on work was definitely discouraging to me as was the thought of my 4.0 GPA suffering. But, with some late nights, hard work, multi-tasking and a very helpful TA, I was able to successfully complete all the assignments within the course, even the PSA. In addition, I am very proud of the PSA and although I had experience using MovieMaker, this exercise greatly increased my proficiency in that software. ** 5. What did you learn from this course: about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes? ** I learned that although at times I prefer to work alone, collaborating with a team can be an "amplifing" experience that increases productivity and makes a better final product. As we all know, to effectively work as a team, the labor must be distributed equally and communication and common expectations are essential. Everyone has to be willing to put forth their best effort, not just enough to receive a grade. I increased my knowledge of video shooting techniques as well as gained invaluable experience in MovieMaker that I will use with my students, at home with my family and in future job positions. I served in a leadership capacity in my group by facilitating the research and production and communicating expectations with group members. This course was a valuable experience that increased my video production knowledge base and expertise, gave me another portfolio piece and gave me another opportunity to collaborate with my peers.