PE2_iMovie

The iMovie series also taught me new concepts about utilizing transitions and themes in my movies.  I was unsure about applying themes to my videos, but this educational movie series has shown me how to make my movies more appealing through the themes that are featured in iMovie.

I still have to refine my video production skills but I think that I have a stronger understanding of the iMovie program that will help me improve the quality of my productions.

PE1_iMovie

I learned several interesting things about making movies after watching the movie series titled iMovie 11 Essential Training on www.lynda.com.  I would have loved to have had access to this series earlier in the program, as many of the things that were taught I have had to learn through my own “trial and error” experiences with iMovie. 

The first thing is, of course, becoming familiar with the equipment required to make movies.  I learned about the devices and connectors that are compatible with iMovie, and I learned how to distinguish among the different connectors:

I learned that it is possible to preview footage in iMovie when the source device (eg camera or other external source) is connected to the computer where iMovie is installed.  However, the footage must be imported in iMovie before a project can be created and editing can begin.  iMovie can import video files with the following extensions:  .mov, .mp4, and .dv.

As explained in the movies, the difference between tape-based and tapeless camera imports is that the contents from tapeless cameras are available for preview in iMovie so it is easier to find and select the desired items for import.

BP2_LittleBirdTales

The tool I chose for my research is called LittleBirdTales (www.littlebirdtales.com).  I chose this site because I think it has a great deal of potential as a teaching tool.  By providing a format whereby children can create and tell their own stories to create online books, this site helps reinforce lessons in grammar, art, composition, analytical thinking, reading, and writing (not to mention the lessons it can teach about computer and web technology).

The best part of this tool is that children are able to record their stories in their own voice.  Not only does this provide opportunities for children to express themselves, it also provides a precious keepsake for parents and families.

My research began by watching the tutorial video that is featured on the site's home page.  I was immediately struck by how user-friendly and child-oriented the site is, and the entire process to produce the online books is so intuitive that even a young child is able to navigate it.

The first step in creating an online book is to create an account on the site.  An email account is also required.  After creating the account, the user clicks the option to Create a New Tale:

 
The site offers the options to upload original art and photography by the child, add text, and record the story in the child's own voice.  The child can add pages and rearrange pages as desired to create and finalize the book.

The online books can also be shared through an address book that can be created on the site.  If used as an educational tool, this feature could greatly facilitate the submission of projects by students to teachers and allow students to share their work.

Overall, I was very excited to discover this tool.  I am already planning to introduce my own children to it and encourage them to let their imaginations fly!

BP3 Google Screen Shots

Here are the screen shots from my iGoogle site:

BP1_Welcome to my blog

Hello everyone!  So glad that you have stopped by.  This is my new blog, where I will post my adventures as I learn and pursue my Master's degree in EMDT at Fullsail (hence the name Liz's EMDT Blog).

I am already in my fourth course, and it has gone by fast.  I've learned so much, I've met some great people, and I am looking forward to the rest of my journey.  I hope you join me in this endeavor!