Producing and Posting Video for the Classroom
In February of this year, I was moved to action by a visit to Pennsylvania’s Ed Tech Conference dubbed PETE&C. Meeting and talking to people like Jim Gates spurred me to start blogging. It was there that I saw a tremendous opportunity to bring online/open source tools to the students and teachers of DuBois. Without PETE&C I am positive that I would not have the energy or passion to finish my masters or to continue helping other teachers. Thank you administration and Title 1 funds.
Well, in typical Pruitt fashion (I am notoriously impatient when I get rolling)I have already submitted a proposal for 08′. I am prosing a 3 hour “pre-conference” session on DV in the classroom and with 8 scant months to prepare I am already going overboard.
“So what?” you may say. “So, I am already nervous!” I would reply. I am writing this to reflect on some of my ideas and to hopefully hear what others would want out of 3 straight hours with me. After all, that’s what the social networking is all about, right?
The only draw back is, if your here, you probably have a good idea about editing and posting video. So, put yourself in one of your teachers shoes. One that is interested in DV, but not sure how to go about starting.
My thoughts are, as a teacher and tech coach, I want to first do a good job of connecting the use of DV to rich, authentic learning. With the proper amount of time, student produced video projects have to power to delve deep into the high-order thinking skills that are so prized today. I will discuss project-based learning, group dynamic, and self-directed learning all in the context of Mr. Bloom and Mr. Gardner.
The meat will be reserved for three (so far…I am open to suggestions) methods of creation and online posting of videos. As a PC based school, I plan on covering Windows Movie Maker/PhotoStory, SplashCast, and Jumpcut. I figure that is a good cross-section.
Finally, I will cover uploads and embeds using TeacherTube, hopefully finishing with time to work on a short version of the Internet Safety Video unit that I use with my 7th graders.
Wheww! I feel better already.
I have personally witnessed the power of posting a students work online. My second period was blown away by one student video being viewed 7000 times in a month. It changed the way they approach projects in my room and that’s what I hope to share.
If you have any input or reference material I would love to hear/read it. Remember…I only have 8 months left…Wow, I’m a wreck 
May 21st, 2007 at 3:54 pm
Two things to keep in mind:
1. FISH! Philosophy
2. Context NOT Content
The FISH! Philosophy is a given but it is the second one that I’ll focus on as many might disagree.
Instructional Context
Don’t burden them with content that could be had in two clicks. Put that stuff in a handout (even better, in a wiki) and get into context. The best pre-conference sessions have the teachers engaged in the context of the tool so they learn how it fits into their instructional design. If your sheets are clear, the step-by-step directions will be sufficient.
Hands-On
You might have them build an interactive video on building an interactive video using the various tools. Break them into groups based upon the three tools you’ve selected and let them go to work.
Engagement
You can then open a discussion on what they liked and disliked about the tool within their group. You can facilitate the conversation by getting the other groups to share how their tool could solve an issue or how their tool didn’t meet that need.
Model
(Get permission obviously).
Be sure you base your presentation around the tool. Model for them how awesome the DV is by giving your presentation in DV format. You might also consider mixing your own while there
Assessment
No presentation on instructional technology should ever be without assessment. Work with the educators on assessing this tool in the context of their classroom. Show them how perhaps using video markup web 2.0 tool based upon the videos they created.
Honesty
Safety and ethics are a must but so are the problems you’ve experienced. As you said, we come to this understanding it and we often are okay with bumps in the road. Have an open forum on the bumps so they are prepared.
Well, that’s all I got… maybe a lot of junk but search for that one pearl
May 21st, 2007 at 4:37 pm
Thank you for putting all of that information out there. It is all good advice for anyone teaching anything.
It’s good to hear from you. I get to say “I knew you when.”
Congrats on being recognized for the good work that you do. It’s well deserved. GO PONDERS!