Video in the classroom..

Using video in the classroom is the up and coming method of teaching.  Although it would be a time consuming endeavor, the information and skills the students would learn would be highly beneficial.   The teacher using the video as a project must be willing to give up a class or two to explain the software, how to use it, and how to edit it.  Class time would also be necessary for planning, if in a group setting, and the viewing of the product. 


If the teacher is willing to undergo such a task, the students will learn 'beaucoup'! While using the project to teach or reinforce a concept from the classroom, the students will simultaneously be working on their people skills (including communication and compromise), their technology skills, and their content area skills. 


I have used video in various ways in my classroom.  For example, my French 3 students learn Reflexive Verbs (ie verbs you do to yourself - ex. Brush your teeth, wash your hair).  To communicate with me that they understand the topic, each student must create their own product and create an infomercial for it.  They are provided with a rubric of the necessary phrases and class time for script writing - to ensure that they are using their own knowledge and not merely online translators.  Each info-mercial must be an original product and must be within a certain time limit. The students ask questions and answer them in order to 'sell' their product.  
Due to the unstable technology provided by the school, I emphasize the creation of a video or podcast, but also provide the option of live presentations. This allows me to meet the various standards depending on how the individual works. We will have a couple days for the viewing of these commercials, as there are nearly 30 students in the class.  The outcomes are usually impressive, as the students take pride in their work (and in wanting an A). As with doing any technology based project, there are multiple challenges that present themselves.  For one, the students need to be able to use and provide their own equipment.  The class time set aside was mostly used for script writing, and for reviewing the methods of presentation. The presentation day always proves to be interesting, as various methods were used, it is necessary to know which technology is needed for each presenter.


The students are excited to share their videos! They like the idea of creating something for the others to see.  The challenge of presenting in a foreign language adds to the stress level, but they are looking forward to it none the less.