"Meine Oma" Digital Story

"Africa" Video

Software Choice for Video Editing

After some frustrating research, I decided to stay with the “Microsoft Movie Maker” video editing software. I am not happy with it, yet I am frustrated with all the computer problems I suddenly experienced. I had downloaded two additional free software programs, “Zwei-Stein and one that was not one the list, yet kept popping up. I also downloaded the “Adobe Premiere Element 7” video software. None of my partners looked at “Zwei-Stein”, so I deleted this one. Movie Maker drove me crazy. I could not figure how to make the music stop when the clips stopped. Amazing how much time one can waste trying to figure out technology, and yet, I LOVE IT. I know everybody explained how easy it is, yet to me it was more frustrating. The help section was easy to read, however what it said did not solve my problems. In addition, while downloading all these items, I also managed to download a Trojan, which consistently froze my computer. After I finally fixed this mess, I decided to try “Adobe Premiere Elements”. I had no luck there either. During the installation, a screen came up, telling me that my CPU was not sufficient for this program to be installed. Again, I think I am going to stick with “Microsoft Movie Maker”, or here is a great idea, may be it is time for a new laptop.

Second Web Conference

I was a little bit disappointing in the second web conference. I think they are great and a wonderful idea, yet I was hoping for a little input on homework assignment #2. I was wondering where to find some videos besides the sites that were gives to us.
All this is so new, we need to organize ourselves to see what we want and need to discuss in these meetings. I am sure we all have different agendas we are interested in and we surely all can learn from each other.

Web Conference Pilot

I was very surprised about the Web Conference Pilot activity. Initially there were some problems and issues with the technology portion of the program that had to be worked out, especially since most of us in this conference were new to this.
Eventually we worked out these issues and started talking to each other. Several of the students had web cams, which allowed them to be seen on a screen and interact. Finally, after talking in discussion groups it is nice to put a face to a person. One of the web cams showed a student upside down, which was funny, yet she did great and hang in their. I guess some problems still need to be worked on.
All of the participants were able to communicate with each other with the help of microphones. Again, we needed to solve some echo, and other sound problems. Furthermore, all of us were able to type messages to each other and respond this way.
It was great! For the most part of this study I have felt like I am in this alone. Unlike regular classrooms, there is little interaction with other students or the professors. Using this conference today, I learned more from our professor and some of the other students then in the other classes. I was glad to hear we will continue with these conferences and meet again. Technology is great, I am always amazed to see what all can be done. This was a great experience.