Blog #7: Group Video

Here is a link to our group video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6esgAlZ16E 
 

The first thing that I thought of when we were introduced to the group video was that if I volunteered to do the editing than I could duck being in front of the camera. That hope was thrown out as soon as I read the rubric. As I said in previous posts I am much more comfortable behind the camera. I came to learn that my group members were just as uncomfortable as I was in front of the camera, which was paradoxically comforting. For me, it felt like this detail made us more of a group. As we started filming the trepidation faded a little and we got more and more goofy. In a few of the takes we actually had some difficulty getting the shot because we were giggling so much. Though as I got the first of the footage I felt like I really got into my element.

The next challenge we came across was that we were missing a few points on the rubric, time limit and narration. This was a relative easy fix. All we needed to do was come up with a few more ideas to fill in the gaps and film them, which we did. We even managed to subtly incorporate our group name. I really love editing, weather it is with videos or pictures. It reminds me of making art, which I guess it is. I had a lot of fun with this assignment; that seems to be a going trend in this class. Hey, you won’t catch me complaining!

Blog #6: K-State Video

Here is the link to the K-State Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGCJ46vyR9o 

Although this video is nearly 10 years old it is still very relevant in today’s educational system. At the beginning of the video when the camera shows the writing on the walls and desks my inner teacher cringed. It bothered me to think that the students were more focused on writing those messages that what was being taught in class. Later when the students in the classroom were showing the issues they had written down I could relate to most of them. For example the fact that they were going to have tens of thousands of dollars in debt by time they graduate with no sure way to earn enough to pay it back any time soon is all too relatable. Although, the education program at South does address that concern by placing us in schools where we can build rapport with professionals in the field. I’m sure other programs do something similar, but not to the same extent.

Another concern that was brought up was how many teachers require students to purchase hundred dollar textbooks that they never use. College kids are generally very strapped for cash at the best of times so adding that hefty expense is a real struggle. Many teachers realize this and are switching to online material that can better suit their subject matter. This is double appropriate because students of this generation are surrounded by technology and are more confortable with it’s use than traditional texts.

Blog #5: Guest Speaker for Video Production

Here is the link to the powerpoint from Mr. David Walker's lecture:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1q-sTZkCIbgg7HqWmfQaS0vIP9aEJN2ny9sPmH_ZQtow/edit#slide=id.gde32d56e7_0_178

Today’s lecture by Mr. David Walker about video production with iPhones opened my eyes to the potential of the media that I had not seen before. Mr. Walker pointed out many of the common mistakes that I had not thought of before as well as what to do to fix them. Suddenly it feels like I can do so much more with just the camera on my phone. Mr. Walker recommended many different pieces of equipment for the best possible results, but I think for my purposes I can work with the tools already at my disposal.

One of the videos we watched had 5 tips to improve video quality. It had a more colorful name, but you get the idea. The five tips were think in shots, don’t shoot till you see the white of their eyes, keep the brightest light behind you, treat your video like a still camera, and keep your video short. All of these things have a reason and can be accomplished with very little effort, if you know what you’re doing. I’m not looking forward to being in a video again, but I’m very excited about this project.

Blog #4: Videos in Education

Here is the link to the Let's use video to reinvent education video:
http://www.ted.com/talks/salman_khan_let_s_use_video_to_reinvent_education?language=en#t-984589 

This video had many insights that I had never thought of before. I have always been a fan of supplementing classroom education with online resources, but I never thought about reversing the process as suggested in the video. I love the possibility of having the students watch the material at home, at their own pace, and doing the activities in class where the teacher can help. This way the teacher can correct any mistakes before the student practices the concept incorrectly.

Placing lectures online makes learning a less intimidating and more customizable experience. This opens it up to a whole different type of discussion where no one feels pressured to join in and responses can be read and reread if someone doesn’t understand. The same thing goes for watching and rewatching the video. People can comment if they have a question and anyone can answer. Mr. Khan also pointed out that by having these kinds of discussions online it literally opens up a whole world of knowledge, which is what I believe education is all about.