Saturday, April 28, 2012

Chapter 13 Reflection, The Digital Storytelling Toolbox: The Tools Teachers and Students Need to Tell Digital Stories


After going through the actual video production process this past week, I was reminded about how much actually goes into the making of a video. Then after reading chapter 13, I was reminded about why I often stress about this whole process. Ohler talks about how there are always new and updated products coming out related to software, etc., and how it’s basically impossible to stay up-to-date with all of that ever-changing information. He also mentions how so much is available if you spend a little time searching for it online...and that right there is my main problem. I always want to find the best possible program or product for whatever it is I’m doing, and spend WAY too much time online during these searches of mine. Looking for programs, reading specifications, going through the reviews, debating on price...that time adds up so fast! I appreciated Ohler’s suggestion to make a deal with yourself that, “you will spend no more than X amount of time looking for something,” (Ohler, 2008, p.167), but wonder if I would actually be able to follow that piece of advice. For the sake of this class, I am actually going to try that though, and when working on our videos, I am going to try to specify a short amount of time that I can spend doing my searches, after which I need to decide on something and just go with it. In a few weeks, we shall see whether I can actually succeed with that goal!

The other thoughts I had while reading this chapter involved all of the different suggestions Ohler had on specific materials. I feel like I have a lot of the basic technology needs for my classroom, but definitely am guilty of wanting more even though it really isn’t necessary. I feel a little silly admitting it, but all of Ohler’s explanations and talk about the wireless microphones is really making me want to invest in one...like now! I’m not even entirely sure what a wireless mic is (obviously I have an idea, but I’m having trouble picturing using one with students, and just am not sure about the look, ease of use, etc.), but now I really want to get one to use in my classroom as I attempt to start some DST in the near future. Luckily Ohler also has his list of resources in the back of the book, so I will give that a look before I decide on anything. It just seems like having one of these could really help make the DST process easier, and with younger kids, I am all for anything like that! So overall, I definitely fell into the category Ohler talked about of people who want the new gadgets, but because of his other good suggestions, I think I will be able to make some good decisions about what I need or just want, and then go from there. 

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