Group Video Project EDM 310

The group video project was an overall enjoyable assignment. The purpose of our project talked about the budget cuts that are made in schools. I learned a lot of information that I did not know prior to this assignment through all of the research we did. In our project we included facts about budget cuts, narration, video clips, and we also acted out specific scenarios.
There were a few obstacles we had when putting this project together. Since a team member had to miss a day, it left us having to meet outside of the class time we had. The hardest part, in my opinion, was finding the facts we wanted to include. Since there were so many different facts it was also difficult to decide which route we wanted to go with the filming. This project also helped me get accustomed to iMovie since I am used to Movie Maker instead. I think our group did a great job despite the time limit we had for the summer semester, and we are very pleased with how it turned out.

EdPuzzle

Edpuzzle is a great tool for teachers to use to get their students prepared for a new lesson. I enjoyed creating my Edpuzzle video, and enjoyed watching my group member's videos as well. A few things I feel that would be most helpful when forming a video is including several narrations of the teacher's voice, because it will grab the students attention. Including questions throughout the video will also help get the students engaged in this activity. Having more than one style of asking questions would be useful as well, because it gives the students different ways to answer the question. I was very pleased with mine and my teammates Edpuzzle video, and I will most likely use this in the future for my own class one day.

Free App Trailer Process

Making the free app trailer for this class was an overall enjoyable experience. I learned many new things about technology throughout this process. This was my very first time working with Movie Maker. I was very nervous going into this project, because I had never worked with something like this before and had no clue what I was doing. After trying different things and playing around with the app I felt more comfortable about this assignment.
The app I chose to advertise in my free app trailer is a free math app, called Monster Math, that is great for a first through fifth grade math level. I think this is a great way for students to practice their math skills, and teachers can even integrate this into the classroom if they choose to do so for extra practice. I did not have any trouble finding facts and pictures to include in the trailer, however the editing part of the process seemed to be difficult for me at first. I had trouble editing the music and the video clips so that it would run smoothly, but after playing with it a few times I finally got it up and running smoothly. I do wish I had a little more time to work on this assignment, but overall I am proud of the finished product, being that this was my first time working with Movie Maker. This was an enjoyable experience for me, and I will possibly use this form of technology one day in my future classroom.

Guest Speaker Presentation

I learned a lot of great information from our guest speaker, Dave Walker, in class the other day. He taught our class some great techniques to use when recording a video production. I honestly did not know the things you could record off of your personal phone, and still have it look professionally done. He was very helpful and answered any questions the class had about video technology.
One thing I learned from his presentation is when recording a video from your personal iPhone or Android device, it is best to film it horizontally instead of vertically. Also when using lighting, natural light is the best source to get the best lighting. He presented many more helpful tips throughout the presentation that will help me and my group throughout this course during our group projects. Learning from his presentation helped me feel a little more confident when it comes to video technology.

Assistive Technology In The Classroom

There are many tools teachers can use to assist students who need extra accommodations. With the help of assistive technology students may feel more comfortable in the classroom. One form of assistive technology I found may be helpful is an app called Audio Exam Player. This app gives students a way to independently hear exam questions, instead of having it read to them aloud in person. There are many students who have this test accommodation, and may feel more comfortable using this app.
I would use this app in my classroom by allowing the students who need this testing accommodation to use this app during an exam. I would provide them with all the materials, such as headphones, for the time of the exam. I feel that this would make the student feel more comfortable because not all children want the extra attention of having a test read aloud to them. This app could possibly help raise test scores because the student is focused on hearing the questions and answers, instead of having to sound out words and concentrate on what they mean.

EDM Initial Thoughts

There are many things I am expecting to get out of this course. I have heard many mixed reviews about this class, some good and some bad. Before I ever stepped foot in this class, I will admit I was a bit nervous because of previous students having a terrible semester with this specific course. So far I am thinking that I will most likely enjoy this class, because I can use the materials I learn this semester in my future classroom one day. I am not fully confident in my technology skills, but taking this course and having classmates there for support will definitely help build confidence.
One thing I am excited for already, is to learn how to make app trailers and short clips. I am familiar with PowerPoint, but not so familiar with adding short clips and sound to make it have a movie effect. I am looking forward to gaining knowledge about technology so it can benefit my future students. I can already tell this will be a successful and enjoyable course.