Video 2.0

Videos are a terrific way to provide direct instruction by proxy. Let's face it - students would much rather watch a video about a topic than listen to their teacher lecture on that same topic. 

Videos, by their very nature will address the varied learning styles of our students along with providing a layered, multi-dimensional view of any given concept or topic.

Below, I have inserted a video that I have created for use in my own classroom, a lesson plan that accompanies it, and then further resources that offer information regarding developing and using videos in your classroom.

Beginning of the Year Welcome Video

Multimedia Video Lesson Plan

Name:  Andrea Cannon	Date:  April 10, 2012
Multimedia Video Title: Welcome to Worlds of Words!	Grade/Level: 7th Grade – Language Arts
TN State Learning Accomplishments: GLE 0701.2.1 Demonstrate critical listening skills essential for comprehension, evaluation, problem solving, and task completion.
NETS-T Performance Indicators:  2.  Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments      a.  design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity. 3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning      a. demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations      c. communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital age media and formats.
Essential Question: Harry Wong, author of The First Days of School, stresses the importance of teachers introducing themselves to their students. Therefore, the first day of every school year starts off with a short introduction of me to my students followed by an activity that asks them to introduce themselves to me. This has ranged over the years to include Wordle exercises, I Am Poems, and other ice-breakers.
Description of the ‘relative advantage’ of any and all technology being used in this instructional activity: I have done this activity in different ways – I’ve used pictures on the overhead coupled with a prepared speech, I’ve used PowerPoint, and most recently, video. The video is by far the most effective mode – it grabs my students attention, and the rapid pace and music inject energy and anticipation into what might be an only mildly interesting experience otherwise.

Additional Resources for Multimedia Video Projects:

• Faculty Focus: Effective Uses of Video in the Classroom
• Edutopia: How to Use Online Video in Your Classroom
• TechLearning: Creating Video in Classrooms