Embedded Task 2 - VIDEO

Photo Source: Pixabay

V

I

D

E

O

The tool I have decided to explore further in this topic is 'video'. I have chosen this for that main reason that it has the potential to bring together both images and audio in the one product, but I'll get to that shortly.

At face value, video is a great tool because it will link in what you want to tell students with a visual behind it too, covering multiple bases of learning. This is useful particularly when trying to accomodate to a wide range of personality and learning types in the classroom.

For dance and drama particularly, video is an invaluable tool in the classroom. Students can use this tool to create their assessments which means they can reflect on what they have done as well. In a subject like english for example, when a student submits an assessment it's in hard copy, so a student can reflect on where they have gone wrong and need to improve - for dance and drama assessment can be performed so it is in the moment and the students can't look back..but using video as a tool, they can still do the performance element as well as building on their other skills. 

Students could also source videos as stimuli for their own work, to get inspiration and ideas. There are many invaluable resources for students - what better way to get an idea of style for dance or drama then to actually watch it and immerse in it.

Video is also a very accessible tool for students. Most students would have an iPhone or similar that allows them to record a high enough quality footage that can easily be uploaded to their laptops. Once on their laptops, a program like iMovie is very user friendly.

Photo Source: Program Screenshot

When they open iMovie, the can select from a preset theme. This is great for a student who isn't confident with this tool and is just learning the ropes, the really tricky stuff is done for them - however if they're more advanced or creative, they can definitely create their own theme.

Photo Source: Program Screenshot

Once they have chosen their theme, students can import their media easily using drag and drop. From here, students can link together still and video files to create one project. This program also gives students the ability to introduce audio to their work. Students can easily create audio using Voice Recorder on their iPhones or iPads that will import directly to iMovie from their iTunes library. I love how all of these things link. Students can also search for creative-common music and sound effects to upload into their movies to add to the final quality of the product. 

I have used an example in my Reflection 4.2 on Audio & Podcasts. In this I used the SAMR model to demonstrate students creating a radio play and then using iMovie as a tool to add in sound effects etc. I have linked this in for your further reading. I really enjoy how these tools all link in together and that even though we pick to explore one in detail, we really end up learning about them all! iMovie also has a 'record voiceover' feature which means that students can record straight into their project if they wish and it suits their need. This would be great as a narration tool.

The next great thing about iMovie or most video maker tools is that you can upload straight to a private YouTube channel which then allows for easy sharing for the students. Group collaboration if they embed in their blog, or simply emailing the private link for assessment submission which takes us beyond the days of a file being too big for a USB/DVD etc. Easy! I played around (it's very basic) with iMovie to experiment uploading to YouTube and embedding in my Reflection 4.3. I went in with little knowledge and found it very easy to navigate my way around which would be great for students as they're learning. 

I think that we were overloaded with information in topic four, however I know that it's so we can see that no technology stands completely alone. These tools become even stronger when used together and can be a great asset for supporting pedagogy in the classroom.

I'd love to know your thoughts or ideas?

Ella