Reflection - Week 2 - EDLD 5363

This week I evaluated some video editing software. I actually had to try a couple of different types. I think my desktop computer is about to pass on to glory, which made it difficult to work with the software since it keep freezing up.

I also want to make a point here about webconferences. I enjoy the opportunity to review the activities with my classmates on the various web conferences that have been offered. However, and let me pause here a moment to play devil’s advocate, I will admit that it seems I’ve spent a lot of time doing nothing productive. I believe the instructors want to be involved in our classes and want us to be successful, but when there are so many of us in one class (especially when it involved the ED ADMIN classes), I felt as if nothing was being accomplished. Over 100 people in the class and only the first 100 could get into the session.
I also appreciate my classmates wanting to voice their concerns and questions, but isn’t that what the virtual office hours are for? Maybe we could be broken into smaller groups, meet via skype and discuss concerns and questions that are specific to our needs. Then one oerson in the group could send those questions to the IA’s. If the IA’s did not resolve any questions, then it could be referred to the professors. It’s just a thought.


Pinnacle Video Spin

Includes a 15 day trial of advanced video codecs (MPEG2, MPEG4, DivX). Just purchase the Advanced Codecs Pack. Saves in file formats avi, divX, iPod compatable, MPEG 1,2 and 4, Real Media, Sony PSP, and Windows Media
It took this software a while to download.

I downloaded from CNET. It also took a while to open. Once opened, it associated the video files that were on my computer. They were visible in the window at the left of the screen. Don’t see a way to capture video from this software, but you probably already have your video on the computer.

Screen opens in the Editing mode. Here you have buttons to select video, select transitions, create title slides, import images, add sound effects, or add music. You can preview video in the upper right section of the screen. If you like the video, you pull it to the timeline at the bottom of the window.

You pull the video to the timeline and make adjustments as needed. Right clicking on the video in the timeline area also allows you to create a title slide. The buttons are basic and intuitive.

This was a very good basic editing software, and I think it would be great for people who are just starting out. It’s not overwhelming with too many bells and whistles, but it does give you a variety of options to create a nice video. I think after playing with this for a while and getting used to the interface, you could easily decide to use Pinnacle Studio which is the big daddy version of VideoSpin.

My First Video (for EDLD 5363)

I really enjoyed creating the video this week. I will agree that the most difficult thing was getting started! I finally decided on what to do, and with the help of my partners, I whittled it down into a presentation that I'm proud of. I found so many ideas that I hope to use with my junior high students too!

EDLD 5363--Week 1 Reflection

Wow, where has the time gone! I think I missed posting for a whole section. The class of school law was really something. I learned a lot, but it reminded me why I'm not a lawyer! I always enjoy the opportunity to discuss various topics with my peers and that class certainly afforded me plenty of opportunities for just that.