Response to Digital Video Goes to School

Handler& Hoffenberg (2001). Digital video goes to school. Learning & Leading with Technology, 29 (2), 10-15.

What skills are students developing in the process of making a video?

In the process of making a video, students develop many skills. First of all, they have to work together through collaboration. They also work on their verbal skills when they design what should be said. In addition, they also have to work on their technology skills when they learn to use the camera and editing equipment.

What type of video formats fit well as a culminating activity?

When making a movie, there are different formats for students to use. They could make video newscasts to help inform the viewers on current events. Documentaries are also a great idea where the students tell the viewers about a specific topic. They can make infomercials to on things like pollution, dangers of drugs and drinking. The last thing they can do is make shorter individual scenes that can be added to websites.

What types curriculum characteristics make sense for video?

The best characteristics for video can be found in several different subjects. In order to benefit from the video format, the topic needs to be enforced through visual means including charts, diagrams, images, and film. This includes elements found in science (such as diagraming the respiratory system or studying local habitats), history (talking about events, people, monuments, etc.), language arts (bringing images from books alive), math (illustrating algorithms), and several others. In addition to visual concepts, it is also beneficial for the project to require realistic footage requirements. For example, when making a movie about Antarctica the students can not travel there to get footage for themselves. This should not discourage the topic, however. Instead, the students can work with already filmed pictures and video. In doing this it is important that the class stays within copyright laws. An other feature that can be utilized is the idea of sound. While not required, it is always a useful tool to use with video and almost every subject can benefit from its use.

Briefly describe the guidelines for video use.

When making a video, it is important for students to learn the proper procedure, just as it is for any subject. The students can start by learning to plan ahead. This includes the type of shots (close ups, landscape, etc.), the type of extra equipment needed (microphones, lighting, etc,), as well as the basics of the purpose and location. After planning, the students then need to carry out their ideas by collecting the footage that they desire. After the footage is collected, have the students learn to edit their own movies. This includes learning how to not only what information is important and a logical order to showing the events, but also learning how to use video editing equipment.