EDLD 5363_Week 2 Assignment Reflection

Once reviewing multiple “free” video editing software, I have determined that Windows Movie Maker would be the best choice for this week’s assignment. I have used Windows Movie Maker in the past, but I found it very limiting to the green screening features and overall video quality that I was looking for in my current job assignment. When I use Windows Movie Maker, I usually save the files in a .wmv or .avi file format. This allows me to easily use it for instant playback on any computer at my school or it allows for easy uploading to video hosting websites. Windows Movie Maker also has an easy to use interface and for the more skilled computer users it allows for some advance video modifications. “Of course, most free software does not include the same level or quality of support that you would expect to find with software that you purchase commercially” (Desk-Video-Guide, 2009). If you are into higher quality products with ease of use and advance video editing features, you will not find that in any “freeware” or “open-source” video editing program that I have evaluated.

I have learned from this assignment that it is hard to go back to free video editing products when you have already purchased video editing products that create higher quality videos in less time that it takes to use “freeware” or “open-source” products. As an educator, I think it is important to continue life-long learning on all the “free” products out there. With budget constraints, it is virtually impossible to purchase district or campus licenses for high quality video editing products. As educators, we need to stay up on current “freeware” that will most realistically provide opportunities for our students to learn and apply their knowledge without being out a lot of money. If you wait for your district or campus to purchase the “good” products then students will miss opportunities to learn, because those products will probably never be purchased. Why would the district spend money on something that is not tested on the STAAR or EOC?

Desktop-Video-Guide.(n.d.). Top 5 free video editing software programs. Retrieved on November 24, 2011, from http://www.desktop-video-guide.com/top-5-free-video-editing-software-review.html