Assignment #4 - technology project

Whew! I never thought I would be able to accomplish so much and with relative ease as well. I created a wiki for my "class" that detailed instructions for creating a video book report. I also created and attached a sample book report that I did with my son. Both wikis and video making were new for me and a stretch to accomplish, but the demonstrations in class and the directions online were enough to guide me. At times my son wished I would quit bugging him to get it done, but he loved being able to participate in what I am learning in school. Though not a professional video by any means, I was so proud of the work that he did on this video and he was just as proud of me for the finished product. Maybe someday, he will want to create one of his own for a school project! (At least now I'll know how to help)
Here is a link to my wiki. The video is on the page labeled "sample video."

To create the wiki I used wikispaces for teachers. Their intro gives a great tutorial for how to set up the page, add items, and edit as you go. I was very appreciative of this since I had never done anything like that and now that I have my "feet wet" I will probably be more willing to try more new technology ideas. I created 4 pages on my wiki: one for the instructions, one for camera sign up, one for the sample video, and one for the students to upload their finished videos. I added a word document imbedded in the text, clip art to my home page, changed fonts and colors of text, and uploaded a video.
To create the video I used the flip camera and the flipshare software to edit the length of the clips and then uploaded the video to my computer. I then transferred footage to windows movie maker where I added transitions and background music. I did get a little frustrated with not knowing how to push the music more into the background, so hopefully you can hear the talking over the music.
This project was loaded with NETS for students:
1. Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. In making the video, students are using the camera to capture ideas in creative ways.
2b. Students communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats. Since the video would be published on our wiki, there would be other classrooms viewing their finished project. I would only allow invited classes to have access to the wiki.
4b. Students plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project. The students had to use the book report form and create a story board to plan each clip in the video.
6. Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Once the video was taken, the students would be using editing software and then uploading the video to the wiki. This would be evidence of a sound understanding of each of those aspects of technology.
Nets for teachers:
1. Teachers will facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity. Creating the wiki and giving the students opportunities to express creativity in the video would inspire student learning and creativity.
2. Design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments. The wiki was the design and development and the students' videos would be the assessments. I would make it relevent by allowing them to choose a favorite age-appropriate book.
3. Model digital-age work and learning. I created my own sample video to show them an idea of what could be done.