Introduction…
Over my second PLP trip, I think I had learned a lot more since this time in comparison to 
the Oregon trip as a result, I was ready and knew what I had to do on the trip so that I wasn’t
struggling afterwards. At every location I was ready to process information and take notes. I think that’s why my book turned out better than last time as I gathered information while I was on the trip like historical facts, informative interviews, and photos that potentially will help me in the long run by the time I get back which I can include in my book. In terms of Maker, a big portion of what we did was video making/filming and our goal was to create story through the moving image which was done so by making our Silent Video, Investigative Video, and At Home Videos.
Strengths– What Went Well? What Did I Learn?
- I learned many digital video editing skills like how to use iMovie and CapCut better, posting YouTube videos, making smooth transitions, and voice over which are all useful and very applicable skills that I can take advantage of in the future.
- I improved on my presenting and reflecting skills in my videos.
- I learned how to tell a story through the moving image by creating a hook to capture the viewers attention by adding visually appealing images that are all unique in their different way like one may be a selfie at the Columbia Icefield or another could be a
photo of a bear up at sulphur mountain, as I’m filming, I’m trying to give off a casual vibe based on the tone and dialogue of my voice, for example, I would use more of an enthusiastic tone once I don’t want to so sound boring, then I want to make sure that the beginning, middle, and end actually flow together naturally, and what I mean by that is the story is organized and in order. - I improved on my approachability and processing verbal information skills by conducting interviews which benefited my research a lot because it’s beneficial to get information from the community and travellers to have another perspective.
- I learned about the history of the CPR. For example, the Last Spike was the final spike driven into the Canadian Pacific Railway making it a historical landmark.
- In my silent video group, I felt like I shared pretty much all my ides so I feel like I did well in the sense that I was very open with my ideas such as the angles in which we were filming or just general ideas fo the script.
Growth– What Could I Do Better Next Time?
- I think I should have done more work while I was on the trip as the ideas were still fresh on my mind.
- Getting more organized and handing in my videos before the due date by using my time on the trip more wisely. For example, recording quick audios that are either informational or that I could use in one of my videos.
- I should have thought more about the driving question on the trip, especially when I was taking photos so that there was a connection between the driving question and the photos which I will definitely consider more on the next trip.
- I should have used more meaningful and connected images to the dialogue so next time I will take more significant photos that actually relate to my script.
My Conclusion…
Overall I think this was a pretty successful PLP trip. I improved in mnay aspects but there is always room for growth. Some things to consider on the next PLP trip:
- Take as many photos as your storage can withhold
- Really listen to the information that people are giving you or audio record your conversations or make sure to take notes.
- Be more prepared for the day whether that’s getting up a little earlier or charging your iPad before going to bed. I could also consider looking at the schedule in my calendar in the night before or the day of to be readier and plan out my day more efficiently.