MovieMaker Tutorial Podcast

Group Project Collaboration

The production of this PSA was very engaging. Along with my group, collaboration occurred with ease. Each member had a specialty that enabled us to target each area of the production stages from pre to final post (Alicia with editing, Laura with writing and myself with storyboard drawings).

The planning process included frequent meetings to go over ideas such as voiceovers, effects,shots and sound that would enhance our video. The whole process of creating the PSA was tedious but the outcome was more than what I expected. There were no evident areas of improvement. In fact I believe because of our continuous communication via Google Wave, we grasp every element and portrayed it in the final product from the script writing to storyboard drawing, film shots to audio and editing and of course Creative Commons for licensing.

In the end, the group's collaboration and interaction became our strongest attribute.     

Creative Commons License

Don't Text, Don't Drive by Alicia Brooks, Laura Hearnsberger, Julie Perez is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

Web Conferencing - Collaborative Opportunity

Web conferencing can be a great way to converse with classmates. The purpose of these meetings are to discuss course assignments and assist those who need help in completing. There have been instances when the assignment directions are not clear. And we get bombarded with revision after revision and are left with questions.

More than any, I have been given great feedback on course work. Collaborating with colleagues give us an opportunity to receive ideas and resources that we may not have received otherwise. Other times, I feel they are nothing more than a meet and greet forum in which colleagues choose to interact and have discussion on personal topics.

Overall, I am glad that we do have an opportunity to discuss course work and share via web conferencing. This had been a great addition in group interaction.

Video Editing Preference

As I reflect on the video editing software applications, I have found that although each have more strengths than weaknesses, selection is based on preference.

I have actually used both applications with somewhat limited success. Let me begin with MovieMaker. I loved that it was so user-friendly and I was able to put together a video within minutes, but became quickly disenchanted. As I began the editing/rendering process, the program faults were exposed.  There was limited features and effects, not much of a selection. It was slow in processing and seem to freeze every time I updated. But I will say this much for this application, it allowed for ease in sharing and saving movie back to DV tape on my camera. It does support most video formats with full quality HD or compressed Flash/cell phone video and those formats that aren't supported can be downloaded to convert to MovieMaker preference of .avi.

So I turned to iMovie, which was very impressive with it's wide variety of effects, transitions, titles and great looking templates. Keep in mind, I had used an earlier version and was very content with it. It was time consuming only because it offered so many features. Then, came the update, not good at all. First, I became frustrated with it's new interface. I asked, "where is everything?' I honestly lost patience and did not explore the program thereafter. I will say that every Apple product as we know is an excellent integrate with other Mac programs. The capabilities it has for green screen effect, picture in picture, music tracks (GarageBand) and creative titles is enough to enjoy the program all together. After processing video, I liked that it allowed you to utilized iDVD and offered an array of templates to input followed by a quick rendering process.

In the end, I would prefer MovieMaker for quick video processing and iMovie for more professional looking videos.

Personal Digital Story

As I reflect on the project this week, I come to realize how important it is for me to keep precious moments alive. I based my video on my husband, who has had a tremendous year receiving accolades that he is well deserving of. I've kept photos but never had the opportunity to develop a video detailing his achievement.

This course has allowed me to do this. It has also given me an opportunity to learn and utilize tools that can help me in the classroom. I will definitely incorporate the Photo Story concept.

Took 8.1 CARE Model: Planning Tool

Identify Concerns that must change (look to the future)

1. Administration support
2. Faculty participation
3. Technical support

Identify Affirmations that must be sustained (look to the present)

1. Teacher collaboration in the form of department/team meetings
2. Utilize "Late Start" meeting times every week for review/discussion
3. Confirmation/Knowledge in the need for change

SMART Recommendations that must be implemented: (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely)

1. There is specific need for technology - integration in content area
2. New technology in campus will help in attaining goal (technology integration)
3. The relevance of technology in content will enable teachers/students tie-in into new innovative ideas and concepts

Evaluate - Specifically and Often

1. Classroom observation
2. Team collaboration/discussion
3. Reflection/Complete assignment projects

Harris, S. Edmonson, S., & Combs, J. (2009). Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools

Challenges we must face... but can also use to our advantage!

