1. What tool did your group use to deliver the PD tutorial? Why?
Our group used Google Presentation to present our professional development tutorial on the use of Google in the classroom. We chose to use Google Presentation because of its ease of use and how it supported what our tutorial is all about. It was also accessible by all group members due to it being part of the Google Cloud. Each group member could also edit the presentation at any time, even as another member was editing. For the video our group used the QuickTime screen-recording feature and then uploaded it to YouTube.
2. What did you learn during the development process of the final product?
While making this tutorial I practiced my own tech skills and learned more about online group work. I was able to practice and improve on my screen casting techniques and editing while using QuickTime to make my tutorial video about Google Docs. During this project I gained a better understanding of how to trim clips to remove unwanted video sections and how to use an external microphone to more clearly capture my narration. I learned how to use Photoshop to make the intro slide image. In Photoshop put Google Tool logos on a chalkboard and placed the chalkboard on a MacBook Air screen. To do this I took screenshots of the Google Tool logos and then placed them on the chalkboard background. In order to do this I had to remove the background of each Google Tool logo. Next, I found an image of a MacBook Air screen and I put the chalkboard on the screen but behind the toolbar. This was a challenge but I enjoyed learning how to do this. It was the first time I used Photoshop successfully.
There are some limitations to Google Presentation, which I discovered when trying to edit the slides. It would have been nice if we could use the notes handout for our storyboard however this was only available in the printing options. There was no way to type directly on the notes handout. I also learned about editing a Google Presentation. I discovered how to set the transitions and how to time animations. The slide background color editing options proved frustrating. I wanted a light brown frame/background on each slide and it showed up fine in editing mode however during the slideshow the background was dark brown. I could not figure out how to keep it light brown.
Throughout this whole process we worked as a group and shared the responsibilities. I learned that online group work can be a challenge and that it takes patience and good communication especially when working with members in different time zones. We agreed on most ideas for the project but we also had some differences of opinion and I found it easiest to go along with the group unless there was really something I felt strongly about.
3. What would you do differently if you had to develop a similar product again?
If I were to do this again independently I would probably make the presentation more visual in that I would have more videos and less text. I am a visual learner and would prefer to watch a 10-minute presentation that had video tutorials throughout to break up the presentation.
If I were to develop a similar plan again with the same parameters, in that we work in a group, I would pretty much do things the same way because it would be easier to execute than having multiple video tutorials in one presentation. As a group, issues with sound quality and recording programs could make the presentation less successful.
I felt that we did a good job with this project and that we all worked hard. I was happy with my role. I enjoy being creative and it was a good experience learning how to design and edit in both Google Presentation and QuickTime. The final project shows our various talents and strengths and it also makes a good tutorial for those interested in using Google in the Classroom.