Learning Technologies: Design & Applications

Storytelling

I think the message is really the most crucial aspect of the project.

Technical assistance is usually available… but nobody can tell you what you want to say. That’s the hard part… what is the message?

We often say, in education, that technology should be used as a tool… not as an end to itself. This is a good example. It’s more about “story telling” than buttons to push. Anju’s story is about prevention of diabetes, as well as providing more information about the disease and the community affected.

There is always a story.

RE: DVD authoring

More time for filming: One hour is a very short time to film, especially is she films various interviews with people who suffer from diabetes.

Filming is often underestimated… and facilitates editing. If you film well, your editing experience is easier. If the footage is not good… editing is a big mess.

Less time for editing. Hence, putting more time with the filming may reduce the 8 hours that you dedicated to editing to … 4 hours… maybe.

RE: communication with a visual medium

Preparing the material is a crucial aspect of this project.

What helps is that Anju is an expert in her field and she has a lot of experience. So, she knows what is important to underline.

However, she might have to learn to present her ideas more visually… Just seeing her talking on the movie may be a bit … too … boring. In order to get the attention of her audience, she might want to have an interview of herself; interview people who suffer from the disease; use simple and effective titles; music and a few images.

Just some ideas to spice up the film and make it “mind friendly”!

Module 2 / Unit 5

DVD Authoring

First of all, educational and the web are not synonymous.

The web is a tool. I teach digital filmmaking and, yes, we put our movies on YouTube (without credits for safety) and students have E-portfolios. However, these features are NOT necessary. They are great to share the films, but the films are done with cameras; microphones; lighting; and most of all, a great story.

The message is vital. From what I hear, you have a very important message to convey. That is most important. Your DVD will be useful for the members of your community. So, the time and energy you spend on videotaping the content and making it available is well spent.

Focus on the clientele. As your neighbor, I encourage you to go ahead with your project. What’s important is to focus on your clientele. English is not their first language, so you might want to have subtitles to allow reading and hearing at the same time. Also, you might want to speak slower than usual to ensure comprehension.

A visual medium. Make sure to include vivid examples that will visualize what you are saying. A video is a visual medium, so use the images well and creatively.

Sound is linked with emotions. Don’t forget the sound! Many amateurs think that the sound is secondary in a film. Remember this: sound is linked with emotions, and strong emotional references help you understand and integrate the material being presented. Think of a horror film… without the sound!!! Is it scary? Not that much. The audio component is as important as the visual aspect of your video.

DVD technology. In terms of transferring the digital film to a DVD, you might want to ask my daughter. She is in high school and is taking a digital film course where they learn all about DVD authoring and moviemaking!!!

The great thing about filmmaking is that it can reach so many people and it’s so much fun! Good luck! 🙂

Module 2: Presentation Tools: Spaces, Places and Platforms for Learning / DVD Authoring

RE: Diabetes DVD