Digital video in the classroom

Yep, here it is.  My very first stop motion video.  I am far more proud of my children than my video making abilities.....however, a reasonable result in the end.  

I like digital video technology as it really has great appeal for students.  It has so many features which can be included or excluded that it really can be made to suit the individual.  Having students participating in video development is a fantastic way of allowing them to create associated skills such as film acquisition through to editing and production.  The experience is authentic and creative and can be performed as an individual or as a group activity.  Already created video which can be used in the classroom is also growing in numbers and popularity.  There is a need to ensure that all material is censored (even background audio), accurate and appropriate.  Students using this technology need to be aware of legal and ethical issues relating to publishing images (still and moving) of people who can be identified without their consent and also with using the works of other people.  A great example of censorship in use in everyday life is on Google Earth in street view, as it shows all individuals faces have been altered to protect their identity.  Video technology can be used in an offline or online environment, which provides the opportunities to interact with multiple tools.  This technology appeals to 21st century learners as it has a large amount of visual information, which is proven to make information recollection easier.  Text or captions can be added to include people with disabilities such as deafness to engage and can be an aid to assist early reading skills acquisition.  Video is also a great tool to use with children with autism (ASD) as it gives can them direction, and examples presented in an engaging format.

Plus-

Can be a highly authentic activity

Engaging

Includes many features

Develops 21st century skills with use of technology and collaboration through group tasks

Can be used offline and online

Minus-

Poor quality videos can cause disengagement

Misinformation can be included in already created videos

Already created videos can contain inappropriate material

Interesting-

Potential for text and captions to improve reading abilities

Video direction can appeal to children with ASD