EDU+5363

[] PSA project
 * Reflection on EDLD 5363 Multimedia and Video Technology **

“Effective multimedia for learning requires carefully combining media in well-reasoned ways that take advantage of each medium's unique characteristics. The most effective multimedia provides learning experiences that mirror real-world experiences and let learners apply the content in various contexts" (Shank, 2009). This was a very interesting course. Working in a collaborative group develops team building skills or students . “The new way is collaborative, with information shared, discussed, refined with others, and understood deeply. It prepares students to become part of a nimble workforce that makes decisions and keeps learning as the workplace changes” (Solomon & Schrum, 2007). Using Audacity made including sound with the PSA easy. Doing voice overlays, cutting and splicing voice and sound was just phenomenal.

This course demonstrated how using integrating technology with collaborative grouping creates a winning combination. The technology presented in this course makes it possible for students to collaborate and produce a top quality project without having to physically meet at the same place and time. The potential the technology tools presents for in school activities are endless. From a teaching perspective, groups could be formed with members from different class periods and still produce a finished project without actually sitting down in a group talk session. “ Well-designed multimedia helps learners build more accurate and effective mental models than they do from text alone” (Shank, 2009). Using Google Chat makes it possible for team members to meet at their convenience to discuss plans and ideas. Wiki's and Blogs take group interaction to a new level. Preparing students for the 21st century requires educators provide students with technology skills that enhance their chances of being successful. Digital storytelling is another technology tool that can be easily integrated into the curriculum that uses technology in a collaborative learning environment that will get and keep students actively engaged. “ In today's digitized world, visual storytelling is a favorite classroom tool, and the affordability and accessibility of technology such as iMovie provides opportunities not imagined a decade ago” (New, 2005). The knowledge gained is immeasurable. This course went from demonstrating how to record a sound track to mixing and merging tracks, adding background music and voice over. Cutting and splicing video footage, making movies and creating new audio for the finished project was an awesome experience that even your reluctant student will never forget.

 ** References ** New, J. (2005). How to use digital storytelling in your classroom, //Edutopia.// []

Shank, P. (n.d.). The value of multimedia learning. //Think Tank. May 5, 2009// from []

Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). //Web 2.0: New Tools, New Schools//. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.