The Listserve through Google was a very simple part of this assignment. The walkthrough was very to the point and easy to follow. I had no problem setting up my Listserv and sending out a few invites to join it. I can really see the practicality of a mailing group such as this. It would be very convenient to set up a group for students, parents and even other teachers to do mass emails about assignments, upcoming events and other things such as that. Listserv mailing lists are definitely something I will be utilizing.
The movie was not quite as simple and quickly done. I had a bit of a bumpy start. I first realized that my computer was not equipped with Windows Movie Maker. After following a few links through Microsoft's help pages, I found a download link and was on my way. Finding the appropriate pictures for the story I had in mind wasn't too hard. A few Google image searches is all it took to find what I was looking for. I kept the movie down to a mere nine slides to keep things short and sweet. I was happy with the variety of transitions available, and I think I found appropriate ones for my movie. I had a bit of a problem with the narration, though. I was not able to find a narration option in Windows Movie Maker as the tutorial instructed. I assumed it had something to do with different versions of the program. I had to use another provided Microsoft program called Sound Recorder and import the .wav file of my narration into Windows Movie Maker and tweak the frame lengths so everything fit (mostly) right. The actual sound file of my narration came out incredibly soft, and after several tries, had no better luck. So, I apologize if you have to turn your volume way, way up to hear me speaking.
Overall, the movie making assignment was pretty fun and educational. I really think I could get used to using Windows Movie Maker and have a lot of fun while doing it.
Here are the links to my listserv and movie:
Movie
Listserv
Blog Reflection Week Ten (Website)
14 years ago
I enjoyed your slides. They provide an excellent visualization of your topic. I was unable to hear the sound. I also had trouble overlaying sound over voice in the movie I made, and needed to use various sound mixing techniques. The quality of the sound is lower then I had hoped but the equipment I have is not of high quality.
ReplyDeleteI agree the List Serv is an excellent communication tool, as long as all the students have access to the email at home, and all parents agree with the use of email for communication. As I explained in my comment to Reed, if I had a child in school, I would request notes be sent home since I do not always check my email. I would expect my child to give me communications daily, and consider it their responsibility to bring notes from the teacher home. I do not believe a parent should be required to carry a phone with text capabilities if they have a child in school. It is too expensive, and an added cost on top of home telephone service. We are asking too much.
Use of these devices is a luxury that not all families can afford. We are sold the items and told we need them by the companies that make the devices and sell the services, but why? Mandatory purchase and use is an added burden to each family’s utility costs. Unless we provide all students with text capable cell phones, and computers we can not require use of the technology in schools. It is unfair. Currently the government is trying to standardize education, and if we keep integrating technology, and furthermore mandate it, we will have to provide expensive computing and cellular technologies to all needy families. Where the average lower middle class can not afford the technology the poor will have the devices given to them by the government. The cost will be a heavy burden on those at the lower end of the middle class who do not qualify for subsidies, yet have cash strapped budgets, and go without purchasing high tech costly equipment and services.
I know teachers that use these tools, however, they check to make certain the student’s families have the equipment, and that the use of the equipment is not solely for the purpose of school. Therefore the expense was invested prior to the need at school. Here, locally where I live, many students do not have families who can afford computers, and cellular phones. How can we ask these children to communicate like those in more affluent areas? Furthermore, how do you require a busy working parent to find time (5 minutes per day) to check their email accounts for notices form school? Also, with intermitted internet communications as we have here in southern Mississippi, how do you ensure the ability to check your email when your internet access may not be functioning? Furthermore, what about the cost of the internet service? It is a monthly expense many can not afford.
The exercise was great, but things will have to change before teachers can use these technologies and be certain all students will benefit.
I enjoyed reading your reflection and sharing your experience. I am sure that you learned more from movie making than other projects because solving the problems encountered would force you to explore more applications and functions as what you described. This was a great learning experience although it took more time. Great job. I still couldn't hear your narration although I move my speaker's volume to the highest. There is no sound.
ReplyDelete