SYLLABUS

 

Aurora University

 

 Digital Video in the Classroom

3 semester hours graduate credit

 

Daily Class Schedule

Digital Video Class Resource Page

My Free Software Page for Teachers

Instructor Home Page

Email the Instructor: jambrosia.edschools@yahoo.com

Description:

 

This hands-on class will provide information regarding curriculum enhancement with video projects, message design and delivery for video productions, the elements of communicating visually, pre-production planning, using the Internet for research of primary and secondary sources, production and its terminology, post-production editing, distribution formats, video production equipment, and evaluation of media projects.

 

Overview:

 

The purpose of this course is to allow elementary and secondary teachers to explore and develop engaging video projects as well as demonstrate how teachers can become facilitators in their classrooms.  Video-based activities will include collaborative problem solving, information collections, and interpersonal exchanges. Through the use of video projects, teachers will be able to improve classroom instruction, keep students on task, and tap into the vast informational resources that exist on the Internet.  Guided practice will allow the beginner, as well as the seasoned veteran, opportunities to add fun and exciting lessons for their students.  No previous experience with digital video use is required.

 

Objectives:

 

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• Find free public domain video and still images on the Internet for use in video projects.
• Develop a plan for a video production based on purpose, audience and classroom objectives. The plan includes storyboarding and scriptwriting.
• Synthesize and organize information for a video production.
• Demonstrate knowledge of camera shots and filming by using a variety of composition techniques in video projects.
• Demonstrate knowledge of camera controls and connections.
• Import video to a computer.
• Edit video using non-linear video editing software.
• Export video in various formats.
• Evaluate student video projects.

 

Teaching Methods/Class Format:

 

A hands-on collaborative approach with the instructor "coaching" will be the prime method of instruction. Brief lectures and group discussions will be utilized to explore new concepts. Students will be actively using video equipment and computer software.  Students will work both independently and as part of a group to create video presentations.

Students will be divided into groups and will then evaluate a list of web sites related to each of the following structured genre: Collaborative problem solving, information collections, and interpersonal exchanges. Students will then report each group's findings to the entire class.

 

Review of Literature & Readings:

Curriculum Fit, Meeting Instructional Standards with Digital Video
http://www.cssd.ab.ca/tech/digvid/curriculumfit.html

Welcome Teachers By Nikos Theodosakis
The Director in the Classroom
http://www.pinnaclesys.com/academic/main_2.asp

Video Streaming: Harnessing a Unique Capability of Technology
http://www.peterli.com/archive/ts/912.shtm

 Digital Video and Media-on-Demand in Schools

http://www.powermediaplus.com/articles.asp?articleID=12

 

Video Goes to School

http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/PFshowstory.cfm?ArticleID=5689

 

Technological, societal factors are driving the video trend

http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/PFshowstory.cfm?ArticleID=5598

 

Textbook:

Action! In the Classroom, A Guide to Student Produced Digital Video in K-12 Education (Paperback), Daniel R. Greenwood, The Scarecrow Press, Inc. 2003.

Units of Work:

 

Day One: Video in Education

• Introduction and informal current assessment of students/teachers
• Goals and expectations
• Projects for the classroom, message design, aesthetic instruction
• Explore examples of digital projects found on the Internet
• Information collection

 

Day Two: Video Production Process

• Review of day one’s information
• Introduction to digital video editing/creation software
• Preproduction: purpose, audience, genres, elements, equipment, scheduling, storyboarding
• Production: camera basics, lighting, audio, extra footage, camera movement and composition techniques

 

Day Three: Video Production Process

• Review day two
• Postproduction: computer hardware and software, capturing  (importing) video editing and output
• Introduction to the Open Source Video Library and The Open Video Project

 

 Day Four:

• Putting it all together (review)
• Discussion of assigned articles
• Work in grade level or content area and/or thematic area groups to develop specific projects

 

Day Five:

• Review/Evaluation of projects
• Build notions and plans for assessment of student learning.
• Complete projects
• Share projects with entire group and offer to post on website.
• Final exam

 

Class Resources:

           

 

Class Assignments:

 

Assignments will be given by instructor to reinforce the units of work.  Each student will be responsible for completing an independent video project which will be available for use in the upcoming school year.  Projects will be presented to the class, and also presented in written form to be shared with the class.  All projects will be reviewed and shared with the class at the end of the course. Teachers will be given the option to post their projects on the Internet so they become available to others and archive their video projects on CD/DVD formats.   All readings will require a written summary and discussion.

 

Attendance:

 

Students are required to attend all classes and to participate in class discussions, small group activities, experimental and experiential group exercises and projects. Attendance is divided into two sessions per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, for each of five days.  Students must attend all sessions.  If absence is due to a family emergency, an attempt will be made to make up the session at a later time, if possible.

 

Academic Honesty and Integrity:

 

Students are expected to maintain academic honesty and integrity as students at Aurora University by doing their own work to the best of their ability. Academic dishonesty (cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, etc.) will result in the student's receiving a zero for that test, assignment, or paper.

  

Final Examination Policy:

 

A final, culminating activity is required in all off-campus courses.  Each student will be responsible for completing an independent project, which will enhance his/her classroom (i.e. technique, curriculum, technology use).  Each project shall be presented in digital form at the end of the course and presented to the class.

 

Evaluation:

 

            Grading will be based on the quality of work with components weighted as follows. Grades are differentiated on the basis of quality. Quantity alone is not a significant factor for grade differentiation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

American Disability Act Compliance:

 

In compliance with ADA guidelines, students who have any condition, either permanent or temporary, which might affect their ability to perform in this class are encouraged to inform the instructor at the beginning of the term. Adaptations of teaching methods, class materials, including text and reading materials or testing, may be made as needed to provide for equitable participation.