Mini College

Communications and technology. Two of my favorite things! I helped Mark teach a group of 4-H'ers and parents about how to integrate technology and their communications project. We spent the morning talking about what it means to have a video that tells a story without a voice, with a voice, and with just words. We showed various examples, and discussed the many things that make up a good video (music, colors, sounds, content).

After the two groups chose a subject, we set them loose with cameras, and computers. Each group used Windows Movie Maker to make a small video to present at the end. I was suprised that the groups seemed to divide, and the kids did not work very well together. I was hoping that they would mesh a little better, and help each other.

In the end, they were all given information about how to use it at home, and with their own projects. I don't feel like I was able to convey information to the group as well as Mark did. I don't think that they gave me enough respect, or credit for knowing the information that I did. I was extremely frustrated through the day, and it made me very sad to see the parents second guess everything I (or even mark at times) said. I know that overzealous parents are something that I need to learn to deal with, but I was not prepared to take that issue on today. I hope that Mark can give me some feedback that will help me manage the group, and help them trust me more as an indivual. I think this is the first time in my internship where I don't think I did as good of a job as I could have. The worst part is that I am not really sure how to change my methods to make it better.

Next week we have Real Money, Real World, I'll be working with the Junior Leaders, and updating the officer training binder. It will be less exciting week than this last one, but I need some time to get things ready, and organized.