Video in the classroom is powerful, because it has the ability to make the classroom come alive, and make meaningful learning experiences and connections. Video allows you to deliver long-lasting images, and reach children with various learning styles. But how do you make sure you’re keeping things fresh?
Here are a few ways you can incorporate video projects in your classroom—on a daily basis.
1) Flip your classroom—but for real
Flipped classrooms allows for a student to never again miss a lesson. Essentially, that style of teaching allows you to break down your classroom walls, and expand learning outside of the classroom. With a recorded lesson, students can watch an uninterrupted lesson as many times as they need to at their own pace. Students don't have to stop at just watching your lessons—they can view information from other teachers and experts to gain new perspectives.
What Equipment Do You Need to Produce Videos? At The Minimum:
- A recording device (webcam, camera, or screencasting software)
- Access to editing software (iMovie, windows movie maker, or an online tool)
- Computer, laptop, or tablet
- An online presence to post videos like YouTube, SchoolTube, or Vimeo
Consider creating simple videos using Screencast-o-matic, orQuicktime Player. These tools allow you to screencast (record) what's on your computer screen, meaning you can record audio and video. To supplement, there are some great digital content resources like PBS LearningMedia, Youtube, WatchknowLearn, and Discovery Education that are sure to bring amazing experiences for your students.
2) Jazz up student assessments
Tests come in all shapes and sizes—so why not incorporate some video this month into your assessment style? Students can show their learning in unique ways, such as by recording themselves reading a book, passage, or an essay that they wrote, or recording labs, or science experiments. Try using the camera app on your iPad, iPhone, or Chromebook to achieve that, or for audio only, there’s Audioboom.
Additionally, a favorite tool of mine is EDpuzzle—a free platform that allows you to take videos and embed quizzes directly into those clips. You can make any video yours, and crop the video to use only what you need for your lesson. Students can view the videos on the EDpuzzle website, on the app, on your website, or even on your website, if you choose to embed the video. And one other important piece of information: EDpuzzle also collects data as students watch and interact with the video, so you can track how they’re progressing.
Students can show their learning in unique ways, such as by recording themselves reading a book, passage, or an essay that they wrote, or by recording labs or science experiments.
3) Bring video into student projects and storytelling
Projects are a staple in most classrooms, so here are two tools to help students incorporate more storytelling into those projects. And for the record, these projects don’t need to be confined to your own class; for example, students could use the following tools to showcase school events through student lead broadcast teams, or news channels.
First up, Present.Me’s free online website allows you to upload content (PDF, PowerPoint, etc.) to an online platform, and record video of yourself presenting the information. The viewer sees a split screen, with your presentation on one side, and a video recording on the other side.
Next up, there’s Videolicious. This free tool is very user-friendly and great for taking pictures to tell stories. Create a professional looking video in minutes using the website or app—kids will feel like they’re in control.
4) Think about parent communication
Are you worried that parents aren’t reading your emails? Add excitement to a parent weekly newsletter or email by creating a video, instead. Using green screen apps like Touchcast or Do Ink, you can create amazing video projects with your students that grabs any parent’s attention.
And by the way—what if you shared what’s happening in your classroom with student-made animations? A fun way I like to do this is with Tellagami, a mobile app that lets you create an animated “Gami.” You can use the computer animated voice, or add your own to create animated anticipatory sets to introduce a unit or lesson animated Gami video. Mash your Gami with iMovie and embed quizzes, and other special features—in fact, this tool is versatile enough that you can consider for the other three points above.
5) Use video for professional development best practices
We can’t forget about ourselves, teachers. Teachers can create amazing video recordings of classroom best practices and store them on a website, or YouTube channel using a Ricoh Theta camera that records a 360-degree view of a room.
As you get better with using video in your classroom, you can look for additional technology tools that help supplement your technology skills.
Got some tools that you like? Feel free to share in the comments section.
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