MovieMaker

The prospect of learning a new program or software is NEVER appealing to me. In fact, I dread every minute of the day, that leads up to that final moment where I sit in front of my computer and click on the tutorial. I equate this feeling to a first time mom anticipating the day that she finally decides to potty train her 2 (or 3) year old. You think about the accidents, the mess, the rush to get it done, how you will handle public places, and most importantly, how long is the learning process. When I am learning new technology programs, I think about the same problems, the accidents or mistakes, the mess I might make of my computer, and most importantly, I wonder how long will take me to learn the program. But, once you start, you say to yourself, "this isn't so bad." I've coached quite a few friends through the potty training process, and now I am trying to give myself the same advice regarding new technology . Once you start, it isn't so bad.

As I sat to tackle Windows MovieMaker recently, I remember thinking how badly I did not want to learn the new program. Now that I know how to use it, I'm here to say "it isn't so bad"! Creating collections, importing pictures and videos, adding text, and manipulating audio files are very easy tasks. It is a simple drag and drop program that allows a user to put together a collection of pictures and videos for a visual presentation. The Task pane is incredibly user friendly and the menu includes the following wording:

• Import video
• Import pictures
• Make titles or credits
• Save to CD
• Send in e-mail

How can a user not know how to complete some of the basic functions of MovieMaker given the above links that walk you through the steps? Just like potty training, they do the same dance every time, the clues are so obvious.

I'm ready to tackle new technology, and I have a new outlook on my capabilities. This isn't so bad.