Video in the Classroom

I think video definitely has value in the classroom. Take our video project that we did in class as an example. We were given a project to use our creatively to relay a public service announcement. The video encouraged cooperative learning because it was done with a partner and we had to work together to create a video and complete the project. It teachs students how to properly use the technology that is at their fingertips. I have been at Albright for five years now and not once have I opened the programs we used to create our video before last class. It also teachs students the resources that are available. This would be a good project to teach copyright when showing students the website for free music downloads that do not have any copy rights. Video projects in classrooms go away from the traditional way of teaching and keeps learning interesting and exciting for students. And students are more likely to feel more comfortable sharing a video than doing a prepared talk. This allows them to relay the same information in a more comfortable way but still allows the teacher to assess their learning. I think video is such an awesome addition for the classroom. And the best part is that it can be used with all ages from kindergarten through post-secondary education.

When thinking about ideas where video can be incorporated into the curriclum, the idea that came to mind was teaching current events. We do this in our methods course with Doc and a great way to present current events would be to do the research and create a little news report video to share with the rest of the class to relay the information. The class could be split up into partners or small groups to complete their current event and it can be an ongoing project throughout the entire year. A group could present a current event each week to the rest of the class. I think that it would add a little spin and fun to the current event. It is more exciting than reading and then summarizing to the rest of the class what you read in the current event. Of course, like with anyhting else, there will be some challenges. Students may not have access to video cameras or the programs to create the videos, but these challenges can easily be fixed. The teacher can give classtime to record the videos and a program is not neccessarily needed to create a video. There are several other ways to use video in the classroom such as morning announcements, prepared talks, creating a video to show how to conduct a science experiment, etc. Video is a great tool to adding to the classroom curriculum for all ages.