Digital Video Project

Incorporating a digital video project in the classroom can be an exciting, yet difficult task at the same time. Such a project requires preparations, technological equipment, as well as a great deal of creativity on the teacher’s and students’ parts. The following is the digital video project I would incorporate in my classroom:
Title: Take Two!
Content Area: Language Arts
Age Level: 5th Grade
Project Description: The teacher would split the students into reading groups. Each group would be given a different short story, and would read the short story together. When the short story is read, students would have to come up with a plan on how to reenact the short story within the school. They would write a script, pick a setting, and learn how to use the camera. Students will film their reenactment and edit it to create a short film. Students will showcase their final projects to all classes in the school.
Preparations: The students would have to read their assigned short story, write a script, learn how to use the technology, and assign roles. The teacher would have to teach the students how to use the technology, as well as have all the technology needed available, including cameras, microphones, tapes, editing software, and any props needed to reenact the short stories.
Timeline:
Day 1- Split into groups; Assign short stories; Start reading short stories
Day 2- Finish reading short stories; start writing script
Day 3- Finish writing script; Assign roles in film (cameramen, actors/actresses)
Day 4- Teacher explanation of technology; Students start filming
Day 5- Filming
Day 6- Finish filming; Editing
Day 7- Finish Editing
Day 8- Showcase
Final Project: Students will show their videos to the school in a showcase. Their videos will allow other students to visually see the short stories they have been reading, and exhibit their newly-found film-making skills.

Software Skills and Resources

Before Instructional Technology, I thought I knew all there was to know. But, boy was I wrong. This class has introduced me to so many applications concerning software, specifically Microsoft Word/Publisher and Inspiration. Who could have ever guessed that Microsoft Word was more than creating word processing documents and essays? Microsoft is such a great resource for teachers and students. It allows the creation of tables, charts, symbols, flyers, and so much more. Microsoft Word is an essential for the classroom. Microsoft Publisher is also a great resource for the classroom. It allows the creation of so many necessities: from flyers to brochures to calendars to certificates. Microsoft Publisher creates anything a teacher could ever need for their classroom or school. Inspiration is also a great resource for the classroom. It allows students and teachers to create concept maps to organize their ideas, whether it is for english, math, history or scheduling. All three types of software are essentials for the classroom. They allow teachers and students to create meaningful products for the classroom. They can assist with learning concepts, scheduling, presenting ideas, and so much more.

Another great resource for the classroom is United Streaming, an on-demand movie website. It contains thousands of movies on-demand for every subject imaginable. United Streaming is great for the classroom because it permits students to see real connections to what they are learning. Movies are a great introduction to new ideas and concepts, as well as a great ending. United Streaming allows the opportunity to engage the classroom in learning.