screencast

I decided to give a brief introduction to livejournal for my screencast. Livejournal is pretty easy to use but I figured it would be a good introduction to screencasting. Trying to fit the page in the recommended window size was a bit of a struggle.




screencast

Educational Videos

When I think of educational videos, the first thing that pops into my mind are the cheesy videos we used to watch in health class. With that being said I think education videos can still be relevant today. Successful education videos should have the same elements as entertainment videos: a good presentation (editing, filming, acting, etc) and interesting subject matter. Video format has the ability to grab the user's attention and almost provide hands-on instruction by showing, rather than through text. I love watching the food network, which is entertainment but also provides lots of instruction.

Educational videos can also provide the audience information in a fun and exciting format. I remember when "Planet Earth" first aired on Discovery Channel. Several of my friends, who would NEVER read a nature documentary book, loved the series. Educational videos can survive by providing information but also mixing in a little quality entertainment.

Flickr

In the SCILS-edexperience group I notice lots of similarities. For instance, many of us seem to include our computer and desk area in our education experience, certainly a huge part of this class. It's interesting to see the different libraries where people work. Although most of us are attending the same university, we each have unique view on the SCILS educational experience.

In the SCILS group I see lots of pets, places, art and events.

Youtube Video

For my entertainment video I decided to make a movie trailer. The footage is taken from the Prelinger Archive, which has a bunch of old commercials and educational videos. All the footage in the Archive is public domain and people are encouraged to use the it for their own projects. The music/sound was already in iMovie.




Youtube Link

Education Video-blip.tv

I work in an academic library and tons of undergraduates come in with no idea how to read a call number; I made a video with them in mind.

Click To Play

Blip.tv Link

story

I couldn't think of a story to tell, so I read the story of Little Red Riding Hood, with a slight change on the ending. I never imagined making a podcast could be so difficult! I had to keep re-recording to get the volume settings correct. Little Red Riding Hood

podcasts vs. text blogging

Podcasting has both advantages and disadvantages to text blogging.

Advantages:
-easier access for commuters; I know tons of people who download podcasts to listen to while driving or taking the train. It's a great way to reach people and share information while people are on the go and can't read text.
-podcasts can be wonderful for expressing emotion and feeling, hearing some one's voice, rather than reading connects you more
-they're great for adding sound effects and music to stories, news, etc.
-spontaneity, people just saying what they feel
-you can listen to podcast while completing other tasks

Disadvantages:
-can require special media players, like itunes
-fail to hold sometimes attention the same way reading text does

I love listening to podcasts at work or when I'm driving. Its a great way to discover new music, films, etc or just hearing some one's opinion.