Reflection: Group 2 Technologies, Digital Tool 6 - Digital Video

I have investigated using Digital Tool 6 - Digital Video - and made an attempt at creating a digital video myself. I used Windows Movie Maker to create a video, which was essentially a combination of an audio track and a series of images.

I found Movie Maker quite clunky to work in. I can see potential applications of digital video in learning. However, if the digital video needs to be created by me, I am going to have to refine those Movie Maker skills!

I have completed a PMI (plus, Minus, Interesting) analysis of the use of digital video in teaching.

I have some thoughts about how digital video (either created by me, learners, or sourced from elsewhere) could be used eLearning...

Reflections:

My learning: I suspect I assumed Movie Maker was a simpler tool than it actually is. When it came to more precise changes, I was at a loss. I think as the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Once I work up the courage, I'll go and try to figure out exactly what it is I was doing wrong. This is a useful learning experience though, since it is possible that my learners will have never used Movie Maker either, and might experience the same confusion and frustration. I'll be in a position to empathise, and then (hopefully!) help them to understand.

Potential applications in eLearning: There is potential for digital video to be embedded in online spaces, such as blogs, wikis and websites. These videos could be sourced from elsewhere as another way of presenting information to learners. The teacher could create digital video for learner instruction, or to journal/visually document class activities. Learners can also be involved in creating digital videos, providing opportunities for them to apply what they have learnt in a meaningful and interesting way. Perhaps some examples of learning experiences making use of digital video could be:

Example 1: Before going on school camp, learners are told that they will be involved in creating a souvenir DVD of the camp. They will need to keep a digital image and video diary of camp, perhaps even recording audio memories with an mp3 player. Upon returning from camp, there will be a series of lessons on how to use Windows Movie Maker, and then learners will design and produce their own DVD using their own images, video, and audio from camp, and other music or audio tracks. 

Example 2: Learners are tasked with sourcing digital video on a contentious topic. They should choose a number of videos from each side of the debate, summarise the videos, and compare the arguments. They should then determine their own standing on the issue, and make their own digital video, supporting their argument, for the class to watch.

Potential benefits for my learners:  The sheer number of digital videos available online means that learners are exposed to a wide range of viewpoints on a multitude of issues. There are even digital videos available that explain how to make digital videos! The software to create digital video is also widely available (both in Windows and Mac), making is quite accessible.

Making use of digital video in teaching can mean designing learning experiences that involve learners engaging in higher order thinking. For example, having learners source digital video on a contentious topic, and then summarise the videos and compare arguments would involve learners moving from Remembering, through to Analysing. Then, to move learners on to even higher order thinking, they determine their own standing on the issue, and produce their own digital video to support their argument.