Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Begining the Transition from Analog to Digital at Ohlone



This ended up being a silent video since the audio wasn't very interesting and I don't have the rights to use any music (just yet).

The video is just under 3 minutes and chronicles, in a nutshell, getting the computers out of the box and into the classroom, connected and ready to use.

Learning how to use the applications effectively is another story and is the next chapter in this adventure.

In the few weeks since the computers were unveiled I've created some cheat sheets for the students and instructors to get themselves going with iMovie. They're using that program as the basis for their voice to sign work, and to some extent their sign to voice work too. Aside from getting the process down some students are also having individual troubles, for example, saving to an external hard drive and opening up their .mov on their PCs. One work around they've adopted is emailing files to themselves and even uploading video clips to YouTube. This has great benefits for mentoring, as students can easily show their mentors samples of their work for review and feedback.

I'm only on campus once a week, if that, so I'm unfortunately not able to see the day to day interactions the IPP folks are having with their new equipment. Seems like they're getting their work done one way or another, even if it's a round a about method that was frustrating to figure out. That's part and parcel of being a techno-pioneer. I think overall everyone has been a good sport and is happy to be moving in this digital direction that they're motivated to work through the bumps in the learning curve.

Thanks to everyone who has been toughing it out and making the best of this transitional period, and those of you supporting us. Please keep your tech questions coming. Even if I can't answer them I'll try my best to lead you in the right direction.

Next up...visiting other programs.

-nm-

Reposted Revision

Sunday, April 27, 2008
Revised Abstract

Video analysis of one’s work is an integral component of sign language interpreter training. Most interpreter training programs (ITPs) have a language lab component to their curriculum for students to be able to record and review their practice translations. Using the Ohlone College Interpreter Preparation Program (IPP) in Fremont, California as a case study, this project explores and documents how an ITP transitions from analog to digital video technologies. Like many other training programs, Ohlone has used analog-based VHS equipment since it first became available on a consumer level. Now that digital video technologies are more prevalent and accessible the Ohlone IPP is interested in exploring these new resources. Ohlone IPP is transitioning its language lab from analog to digital with Apple's Intel iMac. This consumer-level computer with built-in video camera and range of basic audio and video applications make it a viable choice as the foundation of their new language lab. Designing and implementation of an inservice training for both instructors and students is an integral component to the lab redesign.

The goals of this project include: redesign of lab infrastructure (hardware, software and furniture), and design and implementation training to guide the instructors and students on how to use the new equipment and workflow. The training consists of an instructor led workshop and a multimedia tutorial. The instructional content is based on current analog practices adapted for a digital environment, already existing applicable tutorials, and information gleaned from other ITP labs using similar technologies.