Analysis+-+Windows+Movie+Maker+vs.+Windows+Live+Movie+Maker

Prior to this assignment, I had never used video editing software. I chose to take my first tentative steps using Windows Live Movie Maker, which is installed on my Dell netbook. I began importing video footage and trying out the various editing tools, building a basic storyboard that I saved on a flash drive in hopes of completing some more polishing during my lunch the following day. Alas, it was not to be. What may be a little-known fact among those who are new to video editing is that Windows Live Movie Maker is a complete redesign of the Windows Movie Maker software available with Windows XP and earlier. For schoolteachers who are working with newer Microsoft operating systems in one location than another, this is a vital distinction. In fact, the two applications have some fundamental differences and are //not// compatible with one another. Defenders of the earlier version cite that many of the features available in WMM are no longer present in Windows Live, including many of the custom plug-ins for captions and titles. (Dolcourt, 2009) However, from my perspective, this is a small price to pay for a program that has a much more intuitive interface. As a teacher, I found the Windows Live editing tools much more user-friendly, which would support the idea that technology integration should not supersede curriculum in the classroom. (New, 2005) The tab menus for Windows Live create an excellent variety of effects and details for the beginning or student user, vs. the multi-step drop down menus of WMM. Simple clicks and slides can trim up your video segments, split your video clips, or add animations and transitions to the project. With a text box and formatting options similar to that of Office 2007 applications, you can add and format a title screen, captions, and end credits in your project. For titles and end credits, a new image will be created: for captions, you will simply select where you want your caption to appear with the preview slider on the storyboard, and then click the captions button. However, the most significant feature of Windows Live that WMM lacks: an "AutoMovie" function that allows users to go from clips to finish movie in literally minutes. This could enable students to work with the software and come up with work product in a single class period. Sadly, Windows Live's compatibility issues with Windows XP have scale back my dreams of instant multimedia a bit. However, the process has reminded me that experience is the best teacher when it comes to technology. Students get as much out of process as they do out of product, and movie making with Movie Maker will be no exception. Works Cited: Dolcourt, J. (2009, August 24). Windows Live Movie Maker Verdict: So-So. Retrieved September 3, 2010, from cnet.com: [] New, J. (2005, 12 2). How to Use Digital Storytelling in Your Classroom. Retrieved August 24, 2010, from Edutopia.org: []