Digital Expressions: Trimester Reflection

1. What were your initial expectations about taking Digital Expressions? What were you expecting to learn or do? Did you have an opportunity to learn or use those skills this trimester?

My initial expectations about taking Digital Expressions was to learn to make good trailers, movies and stop-motions. I did have an opportunity to learn these skills, except for maybe making movies, but we also did much more like making Youtube intros and headers.
2. Overall, what was your opinion about the iMovie Trailer project? Did you enjoy it or not? Why? 

I really enjoyed making the iMovie Trailer project, because we got to feel free to do it on whatever we wanted, and be creative. Also, it was fun working in a partnering, and watching other students' trailers.
3. Overall, what was your opinion about the stop-motion project? Did you enjoy it or not? Why?

Overall, I loved the stop-motion project, because I had the freedom to choose what I wanted to do, what kind of stop-motion I wanted to do, and I hadn't done a stop-motion before. It was a great experience getting to learn how to make stop-motion, and watching the other stop-motions.
4. What was your biggest lesson or takeaway from the stop-motion project?

My biggest lesson or takeaway from the stop-motion project was to learn to be extremely patient in making it, because it is a really long process. Another takeaway was learning to actually make a stop-motion.
5. What would you change about the stop-motion project for future Digital Expressions students? Why?

I don't think I would change anything about the stop-motion project, but a possible suggestion is to show the children some more student examples in addition to the professional ones, so that we know what our expectations are, and what to aim for.
6. Overall, what was your opinion about the YouTube Intro project? Did you enjoy it or not? Why?

I enjoyed the Youtube Intro project, because there wasn't a certain way we had to do it, and I also learned how to make one on Keynote. Also, I was introduced to the different websites where we would explore different color palettes and icons.
7.What was your biggest lesson or takeaway from the YouTube Intro project?

My biggest lesson and takeaway from the Youtube Intro project learning the different ways you could use Keynote, and learning about the different icon and color palette websites.
8. What would you change about the graphic design unit? Do you think it was a good unit to gain skills in graphic design or is better left for older students?

I wouldn't change anything about the graphic design unit, and yes, I think it was a really good unit to gain skills in graphic design, and six graders should continue doing this.
9. If you could add ANY project to the trimester, what would it be and why?

Something I may add is possibly learning to make more of a short movie instead of a trailer, and maybe let us work in bigger groups for projects like the iMovie Trailers.
10. What did you enjoy most about this trimester? Why?

I think I enjoyed making the stop-motion the most, because it was new to me, and I had lots of fun exploring. I also enjoyed watching other projects made by other students.
11. What did you enjoy least about this trimester? Why?

I can't really tell. I think what I enjoyed least was making the Youtube intros, because I didn't really know what to do, and I didn't really like mine that much.
12. Does this class make you want to take more video classes in the future? Do you plan on it while in middle school?

Yes, this class makes me want to take more video classes in the future, and I am actually taking it next year in seventh grade.

Student Trailer - The Sucky Spy

Video Design

Thank You Drf Font

Dream A Little Dream Palette

Stop - Motion Short

What was your overall opinion about the stop-motion short project? Do you think it was a good beginning project for the trimester? Why?

I really liked the stop-motion short project, and I think it was a good beginning project for the trimester, because it introduces us to a new aspect of video-making. I also really liked doing the stop-motion project, because I hadn't done it before, and making it was a new thing for me.

What did you enjoy most about this project? Why?

Something I enjoyed about this project is how we were free to make whatever type of stop-motion we wanted, and be creative (but mine is a bit boring...). I enjoyed making my video, and putting it all together with music, sound effects, etc.

What did you not enjoy about this project? Why? 

What I didn't enjoy about the project is that it takes a long time and lots of patience to finish recording everything (but I don't think this problem can be fixed). I didn't really realize I would have to take so many photos for my video, and spend so much time taking photos (which is partially my fault).

What changes would you suggest to this project for future trimesters to make it better/more interesting?

I'm not sure if I'd make any changes for this project for future trimesters, but an idea can be to give more lessons on editing our videos, and maybe learning a couple of tricks (I'm really not sure though).

My Storyboard - Video

Using Your Laptop