Metacognition Module Reflection

In sum, I would say that I’m 75% happy with my video.

The Pros: Lecture, Timing, Humor.

These parts of the video made me as happy as this dog.

It could be better, but I’m pleased with what I had to say over the audio. I think I was effective in explaining metacognition and applying it to study strategies, which I considered to be an appropriate application, given the intention of the video. Doing so, I believe I was able to compact a lot of information into less than 6 minutes. And, getting it under 6 minutes was quite a feat in itself. All in all, my script translated into over 10 minutes spoken aloud, but I was able to make the necessary cuts to make it shorter, which I believed improved the video greatly. I had to talk a little faster than I would usually, but I think the faster pace worked out well. I also liked that I was able to put in a few humorous items. I know it’s not the most important thing when it comes to teaching, but I like to spice up my lectures a bit to keep students engaged. However, I do try to keep the humor light, to keep it appropriate for the classroom. I think I did well with that in this video.

The Cons: Visuals.

These parts of the video made me as sad as this dog.

However, I’m not so happy with the visuals. I had hoped to video myself talking to the camera to show my face-to-face lecture style. Although I gave it a try, I soon gave up on that venture. I felt so awkward, which was reflected in the resulting product. That, coupled with thinking that I look young for a professor, pushed me to make the entire video a voice-over. I’m happy with that choice in the end, but I do wish I was able to figure out a way in which I was comfortable lecturing to the camera. I was also hoping to use advanced software for the visuals. Sadly, it turned out the software I was looking at (i.e., Camtasia) is only editing software. So, I ended up using PowerPoint and Tegrity. After the assignment was submitted, I was inspired by a fellow student to check out a different software that would allow for the advanced features for which I was looking, but it’s $300. I certainly cannot afford that. Not now and probably not later. I think I’ve resigned myself to using the basics, but I believe I’m okay with that. I’m learning more about PowerPoint and think it will serve my purposes well for upcoming plans – I’m going to try to make interactive book chapters for readings by editing an open access textbook in PowerPoint – even though I’m trying to lecture almost never in future classes.

P.S. I’m currently redoing this assignment, trying to improve it, as I want to post the video on my teaching portfolio website. So, constructive criticism is very welcome – please share your thoughts!