The results...

It has been quite some time i did not review my blog. It's time to be active again!!!:) Let me drop some words about our assignment in producing a video clip that is to be used in ESL classroom. I couldn't deny that although the process of making it was tough (for someone like me who is a little bit far behind in computer field), still it leaves a good experience for me in disclosing my ability and creativity. I have to admit that working at the last minute is not the right way to produce a quality product. It took me some time to come out with the concept based on the topic that i chose. I tried to browse on the internet to look out some examples so that I could get some ideas on how to produce my video. There are some good videos that I found from the website like YouTube and MSN. They are very entertaining and simple but yet effective. I also downloaded some songs and images that are related to my topic, 'COLOURS'.

After getting some ideas and materials needed, I started to scatch out the storyboard for the video clip by considering the target group and also objectives to be achieved. Several times I had to redo it in order to get the best one. This process taught me to be patient as I had to crack my head and come out with my own original ideas. Another challenging part is to learn to use Windows Movie Maker and other editing softwares. I managed to try out those softwares and program on my own. I began to develop confidence in myself as I moved from one stage to another. No matter how hard it is, nothing is impossible to achieve as long as we believe and put on efforts in what we are doing. Support from group members is important as well. My group members kept on sharing their ideas throughout the process and this was an advantage for me to improve on my video. Starting from zero, this project gave me the opportunity to build up the knowledge and skills in applying the latest technology for the use in ESL classroom. As I learnt how to exploit different kinds of softwares and skills, things became easier for me and more ideas came in. As I mentioned earlier, time factor is very important, thus, we need to plan right from the beginning so that the work that we produce is more than satisfactory level. Personally, I wish I had outlined my schedule in a more organised manner. I could not turn back time but I can overcome this problem in me.

Finally, I managed to come out with a video clip that is ready to be used for teaching in the classroom. I can say that I am satisfied with my work but still can be improved. I need to acquire more skills in exploiting more softwares so that I can produce a variety of teaching tools for my pupils in the future. The decision to upload all the videos produced by the students in YouTube is exciting and in a way everyone is contributing their work for the benefits of others.

Videos are effective stimulus to get pupils attentions and interests. This is because videos are colourful, entertaining and more lively compared to other types of teaching tools. Even though technology in computer is very influential in educational field today, we must always keep in mind that it could only assist us in teaching and learning, not to take the role of a teacher as the educator. The technology that we utilise should be practical and appropriate, so that they are useful for the young learners. Thus, we should not take it for granted to make teaching and learnining easier, but we should apply it to make teaching-learning more effective.