EDLD 5363 Final Course Reflection

EDLD 5363 Multimedia Video Technology taught me so much about the video production and editing process.  We learned that the planning and preparation process is a key ingredient to creating a successful video production.  I felt like our group worked well together.  We communicated effectively through our Google website and we were able to make comments, share our ideas, make decisions on our project and collaborate on these ideas.  The group members did not hesitate to put their talents to work and begin creating the project.  Suggestions were made on a group public service announcement theme and it was decided that we would focus on a topic that is a growing crisis for our students.  The dropout rate for students is a problem so our PSA project focus was to create a video that would reach out and communicate the hazards and potential consequences of dropping out.  The title to our project was “The Misery of Dropping Out” which spotlighted the impact of staying in school.  We began sharing ideas, preparing the responsibility list, the timelines, the shot list, the script outline, the narration script, video / photography responsibilities, and the copyright information.  Our group members leaped into action to create a PSA that would focus on the student dropout crisis.  We felt that it was important for the PSA to have a theme that would communicate the need for students to remain in school and focus on earning their diplomas and furthering their education.  It was a successful collaborative experience to create a project that speaks to our youth about this important topic.  My responsibility was to create the project timeline and to do video and photography.  I utilized my children and we created homeless costuming / sets that would symbolize out of work individuals asking for money by the side of the highway.  Additional responsibilities included taking photographs and video of car dealerships, shopping malls, electronics stores, clothing stores, and universities.  This was to symbolize the items that people sometimes want to purchase by may not be able to.  I also submitted graduation photographs of my children graduating from college.  Other photos were utilized with the Creative Commons license in mind.  I feel that our PSA and since ti is uploaded to YouTube it sends an effective message to students about the dangers of dropping out and the misery it can cause.  If more time were allowed for the PSA, we could include more photographs and creative imagery.  I appreciate the opportunity to work with such a talented group of professionals.  Overall, I feel like our team worked well together and we were able to create a PSA project that could make a difference in our student dropout rates.