Course+Reflection+(Educ+5363)

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? ** When I started this course my envisioned outcomes were that by the end of the course I would be able to do work using various multimedia. I didn’t really know what to expect or how that would happen, but I wanted something that would be practical that I could use with my students. I wanted something that I could take back to my school and share with the staff – something that might excite them to think of trying something new and different.
 * Course Reflection **

I believe I achieved those outcomes. When I re-read the learning and performance outcomes from the syllabus, I feel I have achieved all of them to some degree. I now know how to use Photo Story, Movie Maker, and how to plan, design, develop and evaluate a project using these tools. I learned how to work with a group using the strengths of each member to create a video. I learned how to edit movie and music clips. I was able to participate in the web conference. I used collaborative Web 2.0 resources to work with my team. I also learned how to use a blog and wiki. Although we had used the blog and wiki in our first course, I found this time it was much easier. I found I went to other classmates’ wikis to see their videos and photo stories. Reflecting then, I can say that I met and exceeded the outcomes I envisioned. The actual course outcomes aligned with and directed the work that I learned to do. I can see how I can take from the outcomes listed here and develop a project for my students that they can do and feel successful in completing.


 * 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 am an eighth grade English teacher, and I can see that the outcomes that were presented and achieved are very relevant in my school. I will be able to use these outcomes with my students. Already I can see that I could use PhotoStory for the students to write about themselves. They could also use it to create a photo story about a character from a book they read. The collaboration skills using Movie Maker and Audacity are invaluable to help my staff learn to work together on a project such as what we have done in this course. There is an element of safety in working in a group; if you don’t know how to do something, maybe someone else does, or at least you can work together to figure it out. From the practical experience we had in the course and the great written resources, I feel that I could present a workshop for my staff and students, where they can build confidence in their skills and develop a willingness to learn more.


 * 3. ** ** What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them? **

There was so much in this course to learn, and I would say that where I feel the weakest or feel I may not have achieved the outcome fully was due mainly to the time constraints. Although I made my own movie clip, incorporating still pictures, an edited movie clip and music, I was never able to get the narration correct. I finally just handed it in without narration. As a result, I don’t feel I completely figured that out, and I really didn’t know how or where to get help.

I loved working in a small group to make the PSA, but it was not without difficulty. We were very far from each other geographically, so most of our work was done in collaboration. The distance prevented us from all being involved in the filming and editing. Although we all commented on the editing and made suggestions, we did not all get the hands on experience with that. I would not change that assignment though, as the experience of working with others and helping get through the wrinkles that happen, helps make a better piece.
 * 4. ** ** Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you? **

I was successful in completing all the course requirements. I completed a Photostory, Short Movie Clip and a PSA and uploaded them to my wiki, as well as to TeacherTube and YouTube. As mentioned above, my only discouragement was not getting the narration down for my Movie Clip. I plan to try and figure that out, and make the changes. I learned that I am more willing to keep trying and not give up than I thought I was. There were times of frustration, but I would take a deep breath and keep trying to make it work. That was something that I am really proud of. I also learned that my technology skills are getting stronger, that I understand more of the terminology, and I am more willing to try things. As a result of this course, I have joined Facebook, Plurk, and use YouTube frequently (I was already familiar with TeacherTube) and have helped other people join as well. I did not realize how much good information could be found on YouTube. I think I had developed the opinion that it was just a lot of crazy stuff, but I have learned that along with the laughs, there are some very good resources that I could use at school.
 * 5. ** ** What did you learn from this course: about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes? **

I am confident in my leadership skills, and now I feel that I have gained the confidence to take on some leadership in technology at my school. I also learned that I am willing to not have to do everything. As teachers we get so used to working independently that sometimes it is hard to let go, but with our PSA, I had such a dedicated and supportive group, that I felt safe letting go, as I knew that the people I was working with were committed to producing a good quality product. A huge fear for me in having to depend on others is that I have to be willing to let go, and trust they will do their jobs. My team did work together well.