Unmoved by Movie Maker
I've now seen Microsoft Movie Maker and I'm not moved. I discovered last night that this software was already on my computer (and probably yours)--as part of the XP SP2 installation.
I messed with it some and it looked promising at first. Then I went to watch some "cool sample movies" and was disappointed, at least for my March presentation purposes.
I'm meeting with the Media Guy at school today re this program. Maybe he can show me larger images and better quality than what I saw at the MS site. But then, as some of you have suggested, I'm not sure about the wisdom of taking my front-porch subject matter and shoehorning it into a slick package anyway.
I've never subscribed to the idea that "if it can be done, it should be done" and may just project images and read text. Period. We'll see.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch...
I've been grabbing links on environmental topics that might get my students started with their research projects. In the process, I ran across and signed up for FURL--a web-based bookmarking and searching function that will let me keep and build the same body of references whether I'm working from home or from school. Thot I'd mention it as it might be useful to others of you.
Comments
Have you considered using Macromedia Flash? It has a reasonable learning curve, but with the availability of help screens and online tutorials (toolsonline.com), I have found that it has great potential. You can incorporate images (photographic or renderings) and sound and motion. You can even include movie clips within your presentation. Or you can simulate motion with the movement of still objects using pan, tilt, zoom, or scan, along with effects such as transitions in size, shape, color and transparency.
Posted by: Larry | October 21, 2004 7:40 PM
Larry:
I agree. Flash is the way to go. There are a number of front end programs that will accomplish what Fred wants.
Doug
Posted by: Doug Thompson | October 22, 2004 3:31 AM