EDLD+5363+Video+Editing+Reflection

After reviewing my options, I have chosen to use Pinnacle VideoSpin for my video editing tool. Unfortunately, I have already used Windows Movie Maker otherwise that would have been my first choice. After using the tool last week for the digital story, I felt very comfortable using it to edit movies. However, after downloading the tool and playing around with its features, I feel like it will be a great alternative to Movie Maker. I will use the .WMA file extension for use in Windows Media Player. VideoSpin appears to be extremely user-friendly and even has an intro tutorial to explain the basics. I look forward to more experimenting with VideoSpin and seeing its full potential. It looks to be incredibly simple, which I hope won't mean it is too basic and limiting. I have found that simplicity can be both useful and hindering to any technology experience.

In the past, I have not had too much experience with video editing. I have played around with a few editing tools but never with a serious purpose, much less for a grade! However, I believe at least looking at video editing has helped me know what to look for in an editing tool. I know too many options overwhelm me, but I do actually want some options for creativity. I have found in my life that things that I have experimented or "played" with have stuck with me longest. Personally, I know that I learn best through discovery and not being told what to do. In fact, I find myself ignoring instructions and playing around myself with new technology and only listening in when I encounter a problem. Knowing this, I believe I can improve my future learning by getting a head start and providing myself with an opportunity to explore before having to complete the work. As with this assignment, I need to download or scan through whatever I need to know prior to the actual course, assignment, discussion, etc. An article by Patti Shank actually mentions that, "According to theorists like Van Merrienboer, learning environments that are more directed appear to be best for novices, whereas more expert learners tend to prefer less directed approaches." Seeing this, I know my own students (thrid graders) and teachers less familiar with technology will need specific instructions while older students and younger teachers will most likely be fine left alone to learn like myself.