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1. Are you finding the information and resources you need?
So far I have found some interesting resources. I have also had some links provided by Lindsey that I will look into later this week. Panning of photos is something I would like to look into and Lindsey has provided some links to help me do so.
Update 3/24/11: I have just looked at the posts Lindsey provided. SHe provided some great resources for panning and scanning photos so as to provide a movement feel. The best and most accessible is MemoriesOnTV blog posting. It seems to be the most user friendly and direct software to use. I will download the software and experiment with it.
2. Do you need to modify your action plan?
The only modification I believe my plan will need is to strengthen the purpose. While my goal is to become better acquainted with video editing software for the students to use I would like to take that even further and make the ultimate goal to be to produce a documentary on a given subject. I do not want to students to simply stand in front of a camera and read from a research report while incorporating effects. I want a near professional documentary based on research conducted. The students will introduce and conclude the documentary and provide closing credits to use as a reference page.
3. What have you learned so far?
So far I have learned that most editing software is very user friendly. Some of the newer ones offer a variety of effects, panning, and transition features. In fact, I have learned that it might be best to stay with Movie Maker or Live Movie Maker. Granted, the effects and transitions and extra features are limited; however, I can just picture the students spending more time than is necessary adding all sorts of needless effects to try to impress one another. Limiting the effects will help them stay focused.
4. What new questions have arisen?
The only new questions that have arisen is where to find some decent converters. I want to be able to convert the videos over to other video file types (FLV, AVI, etc) if needed. AVI files take up less space than and WMV file. Some of the students may even prefer to convert to a different format. I have downloaded and tested one converter and it is working well, but it only converts WMV files to AVI files. Otherwise, I have no new questions that have not been answered already by responses or through research.
Shawn
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Hi Shawn,
ReplyDeleteI’m so glad you were able to find some of my links useful! I will be following your progress using MemoriesOnTV blogs. I like what you said about using simple software so that students don’t get carried away with only using the effects without meaning. It is one of the things I like about using the panning feature. Just like when Ken Burns uses it, it can allow students to focus their storytelling; as they focus on a significant story element, so can the visual focus on a particular face, or political sign, or other element.
And yes, the “notecard” on camera report is just about the worst thing to sit through. If you find a foolproof way to prevent it, let me know. In terms of converters, is there a way to avoid needing one at all? Are there any ways to record in the format you want from the beginning?
In thinking about the limited effects again, once you feel comfortable with what you’ve created, maybe try opening it up again. Sometimes the kids can really surprise you with their creativity.
Following with interest,
Lindsay