Creating movies for specific subject learning in the classroom

My third blog will be on the use of educator created movies for educational purposes in the classroom. Over the past week I have been enamored by my journey into creating a video, slide, movie for the purpose of our classroom assignment. Of all the assignments thus far, this was by far the most groundbreaking for me. I have learned quite a bit in this class and have created projects guided by our professor, but this was the one project that kept my attention and I refused to stop until it was done. It was not easy, but this opened up so many doors that I thought were closed.

For one, I own a macbook, and never once used imovie before. Sure, I clicked the icon and made the intro begin, but I eventually clicked off under the assumption that I would have to buy something to make it work. Since I am broke and have little time to do extracurricular things I never ventured any farther. This assignment however, forced me to try and I was pleasantly surprised it didn't cost a dime. This was the project I created and posted to youtube.

Yes, I understand it is not as slick as many of the other documentaries or videos on youtube, but I created it. I've never done this before. I am very pleased at how possible this was. Now imagine doing this same task a few times? After a while you would get somewhat better at honing this task. You discover new ways to perform the editing, sound and use of colors. I can envision this type of education int he classroom benefiting everyone involved. From the teacher researching the topic and creating the video specifically for the classroom. To the students who view the videos created specifically for them to view. That has the topic geared towards whatever they are learning.

If the subject is history, the access to pictures, video and testimonials are abundant. If the topic is science imagine filming a expedition you are on in another part of the country and filming the research? That can be used for the classroom for years to come. Take for instance and English literature class during black history month. The weather is terrible in Ohio, but we have so much to be thankful for. Now during this literature class we are reading a novel written by Toni Morrison. A exceptional African American Author who happened to grow up in Lorain.

Now during the previous summer the teacher could have taken a tour of the areas Toni Morrison frequented as a child. Visit buildings that still remain. History is all around us and the creation of a personal documentary for your classroom can accentuate your points. It can make your teaching more elaborate than previously expected.

The possibilities are endless by using the movie medium in the classroom. I know I will utilize this when possible in several areas of study. So if you haven't created a video diary, movie or slide show yet. Give it a try, I know it may be time consuming, but in the end you will be proud of what you have created. 

Martin Heberling III    

The benfits of the K-W-L Graphic Organizer

As my second blog post I have chosen to outline the benefits of using a K-W-L graphic organizer in the classroom. The reason I feel the K-W-L organizer is beneficial is because it transcends most age groups. Children can usually relate to a story in some fashion that can foster the K(knowing), W(Want to know), and L(learned) avenues expected. The children will begin with using the schema they each have as a introduction to the topic. 

The K-W-L organizer is best suited for small or medium groups of children. The K-W-L chart is created by making 3 separate columns on a devise, board, chart, paper etc and titled in the corresponding Know column, Want to know column and finally the Learned column. The teacher will proceed to inform the children of the subject to be discussed and given a brief introduction. The Children are first asked what is already known about this specific topic and a discussion will continue on with the teacher elaboration on the subject.

Then the teacher will maneuver the discussion to the Want to know column.   What is it about the subject that is interesting and may be discovered while reading about this subject? This will need some teacher guidance because it could get a little off track. Hopefully the teacher has organized the assignment and is well versed in the topic. That is extremely helpful keeping the children focused and on the task. The third column is reserved for the learned column. This column is to be filled out by the students and minimum guidance is necessary for proper completion. For the most part though, students will discover the topics from the previous Want to know column and discover what was to be learned.

An addition to a K-W-L that will cement those concept learned for the children is called a concept map. A concept map should be used in conjunction with the K-W-L and display the topic title in the center. The center will contain branches of topics that extend off the main topic. Those extensions may or may not have subtopics. Depending on the age/grade level, this may or may not be too elaborate. 
  
Most importantly, grade level appropriate topics, organization and guidance is key to a successful K-W-L organizer plan. I hope that you have found this blog helpful and please leave me a message.

Martin Heberling