For my web 2.0 tool I chose to look at ‘iMovie’. While ‘iMovie’ has been an application on my computer since I bought it 6 years ago, I have never once opened the tool. It is clear that I have been missing out on this great resource. At times technology can intimidate me and I tend to shy away from unfamiliar tools, products and applications unless necessary. I can honestly say I regret not using this tool sooner. Last week I opened the app to explore its features, and I ended up starting my digital story. So far my favourite feature is the flawless connection between ‘iPhoto’ and ‘iTunes’ where I can drag and drop music and pictures that are already on my computer. Apple products never cease to amaze me. One area I need to work on is my music trimming and fading. I have attempted to use 4 songs so far, and I feel that the transition from one song to the next needs improvement. I will hopefully find a way to fade the volume of the songs into the next one opposed to just cutting it off directly at the next song. Another feature that I really enjoy is that you can choose the length of time each picture is shown. This feature will allow me to display more significant pictures for a longer period of time. This feature will enhance the overall effect and impact, and the audience will interpret the extended length as significant part of the story. Producing iMovie videos will increase my digital presence in a positive, professional and polished way. The video quality and application has many excellent features that will help to demonstrate my digital skills and abilities.
This application came preloaded onto my computer as it does for all Mac and Macbook users. However, it is an application that can be easily downloaded through the app store for $6.99 onto your phone, iPad or other devices. The terms of use include 8 pages of information, which can be read online in many different languages. Most interestingly it is noted that, this product is for non-commercial use, but can be used by individuals as well as educational institutions (Apple, 2013). I feel that it is an important feature of this product that schools, teachers and students are eligible to use this tool to facilitate learning and more specifically digital storytelling.
As a teacher candidate I realize the importance of trying and using a tool before I assign it to my class. It is important to have the knowledge and skills to troubleshoot problems and know where to look for answers and solutions. So far, my experience has been exciting with minimal frustration. While certain elements, such as the music trimming have taken longer then expected it has been a learning experience. I continue to ask myself questions throughout this trial period, and I find that the answers are usually fairly accessible. I am feeling more confident in my abilities and I believe that an elementary school class would be able to handle using this tool. I feel at any grade level this could be used. The amount of support, and overall expectations can be modified to each class, in order to suit their abilities. I feel that students in junior grades would excel when using this tool. I intend to introduce this tool to my next placement class, as well as the class I volunteer in. I think that this tool would be a great way to celebrate class activities by displaying, narrating, and digitizing stories with pictures and videos.
The classroom I volunteer in takes part in some exciting events throughout the year such as the Elmvale Fall Fair. Documenting this event and producing a digital story as a class would be an excellent way for the students to learn and create an inclusive story with meaning and emotion. The students could display the video at assembly’s or in online forums (if parent permission is granted). I feel that having students create a digital story like this would add to their digital presence, as they could all take ownership and display their skills in digital literacy.
Finished iMovies can be shared using a number of methods. You can choose to share your video to, iTunes, iDVD, media browser, youtube, mobile me gallery, email, facebook and quicktime player. I have not decided how I will share or export my video yet, but I am open to trying a few different methods.
Overall, this web 2.0 tool is incredible. Evidently I have been missing out on many opportunities to use this great resource. With the basic skills I have learned over the past couple weeks I feel confident in my abilities to produce a digital story for this project, as well as for future projects.
Reference:
Apple. (2013). iMovie. APPLE INC. iMOVIE SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT.
Retrieved from: http://www.apple.com/legal/sla/docs/iMovie.pdf
This application came preloaded onto my computer as it does for all Mac and Macbook users. However, it is an application that can be easily downloaded through the app store for $6.99 onto your phone, iPad or other devices. The terms of use include 8 pages of information, which can be read online in many different languages. Most interestingly it is noted that, this product is for non-commercial use, but can be used by individuals as well as educational institutions (Apple, 2013). I feel that it is an important feature of this product that schools, teachers and students are eligible to use this tool to facilitate learning and more specifically digital storytelling.
As a teacher candidate I realize the importance of trying and using a tool before I assign it to my class. It is important to have the knowledge and skills to troubleshoot problems and know where to look for answers and solutions. So far, my experience has been exciting with minimal frustration. While certain elements, such as the music trimming have taken longer then expected it has been a learning experience. I continue to ask myself questions throughout this trial period, and I find that the answers are usually fairly accessible. I am feeling more confident in my abilities and I believe that an elementary school class would be able to handle using this tool. I feel at any grade level this could be used. The amount of support, and overall expectations can be modified to each class, in order to suit their abilities. I feel that students in junior grades would excel when using this tool. I intend to introduce this tool to my next placement class, as well as the class I volunteer in. I think that this tool would be a great way to celebrate class activities by displaying, narrating, and digitizing stories with pictures and videos.
The classroom I volunteer in takes part in some exciting events throughout the year such as the Elmvale Fall Fair. Documenting this event and producing a digital story as a class would be an excellent way for the students to learn and create an inclusive story with meaning and emotion. The students could display the video at assembly’s or in online forums (if parent permission is granted). I feel that having students create a digital story like this would add to their digital presence, as they could all take ownership and display their skills in digital literacy.
Finished iMovies can be shared using a number of methods. You can choose to share your video to, iTunes, iDVD, media browser, youtube, mobile me gallery, email, facebook and quicktime player. I have not decided how I will share or export my video yet, but I am open to trying a few different methods.
Overall, this web 2.0 tool is incredible. Evidently I have been missing out on many opportunities to use this great resource. With the basic skills I have learned over the past couple weeks I feel confident in my abilities to produce a digital story for this project, as well as for future projects.
Reference:
Apple. (2013). iMovie. APPLE INC. iMOVIE SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT.
Retrieved from: http://www.apple.com/legal/sla/docs/iMovie.pdf