This course exceeded my expectations. The course provided me new knowledge about how to best create video for effective learning. Before the class I had created videos for my students to introduce topics and for step by step instructions. So I was very comfortable with creating videos but I can now produce multimedia with the correct combination of media types to fit the needs of individual students. According to the “Texas Long Range Plan for Technology”, “Learning no longer can be “one-size fits all,” It must be tailored to the individual and accomplished through a multitude of learning resources, digital content, and multimedia resources in a variety of learning environments” (TEA, 2006).
In this class I stepped forward and accepted the role of group leader. As the leader I encouraged everyone to participate in the planning and creation of the project. I value the input of my colleagues and seek feedback on completed tasks.
This class also helped me see the value of Google docs in the collaborative process. I agree with Solomon and Schrum (2007, p. 103) when they say that “…Web 2.0 should be used authentically to enable educators to understand and become comfortable with the tools and their potential as preparation for using them in their classrooms”. I created a Google doc and shared it with the group. We meet online to chat while creating and editing our production plan.
This course has equipped me with additional resources to help make the integration of technology in the classroom easier for teachers. In October I am scheduled to facilitate a few Digital video classes. One of the things that I am going to share with the teachers is the Audacity Online Manual. I also have more open source video editing software to share with the teachers.
The principles of effective multimedia are extremely relevant in my development of multimedia for the classroom. According to Shank, “Multimedia can offer layers of beneficial resources, provide gratuitous information leading to frustration and overload, or anything in between” (Shank, 2005, p. 2). My goal is to use proven practices to produce effective multimedia for teachers and students. The redundancy principle that “learning is better with animation and narration than from animation, narration, and on-screen text,” (Shank, 2005, p. 8) will help me produce effective multimedia for my students. I plan to further explore the principles that influence the effectiveness of multimedia and how they can be applied to improve student performance directly and indirectly.
References
Shank, P. (2005, December). The Value of Multimedia in Learning. ADOBE Design Center. Retrieved from http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/thinktank/valuemedia/The_Value_of_Multimedia.pdf
Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2.0: new tools, new schools. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.
Texas Education Agency. (2006, November). Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020 (Rep.). Retrieved from http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=5082&menu_id=2147483665