Video Tools

Video-projects can be as elaborate as including everything from a storyboard, full production book including script, to the final video displayed online for the class to evaluate.

Many instructors wow for the impact video has in the educational setting and suggest it for many subjects: ESL students have grown in both literacy and language skills, and social skills while also gaining self confidence. Further, in Language Arts video may be used for book reviews or for critiquing speeches. In math studies video can be used to help visualize math concept trough the use of clay or building block. Sports data can be analyzed. In science video can be used to show data of different forms, weather forecasts can visualized and experiments that span over time can be captured. In history students may dress up and discuss historical events or role-play. Video can also be used for animation.

Animoto (offsite link) - is a cool tool that lets you (automatically) make videos of your images. Images can be uploaded to the site or tell the application where they are (on Flickr, Facebook, or other) on the web. 30 sek videos ae free. Full-lentgh videos unlimited length for a fee. No one video comes out alike. Add sound from their inventory or upload your own tunes. This is what it may look like:

One facet of video is digital storytelling where students use multimedia to tell as story.

Jing (offsite link) - is a tool that allows you to capture screen shots and images, record video, and share with others. What is Jing video.

The visual nature of video often both makes students understand better and increases engagement. Video appeals to students and used right it brings on a higher level of thinking. It can be made easy or difficult depending on students abilities. Students may be responsible for only part of the process or everything from research, storyboarding, scripting, filming, and editing the final product. Below is an example of a full production book and the video that came out of the production.

Sites hosting video

Filmsforlearning.org (offsite)
Filmsforlearning allows for a free community membership. Available are everything from downloadable storyboards, shot lists, release forms, and even a 'How-to-make films' for learning manual. Films can be uploaded and shared with other community members and as a member you can download movies.

Metacafe.com (offsite)
Metacafe focuses on selective entertainment with videos averaging 90 seconds. They promise that their videos are out there to 'amaze, inspire, and make viewers laugh.' Videos are user-generated and user-selected. A free memberships allows for uploads and teams of reviewers 'pre-approve'' videos before they go live.

YouTube.com (offsite)
YouTube is the giant in video sharing on the web. Launched in 2005 the site allows free accounts for members to upload video. Accounts are in categories depending on affiliation: standard, director, musician, comedian, and guru. Members can create playlists, subscribe to Vlogs (video blogs), post comments to videos, or join streams. YouTube offers a rather sophisticated search tool that allows users to search for videos by a special contributor, by topic, or by key words. YouTube videos display on the web, through mobile devices, and on blogs. Videos can be entered in contests, and more. YouTube is owned by Google.

 

Shozu.com (offsite)
Allows for upload of videos and photos to many social networks, blogs, and photo sites. Download video, images, and friends feeds. Comment of friends pages/blogs. Initial accounts are free.

 

TeacherTube.com (offsite)
TeacherTube is YouTube's educational counterpart. A lot of instructional videos are available and the contents are growing as more is uploaded. Teachertube seeks to harbor a safe environment for teachers, schools, and home learners. As a member you can upload videos, and attach instructional files to go with them. Videos can be made public or private.

Video.google.com (offsite)
With a Google account you are able to upload movies and store them on Google video. Google Groups allows for free upload of AVI, MPEG, Quicktime, Real, and Windows media even files over 100MB (using a desktop uploader.) No Flash files are supported. Google Video recompresses the movies to 240x320 for reliable streaming download and 480x360 display.

Ideas on use of video in the classroom