Journal 4

The article “If You Give a Kid a Videocamera,” explores the idea that if you teach a child how to use a piece of technology they will continue to explore that medium and create new ways to use it.  In teaching kids how to use pieces of technology, it creates a student centered environment and gives the kids a project that they will actually be interested in.  In addition, these skills can transcend beyond the classroom into outside hobbies and interests. Video presentations can be used in English, math, science, and social studies in a variety of different ways that allow the students to work together or individually and foster problem solving skills.  Videos can be used in all subject matters of teaching, including math and science which may have previously been seen as incompatible with these techniques as teaching aids.  The videos may incorporate student reflection, community involvement, documenting current events, or re-enactments.  Through all of these, the student is actively participating in his or her learning and can achieve a much greater understanding of the task at hand, and will most likely create a memory that won't soon be forgotten. 

Question 1:  Why might video be an important tool in the classroom? 

Videos allow for creativity when students are preparing a presentation and can really allow for the students personalities to shine through.  Depending on the project, it can also be a great way for students to get out into their community and interview members of their neighborhood that they perhaps do not know too well.  They can also be used as revision tools to help the students reflect on past work, such as oral presentations, by watching themselves back and analyzing their performance for corrections.  Sometimes the clearest way to see something about ourselves is through the eyes of another person.

Question 2:  How can video go beyond the classroom?

Learning how to use video can go beyond the classroom in a variety of ways.  The students may develop a real interest in this area of technology and take it towards a career path.  It can also become a fun way for them to document time with friends, family, vacations, and any other personal memories they would like to keep for the future.  

Campbell, L. O. (2012). If you give a kid a video camera .. Learning & Leading with Technology, 39(5), 30-33. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/February-2012.aspx