Video Within the Classroom

There are many different ways that teachers are using videos to enhance their curriculum. A video can be used in one of two ways; it can be viewed by students or it can be created by students. There are a number of benefits to viewing videos within the classroom. First, videos offer a change of speaker. Students are often being talked at by their teacher’s day in and day out. By using a video as an instructional device, teachers create a change in pace and students receive information from a varied source. Secondly, videos offer visuals. Students are used to viewing images and they can learn a lot from these images. Through the use of videos, students can view far off places. Creating a tangible image in your head can help aid in understanding and make events real.

In my future classroom, I plan on using videos for instructional purposes such as showing the CNN student news. This news cast is specifically designed for students. The nice thing about this is that is shows global and national news. In addition, it takes the time to explain exactly what certain things in the news mean rather than speeding through them like other newscasts. For example, when talking about the national budget the video uses a real wooden bar graph that was created to help make the abstract idea more understandable. This is something I would like to use in an upper elementary or middle school social studies class because it can connect events that students are learning about to the modern day events that are happening in those places around the world.

http://www.cnn.com/studentnews/

Another way that I will implement videos into my classroom is through the use of brain break videos. For teaching a lower elementary class, I would utilize a website such as gonoodle.com. This type of website allows you access to a large bank of videos that will get your class moving. These videos include kid friendly justdance videos, Zumba, and other short wiggle videos. In addition, you can upload any of your own videos that you want to use. The website counts up every video you watch and will add them to a grand total to “muscle up” an alien character that each account receives. Throughout the day, students can be given a brain break in which they get out of their seats and move around.

https://www.gonoodle.com/

A final way that I will use videos within my classroom, is through student created videos. There are many different tools available for students to create their own movies within the classroom. In my own k-12 experience, some of my most memorable assignments were movies that I created in small groups. When you create your own video, you need to have a complete understanding about the topic that you are working on. Furthermore, creating a video normally takes time, ensuring that your students spend time with the material. Similarly, video creation can encourage students to research deeper into their topics. Videos created within the classroom can then be shared and used to instruct other students.

One example of student created work comes from a tool called kidpix. Through this software, students can create animations and narrations to go along with any story. Using kidpix’s helps students create pieces of writing for an authentic audience. Below is an example story created using kidpix software. This video was created as a thank you to a basketball coach. I think this video is a good sample of a student created work because it shows how digital media can be used for an authentic audience. When you create writing for a real audience there is increased motivation to create quality work.

Students are exposed to visuals every day. By embracing this reality and including videos into our classroom we can teach our students to be critical viewers. In addition, we can give them the tools they need to create their own videos; therefore, opening an alternative method to prove comprehension and reaching more students along the way.

Lucas says thank you to basketball coach [Online video]. Kids Pix Gallery .