Using video or picture media in the classroom is such a relevant and simple idea to utilize in any classroom. Our students today have no idea what the world is like without constant video of any and all events happening around the world. As a matter of fact I have no idea what it is like not to have television 24/7. It makes perfect sense to give students no matter how young the opportunity to use this in class as often as possible.
One idea I like from "45 Interesting Ways to Use Your Pocket Video Camera in the Classroom" is film an expert which I would use as a book review and have one student ask questions of another on a favorite book. I also like using it to film PE class but I thought it would be useful to film different activities for field day and the kids could view this before they went out for the day so they were familiar with the rules and games before they started. There are so many uses the most difficult part is finding the time in between all the other requirements.
Children are so used to being filmed by their parents that rarely are they shy to perform for the camera. In my lesson we filmed a fitness video and no one was really camera shy. The hardest part was staying on task and not getting too carried away with the activities.
I used my own personal digital video camera but it would be wonderful to have one at the school. The average cost for a camera is roughly $100.00 for a pocket video camera. It would also be nice to have a microphone which would cost about $50.00. Our school already has a projector installed in each room so viewing the created video would be easy.
Jane,
ReplyDeleteI thought your comment about technology being an ever-present presence in students' lives is such a true statement. When I think of this, it makes me think how powerful it really is for our instruction to integrate those technologies which students use on a nearly daily basis. Really, I feel like we have a responsibility to meet students in the world which they inhabit and design our instruction around the learners who are coming into our classroom. Though I don't think technology can replace effective instruction, I also think it is silly to keep teaching in traditional ways when we have all of these technological tools at our fingertips which make learning so much more engaging, and dare I say it, fun.
I thought your example of filming a fitness activity was an interesting way to use the video podcast. It make me think of how I can use video podcasts to present directions to my students for more complicated tasks in the classroom. In this way, students could view the directions again, and it would not just be me having to repeat the directions orally over and over again.
After seeing your research on the cost of equipment, I was really struck by how integrating video into the classroom is a financially feasible option and one that I think students would really enjoy.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Jane,
ReplyDeleteYou are so correct about constant video technology being in our students' daily lives whether it's television, computers, video games or cell phones. I really liked your ideas about filming activities for field day so that students know how they are to participate and what the expectations are. I am going to recommend this to my PE teacher since it seems so much time is spent on field day explaining the different stations. Great ideas! This week's readings and projects really got me thinking of all the different ways I could utilize this technology.
Jane,
ReplyDeleteI also agree that your comment about field day really sparked my thinking as well. There are so many activities that require and abundance of time reviewing the rules and steps in the process. What a great idea to allow a video clip to take the place in this situation! I enjoyed reading your blog because it opens up new ideas for integrating technology that I may not have thought of otherwise. Keep the ideas rolling and feel free to keep sharing them as well! :) Thanks Jane!
-Chelsey
Jane you are so right about children being used to the camera. I don't know how many times the kids want to see themselves. Even at fourth grade they love it. I also appreciate how you tell it like it is. We shouldn't be showing boring science videos (come on guys think of the ones we had to sit through), but think if we got to create some videos to show...
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