This was certainly one of the most interesting weeks this semester – we got to see the Mac’s video software: iMovie and actually got to see the production of a movie clip by professor Portacio. It was neat – and the reaction of the students was just as interesting – there are hams and there are NOT hams in the class! The software seems, at least on demo, easy to use and logical – in a way similar to Flash but easier to use. The smooth integration of CD music tracks along with the video and the transitions, etc. was very powerful – and I might add exciting. I can see how the kids would eat the stuff up!
The logic of the video creation process was in some ways a review for me. Last semester I took a computer animation class and I am familiar with scripting and story boarding – although the format template given to us was straight forward and interesting.
Additionally, our group interaction produced what was a real neat concept and idea how to put the project together for the filming next week. Once again proving in some ways the power of the many heads together… It was like watching the Apollo 13 movie – not quite as critical mind you – LOL – but just as powerful. The ideas came flying and we just had a great time playing out the possibilities among ourselves. I think Thea, Bob, Bonnie, Ginny and myself make a great team – I guess the production next week will tell – huh? One last comment: we all got our assignments and tasks for next week – they ranged from communications, to props, to e-mail scripts, to self-training on the software, etc. It promises to be an intensive week prior to the “shoot”!
In regards to the reading this week, Filming Compassion, I found the article interesting and revealing. For example I did not know that there was such emphasis on Service Learning in today’s curricula in public schools. I know for sure that in private schools the service learning component is key in a student’s education specially in Christian schools – what I did not realize is that it is now being done in public schools. I think this is a very good move on the part of schools.
The innovative use of video production to have the students learn about the non-profit and actually emulate a project to be done for the organization was very inventive. To think about the possibilities of what this implies: it is a job, a project, a deliverable that is due to the non-profits all created by students! The students learn about the organization and the technology. They become probably more than acquainted with the use of the camera equipment, the editing process, coordination, scripting, story boarding, etc. In addition, the interaction with the “customers” and the delivery of their product had to be beneficial to all concerned: the client, students, and teachers as well.
I also found the article’s rubric categories and expected behaviors/outcomes very comprehensive although the grading categories of Exemplary to Incomplete seemed a bit strange to me – the Incomplete gets 1 point – and the Nearly Proficient gets 2 points – does this make any sense? I guess since this is a voluntary type of effort they seem to reward the kids with one point even though they did not do a story board, their introduction was missing, the tape was poorly edited, the tape had a very poor pace, the team was uncooperative and the tape bored the audience to death – but hey its ok – they showed up! Its worth a point – don’t you think? Some of this left me with some questions? I guess real life will answer some of these questions soon enough.
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