Media grammar is the toughest part!! I feel like once I get my idea together, I spend so much time making sure I have smooth transitions and that I don't cut any narrative off trying to make that transition. And, I'm never satisfied. It's so frustrating!
This chapter did offer lots of great advice for teaching students media grammar. First, I liked the idea of the media "persuader" and that our students are trying to get their "audience to see something in a particular way, that is, their way" (p. 177). I also liked his advice to watch each story twice -- once for the story and once for the grammar. This is exactly how I grade written work; I read it first for content and grasp of the task, and then I go back to grade for grammar. It makes sense to do the same with a digital story.
Although he noted that Captain Obvious came remind us to use clear audio, sometimes it's easier said than done! I video taped kids outside and I had no idea that my camera would pick up on wind! I don't know how to fix that!!!
I also liked the reminder to make sure students understand that their music choices should relate to their story and should never overwhelm the narrative. Also, Ohler describes students making choices without justification: "I don't know -- but isn't it cool!" (p. 189). For this process to be worthwhile, it's important that students understand that all of the choices they make with their story should be purposeful and intentional.
April,
ReplyDeleteI feel like media grammar is one of the toughest parts for me too. Editing the clips with smooth transitions and the right music can take the video to the next level.
Clear audio is difficult which is why you see things like directional microphones in professional settings. Audio software is pretty good at getting some of that cleaned up, but it adds in a boatload of time. All of this of course ties into how its easy to get OCD with this stuff.
ReplyDeleteI like your point about the clear audio. I had no idea one week that my camera audio was so bad. I looked for an external microphone for my camera and it doesn't exist (mainly because I have a Flip from quite a few years ago and they are no longer supported).
ReplyDeleteI think a majority of my time spend on my videos is picking the music and aligning it to my pictures/videos. I have found, though that in Windows Live Movie Maker, the pictures/videos are synced with the music which is nice and very helpful.
I agree with what Natty said. Getting a smooth transition is difficult. I feel like I spend a lot of my time when editing working with the transitions.
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