Wednesday, 29 March 2017

Blog Post Four


Hello readers! So once again I’m making another blog post and this time I am going to focus on the use of multimedia in the classroom – more specifically videos.
Now, I believe that videos are a great tool for breaking the ice in a classroom. Or maybe there’s a funny video that relates to the topic being taught that day.
Like this video here, it makes you laugh, it makes you think (but in an easy “I’m not thinking way” …if that makes sense). So, you know if you need to de-stress a little, go ahead click on the video.



Anyways, now that you have (or if you’re a sour lemon and didn’t watch it…but it will be discussed later) watched the video let’s move on.
I have made a few videos in my time. But if you have read my previous post will know that technology and I don’t really go that well together. But what I used was Movie Maker, it was free and came with the computer I had at that time. Anyways, the computer I have now doesn’t have movie maker so I’m trying out VSDC Video Editor suggested in the Moodle site.

Ok so I’ve had a play with it and the result is…it’s horrible. I spent a good hour on that and the video I had kept glitching when I tried to play it (not pretty). As well as the text wasn’t showing up, and showing many others things were going wrong. It would probably work ok for someone but it wasn’t the program for me (plus it is now refusing to close…I had this problem yesterday with it as well). But there are many out there and if you have the time, try some and comment any good programs that worked well.

Onto the educational sides of things…back in my day (not that it was so very long ago), we used videos in our classes. Sometimes it was an educational documentary styled video (these were common in my Modern History class…although when you have to watch three different versions of Ned Kelly it gets too much…I really hate the Mick Jagger version, it’s terrible, don’t waste your precious life to watch it). But basically, videos in schools were a part of my life.



Now again one of the questions I am meant to answer is how could I use videos in my teaching. I kind of mention some ideas why previously but I’m going to re-state it again for anyone who missed it. Basically, it’s a tool which is engaging and has an ability to connect with younger generations.
What I found particularly interesting when reading through the course material was that videos can produce and enhance “communication, observation and analysis, [as well as] reflection” (Baskin, 2017).  I think it’s pretty cool that videos have the power to do that.

The SAMR model (substitution, augmentation, modification, redefinition - for those of you who don’t remember) is used to incorporate “technology/digital devices” for teachers into their student’s learning. But it could also be flipped the other way where the learners teach and the teachers learn. Videos give teachers the opportunity to show off what they have learned throughout the term through their creations, which (in some cases) summarises the content better than for example a worksheet.
But going back to the SAMR model, for example it could be used to find an easier way for students to understand the works of Shakespeare.



Whenever we had a book that was a bit old fashioned the teacher showed us a video from YouTube called “Thug Notes” (see I told you I would discuss it later) and whatever title of the book it was. It introduced us into the topic easily and made the world of Shakespeare less scary (but not for me, me and Shakespeare are cool).

But another cool thing about technology is staying safe. Whilst it's awesome to view or upload videos online it is important to remember that anyone can see them. Whilst the school may have viewing restrictions it could be possible for something to slip under the radar. If something doesn't look right, or you're unsure about anything ask a teacher or parent.

Well, that's all folks! See you next week!



References

Baskin, C. (2017c). Week 4: Digital Technologies 2: Digital Media. Retrieved from CQUniversity e-courses, EDSE12024 Digital Pedagogies in Secondary Schools,  https://moodle.cqu.edu.au/my/ 

 YouTube references

Wisecrack. (2014, Jan 7). Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare) – thug notes summary and analysis [video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-qgVmsV3hM

10 comments:

  1. I love the "Back in my day" image! Haha

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    1. Haha me too, although now it would be an iPod touch haha

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  2. Hi, I really like how you applied the SAMR model to teaching Shakespeare. His works can be difficult for students to relate to. I'm sure students would appreciate the succinct but entertaining thug notes version as well.

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    1. Thank you so much for your comment! I sure hope so :)

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  3. I like that you were honest with your inability to use MovieMaker, some people find it difficult to be honest and fault themselves. Hopefully you can learn from it!

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  4. Hi, I also did this task which explored how videos can be embedded in the classroom. I believe that they are an engaging way to break the 'ice' in the classroom. Videos can give students a better learning experience and helps engage all students in their learning. I used similar program to Movie Maker called iMovie, which is program designed for apple computers and tablets. I also found it difficult at first to use the iMovie in the beginning but found that by using trial and error I was able develop my skills further.

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    1. Awesome! I have an iPad so maybe I can have a look at it?? Fingers crossed it would work :)

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  5. Hi,
    I agree with the comments above, videos are excellent tools to utilise; I feel that they will be useful in calming and focusing the attention of students, especially after lunch break. :) The examples you used to convey how you would use the SAMR model was well structured. They showed that technology can allow the use of many different interpretations to be presented; allowing the students to better understand the text.

    Also, I like how your blog reflections are presented. You are really communicating with your readers; I feel that I am too formal/essay like in my reflections. I need to work on being less formal in my responses.

    Thanks, Candice :)

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    1. Hey there Candice! Thanks for commenting on my blog and I am glad that you liked it :)

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