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Mahara Blog
When I first began using Mahara it was a completely new experience for me as I had never used a blog before. Although I had been on many blogs, I had never created my own so it was rather exciting. I struggled to understand certain aspects of Mahara such as embedding videos and inserting pictures. Also writing articles for everyone to see was slightly daunting. -
Final Cut Express Editing Software
When I first opened up Final Cut Express I had no clue where to look or what to click. The professional looking layout was slightly daunting and I didnt know how to use any of the tools to their full potential. -
Flip UltraHD Camcorder
The Flip UltraHD was a piece of kit that from day one was extremely simple to understand and use. But that doesnt mean I was using it effectively. I didnt know all of the rules when filming or framing and at first I often broke rules such as the 180 degree rule. -
Apple Mac Computer
I had never previously used an Apple Mac before, therefore changing from a PC to a Mac was a vast change as anyone who has done so will know. The controls are different, as well as the layout and the whole process of the machine works differently. I was at first doubtful wether it was better than a PC and instead thought it was an overpriced piece of hardware. -
Soundtrack Sound Software
At first I was slightly familiar with the music element of filmmaking as at home I had previously created my own music mixes with Traktor Pro 2. But soundtrack was a completely different software. I found it hard to put together the music, although I knew what i wanted to create I couldnt make it happen. -
Camera Tripod
The tripod was extremely easy to use and tasks such as changing height, angles and creating steady shots was very simple. -
Livetype
Livetype was at first hard to use and understand and I couldnt use it to its full potential. I could only make very simple titles and I couldnt create any fancy text or animations on my titles. -
Popplet
Popplet is a fun and easy way to create seemless mind maps and allows you to present your ideas more creatively instead of in plain text. The ability to insert images and customise colour also appealed to me. -
YouTube
Youtube was extremely helpful throughout the entire process. Not only did it allow me to upload our videos and annotate them, but, it also gave us expert advice. We looked at many tutorials to teach us certain skills and tricks and to help us progress faster and further expand our knowledge of the software. -
Prezi
Prezi is one of my favourite pieces of software I have used throughout my blog. It is not only simple but also powerful. The way it allows for your presentations to look professional and interesting is something I really like. Also it makes your ideas flow together smoothly and gives an overall more successful presentation. -
Empressr
Empressr is a great presentation tool and allowed me to create quick and simple, professional looking presentations. Although it was good, it was often annoying to use and didnt allow me to achieve as I wanted. -
Xtranormal
Xtranormal is a unique way of presenting your ideas. The ability to create an animation with sound and actions in minutes is great. Although the sound is sometimes jumpy and very robotic like, it is still great because of its individuality and the enjoyment it creates. -
Mahara Blog
Now using Mahara is a complete breeze and I am finding it very enjoyable. After a few weeks of constant blogging I learnt it inside out and initial challenges of embedding videos and inserting images were now very easy. I now would consider using a blog in my leisure time to blog about my interests and hobbies. -
Final Cut Express Editing Software
Now Final Cut is one of the peices of software I am most familiar with. As I did the majority of editing for our final project I really learnt it well and know now how to use it effectively, fast and to its full potential. I know find making videos look good both fun and rather simple, but still enough of a challenge for it to be enjoyable. -
Flip UltraHD Camcorder
Now, I still find the Flip extremely easy to use but I can also film effectively and well. My framing of shots I feel has become alot better and my entire understanding of filming has grown majorly. The camera certainly helped me to pick up skills much quicker as itself didnt take much learning, therefore allowing me to concentrate the filming rather than focusing on operating a big technical camera. -
Apple Mac Computer
Now I feel totally at ease when using a Mac and know most shortcuts and can control it confidently. Although it took a while to pick up, I can now use a Mac like I use my PC. However I am still learning how to use it fully, but the basic functions which I need throughout the process are now very easy. -
Soundtrack Sound Software
Now I feel very confident when using Soundtack. I can layer sounds, fade them away and altogether make a whole, good sounding piece of music. I can now make the sounds flow and blend together well and understand how the software works. -
Camera Tripod
I am now even more confident than before with the Tripod as I now know to make sure that the shot is level by looking at the spirit level, as well as knowing when to use it and when perhaps a handheld shot may be more effective. -
Livetype
Now I can use Livetype extremely effectively and can now make my titles look very professional and also interesting. I now find it easy to add animations, change fonts, colours and even create animatic backgrounds for the font to sit on.
