901: Create A Video

This module has truly been a lot of fun.....LOTS of WORK but a lot of fun! I attempted to do a couple videos last school year and ran into some issues with the device I was using and then with some limitations on the video creator I opted to go with, so I struggled a bit until I just stopped trying. Therefore, I knew that this module would be a challenge for me but that if I pushed through, it would pay off.

What you see below, is what I call a success on many levels:

• The script and slides (after many "takes") came out pretty well;
• The animations and visuals are appealing and relatable to my audience;
• The video has humor infused throughout;
• The objective and topic defined; and,
• A real-life story-line was used to help my students make connections.

I will use this video to offer:

• Supplemental information to previous instruction;
• To help understand the concept and vocabulary;
• Remedial practice to help students review or relearn the skill as needed; and,
• For differentiation.

I feel that this video addresses both Constructivism by utilizing real-world applications; and, Multiple Intelligence theory through the variety of visuals, realism, movement, hands-on, and interpersonal aspects.

Reflection on The Creation Process

I began by creating Google Slides as this was a format that I am comfortable with. This allowed me to "set the stage" so to speak, for my lesson and the video process. The slides were revised several times, as I practiced my script and added in animations that I felt would be helpful for me to create a believable story-line that my students could follow easily and remained engaged. Once I felt my slides were ready, I downloaded the application for Screencast-O-Matic. Never having used this platform before, I did view a few of the Tutorials before beginning the recording process. The steps to record, edit, and (finally) publish were pretty easy and straight-forward. It did take MANY attempts until I settled on the one you see above. There are still a couple of areas that I felt could have been more polished, but all-in-all, I am happy with the results.

Things that didn't quite work:

Initially, I planned to use my "BAMBOO Ink" pen to write out the math problems, but there was, likely, user error when I attempted to use Slides, Screencast-O-Matic, and BAMBOO draw simultaneously. The tabs and "buttons" to allow me to (seamlessly) go between on/off with the pen, were a bit cumbersome so I decided to "scrap" that option (for now) and just prepare additional pieces to my slides which would replace the written version of the problems. I think that this actually helped keep it better organized since I then added in additional arrows and animations to keep the script and story going for my audience.

Although I am proud of what I accomplished, there are more things that I would like to do for my next, such as: inset visual of me as I speak through the video; and, figuring out a better way to create notes both for myself as well as my viewers. Additionally, I would like to have some sort of "quiz" embedded so that I could assess their understanding after they view the video.