2016 Annual NYSCATE Conference

Teacher-produced videos can be terrific learning tools, but student-created videos are even richer. Short clips and motion graphics require higher-order critical thinking skills. These multimedia videos and animations combine voice, images, and kinetic typography to internalize authentic understanding. Come hear about easy apps and free tools to empower students to publish their own dynamic projects.Creating videos and motion graphics nudges both students and teachers to blend a host of proficiencies. It involves visual design in colors and templates, just as it requires language skills of narration and storytelling. It supports key technological skills in manipulating online media, and it reinforces the importance of publishing in sharing child creations with peers and parents. Kids teaching kids is the purest model of learning. It is the model of the student-centered classroom, because they become the educators of their peers. Video production allows students to stitch together a narrative and storyboard each moment in the process that combines logical reasoning, cause-and-effect, and content mastery. They also must employ their graphicacy skills to fashion compelling and appealing visual displays. These quick-cut movies and short animations combine icons and text to communicate a message. Explainer videos, for example, are perfect for the classroom. They blend voice, image, and language into compelling presentations for students to learn. Content created using app editors or motion graphics provides a way for the brain to receive information through both the eyes and ears. Learning tools that can tap into both modalities have greater effectiveness in fostering understanding. They add layers of meaning for nuanced, standards-based education. Student skills based on critical thinking and choice: Selection - which images would properly relate to their theme? Sequence - what progression would make sense from start to finish? Style - what editing suite would complement the intended mood? Music - what instrumentation would add value to the theme? Text - what title and summary would help teach others? Tone - what overall feeling or motif would wed the images together? Videos and motion graphics encourage four key proficiencies: Symbol and visual metaphor - Students must choose images and icons to pair with their explanations, which fosters an understanding of figurative meaning. Narration - They must unite each visual frame with a seamless spoken narrative, to relate the core information via a smooth story. Script - Children must select crisp words to highlight vocabulary and terms, while avoiding large paragraphs and irrelevant language. Design - As filmmakers, they must combine colors, music, transitions, and layout, to assemble a compelling video that clearly conveys the content. Steps In the Design Process Create a script and thesis Plan targeted image content Keep it short and to the point Know your audience Make it fit into the scope and sequence of any unit Make it fun Reflect on the process Resources For Students And Educators: Renderforest Moovly Wideo Adobe Voice Magisto Stop Motion VineElementary Teacher/Staff,Middle Teacher/Staff,Librarian/Media Specialist,Technology Integration Coordinator