Over recent years, technology has been used with increasing frequency by teachers at GSB. New hardware and software applications have given teachers tools that simply did not exist not long ago. In this post, I'd like to explore one specific segment of technology; video production in service of learning.
Len Grabowski is using video in his Introduction to Physics classes. Len is teaching many of the traditional topics and concepts, and like generations of students from earlier times, his current students occasionally are challenged to understand such topics as "Adding and Subtracting Vectors" or "Position, Velocity and Acceleration." So to augment classroom instruction, Len is filming lessons and posting them to KnightSite. In this way, students can review a lesson on their own schedule. If a student misses a class, these videos provide an invaluable resource to stay on schedule. Below is an example:
In Len's video, it is not the production quality that stands out. It's the information. And much like the Khan Academy videos, Len's videos provide students an opportunity to learn at a pace that fits the student.
A very different example is provided by Jane Kunzman. Using video with her middle school art classes, Jane's videos allows students to explain to others the meaning of their artwork. Here's an example:
With video, students have the ability to communicate their thoughts to a far wider audience than previously. They also really enjoy the ability to put a media spotlight on their work.
Joanna Hayes faced a question heard by many teachers: "Why do we have to study this?" As a history teacher, Joanna decided to supply a video response.
Joanna Hayes faced a question heard by many teachers: "Why do we have to study this?" As a history teacher, Joanna decided to supply a video response.
The production quality of Joanna's work is first-rate, but the content is noteworthy as well. After Joanna shows this video at the beginning of the school year, my guess is that she will not hear the "Why do we have to study this" question again.
Interested in creating video to further learning? Video, whether student or teacher produced, can be utilized in a variety of ways. And there are any number of people here ready to lend a helping hand if you'd like to get started. Just let me know what you'd like to do, and we can begin.
Interested in creating video to further learning? Video, whether student or teacher produced, can be utilized in a variety of ways. And there are any number of people here ready to lend a helping hand if you'd like to get started. Just let me know what you'd like to do, and we can begin.