 The challenges I foresee in implementing my action research study is involving transition. At this point and time, I will have a new principal along with three new assistants. This is actually a new administration team. I recently spoke to one assistant who is remaining and he stated, "as with anything there will be some changes, but we will try and transition with no interruptions." This is probably one of my main concerns because I am not sure if I will receive administration support for my project due to the fact that our campus is desperately trying to reset a weak structure, dealing with compliance issues and low performing standardized testing. This is only one concern amongst others that includes; faculty turnover, participation, timing, lack of resources and implementation. Whew... if that is not enough.

So my plate is full in planning to address the challenges. I will begin by meeting with my site mentor to discuss possible ways we can overcome these concerns and schedule an appointment with my new principal and basically "sell' my project to her. One tool I can use and present is the CARE Model: Planning Tool (Harris, 2009). The information on this form will identify, recommend and evaluate the concerns that need to be addressed. Preparation of an idea is key.

Harris, S., Edmonson, S. & Combs, J. (2009). Examining what we do to improve our schools: 9 steps from analysis to action. Larchmont, N.Y.: Eye on Education.

Action Research Plan

GOAL  
All BAHS personnel will integrate technologies to meet instructional and productivity goals.

OBJECTIVE
Design and support educator professional development that integrates technology into teaching and learning, instructional management and administration. In the process, continue to maximize the use of technology to meet instructional and productivity goals on an ongoing basis.

ACTIVITY PROCESS

Needs Assessment - Survey to determine the needs and obstacles teachers are encountering regarding the use of technology.

• Resource/Research Tools: Computer lab and SurveyMonkey
• Timeline: First two weeks of beginning of school year
• Persons Responsible: Julie Perez and Business Academy Faculty
• Process for Monitoring: Completion of survey by academy members and interviews
• Assessment/Evaluation: Collect and analyze results
  

Professional Development/Integrate Technology - Provide technology and train campus teachers in the use of technology integration strategies.

• Resource/Research Tools: Computer lab 
• Timeline: School year
• Persons Responsible: Julie Perez and CTE/Business Academy Faculty
• Process for Monitoring: Faculty participation in staff development and teacher/CTE mentoring collaboration
• Assessment/Evaluation: Weekly meetings with academy members to discuss and reflect on integrated lessons with technology
  

Continuous Training - Provide follow up training and learning opportunities.

• Resource/Research Tools: Computer lab and SurveyMonkey
• Timeline: School year - Every quarter during early release day
• Persons Responsible: Julie Perez and CTE/Business Academy Faculty
• Process for Monitoring: Classroom observations and teacher collaboration
• Assessment/Evaluation: Content/CTE teacher presentation of integrated projects at monthly academy meetings.
  

Action Research Topic

How can I best facilitate teacher professional development to aid in their knowledge of technology and integration of CTE and academic model throughout the high school curriculum?

Possible Action Research Topics

The three topics I have chosen as possibilities for action research are:

• Professional Development in the area of Technology
• Student Failure Rate
• Team Collaboration

Week Two - Action Research Topics

This week I have learned quite a few things about action research topics. It has been interesting to learn that the topics discussed in our readings are similar to those that continue to exist today. From failure rates to professional development to learning communities, amongst others... all are affected in some way. Why? Because these concerns have not been properly dealt with, therefore you continue to see them exist. You would think that Principals and Leaders of today have sustained some form of training in "building a successful" campus. This does not seem to be the case.

At our district they are required to continue their education by attending mandatory trainings to help them in areas of improvement and sustain continued success in areas of strengths. But it seems fruitless when they return to their campus and continue in their old ways. Reflection is one element that needs to play an integral part in one's success.

Stagnation is the kiss of death. Growth from one's reflection is an indicator of self improvement with benefits on behalf of student, faculty and campus success.

EDUCATIONAL LEADERS AND BLOGGING

Educational leaders who use 21^st Century Technology tools such as blogs stand to gain more insight globally. Blogs will give the latest news, provide inspiration and ensure up-to-date education technologies. These are essentials for becoming a more knowledgeable and resourceful leader.

I HAVE LEARNED...

I have learned that action research is a process that examines one’s own educational practices in a systematically way (self-reflective). It helps in assisting assessing needs, documenting the steps of inquiry, analyzing data, and making informed decisions that can lead to desired outcomes. To explain it in more in detail; it allows educators to work on problems that they themselves have identified. In turn, they become more effective when they examine and asses their own work and consider ways of working differently. This helps when individuals spread the wealth by collaborating amongst other colleagues and encourage them to share (develop a shared vision). Especially during professional development in which, I will utilize action research emphasizing technology.

The concerns are that the campus is not allowing for improvement in this particular area and limited resources are available. The question asked is why technology is not at the forefront. I’m sure there are plenty of contributing factors that limit improvement, but it can also provide how we can effectively implement a plan to promote positive change into the campus as a whole to benefit both the educator and more importantly the student.

What better opportunity to enhance our knowledge.

Instructional Design - Schoology

The benefits I see in utilizing online learning enables educators to reach a new kind of student. 21^st Century Technology today allows educators to learn and gain skills. Their innovative knowledge facilitates them to apply real world setting in their instruction. I see how educators have difficulty engaging students and in a changing world, online learning provides that and more.

Educators have the ability to design and implement online learning that accommodates each of the learning styles of auditory, visual and kinesthetic. Along with this, there is consistency in instruction that allows for increased retention. Those invested become experts and communicate knowledge to all involved.

One other benefit that is really the most influential factor in implementing online learning is reduced overall costs. Educators will be able to eliminate miscellaneous costs such as substitutes salaries which accrue due to time spent away for trainings and so forth. If there is anyone who would benefit the most from online learning, it would be the student.

This lends itself to implementing an already self made design that can be used to initiate a program for online learning. Those who have reservations on its purpose could see its possibilities (the buy-in) for our campus and district. Elevating the standards is vital in student success. We cannot falter when we require high expectations from our students. This makes no sense professionally. The product in itself must be useful and provide a need. Education is a need in all forms.

The introduction of Schoology gives us an opportunity to delve into technology like no other. Every element of communication is touched, in the form of blogging, discussion and visual resources. Online learning provides us a chance to multi-task in academics. The area of assignments, attendance, and grading is useful to administrators who can incorporate this learning management system into teacher evaluation. Production in and out of the classroom is important.

I mentioned the importance of online learning, I also must be realistic as to the possibility of implementing an online learning program to our district. I believe the district would like to see a program like this evolve but not many educators are experienced in the area of online learning. The opportunity for me to develop a pilot program here at my campus would be a perfect way to expose the benefits.

I have also come to realize that even though this option would reap the district benefits, each campus administrator has their individual take on innovative programs being brought into their campuses. The drawback is due to the fact that we still have a few who believe that traditional instruction is the way to go. The complexity of tasks associated with developing and delivering online courses seem time consuming.

In the end, the stakeholders formulate a shared vision that defines expectations for regular education in the district. My hope is to incorporate the same for online learning.

The questions that I may still inquire on will have to be submitted to my area campus and district. I have learned that this is a great way to deliver instruction and many educators approach teaching in an online environment with skepticism and excitement. To me the skepticism is that at this time we are having a profound amount of technical difficulties. The difficulties are actually quite extensive that it affects the progress of student achievement. Even more so, campuses are now reverting to traditional schedule. With time constraints already a factor, the question now becomes a concern in training educators – when?

There are other questions that I have regarding online learning that pertain to transitioning. The experience I have had regarding the implementation of new programs is not well received only because there is no longevity. If a program does not show success in a month or two, it is quickly weeded out.

Finally, as I mentioned before, technology has changed our environment. I have been exposed to endless possibilities that can help our educators evolve into a more productive, knowledgeable resource for online learning. If I cannot develop an online learning program at my campus, I will take my new found knowledge and implement it in my classroom. It truly would be ashamed if we just acquire information and just let it gather dust. Many times we complain about having to go to workshops and conferences and learn a great deal about instructional strategies but never implement them or follow up.

This will not be the case. As it is, we are five years behind in what technology should be today. The further we prolong online learning, the further we become in our own methods of instruction. I will lead by example and make an attempt to encourage my technology colleagues into accepting an online learning program in which we all can benefit from.