This past week in class we discussed the use of video recording in the classroom. I really like this technology because I believe that there are a lot of possibilities for use in the classroom and I think it's a rather simple technology. After class, I stared to think of some negatives about using video recording in the classroom and how I could make them less negative.
I'm the type of person who loves being in front of the camera. However, I know that not everyone is like this. Some of my students may be very shy and self conscious and not want to be in front of the camera. So how do I go about dealing with this? I think the students could be involved with video projects and not have to be in front of the camera. They could have more responsibility writing scripts, running the camera, or editing the video. There are other options that allow them to still be involved without actually being in front of the camera.
The next problem that I thought about was cost. Let's be honest, I could be in a school that may not be able to afford video cameras. What do I do then? If I wasn't able to afford my own camera to bring in, I could always ask for parent volunteers. The parents could volunteer a couple of different ways. They could either let us borrow their camera and the students could tape or they could come in and tape the students. Both of these also bring up issues. The first option of using parents video recorders is very risky, but just like if my students were using school equipment I would expect them to be extremely careful. The second option doesn't allow for the students to have experience with the technology, but it still allows for the experience of presenting material and for editing. Both options have some downfalls, but it's still better than not having the technology at all.
The last "bump in the road" I thought of was problems with editing on the computer. When we were doing our project for class, we encountered a few problems, but just like with anything other technology you have to be patient and figure out a way around your problem. I don't have a better answer than that. Any technology you use will not always run perfectly, but as a teacher you will have to learn to think on your toes and find a solution to your problem.
I really believe that video recording is a fabulous technology to use in the classroom. My group had so much fun recording our project that I know children will love it as well. These were just a few problems that I could foresee happening, but like any problem there's always a solution to it.
I have done a couple of projects with my class this year and they were recorded. It really is amazing how much most of my students did not pay one bit of attention to being filmed. There were a couple that kind of were shy about when we showed them to the class, but still not like I thought they would be. I try to set the tone early in the year in my classroom by doing group projects and presentations in front of the class the second full week of school. The more we do the more relaxed and at ease they are with it. I liked your idea with using parents and their cameras,but I think you have to be very careful with all of the confidentiality issues. I did find that the new Flip video isn't really all that expensive and some digital cameras record so it might be a possibility of doing something with what you already have. I agree with you and the project we did in class last week. It always amazes me how creative we all are when given a video camera and a story to talk about. I am going to try this with my own classroom one of these days.
ReplyDeleteLove the "other" options you gave instead of being on camera! I know that I was one of those students who hated to be on camera when I was in school...now I don't really care.
ReplyDeleteI like your idea about asking parents for help if you didn't have the resources available at your school. This was a question I had in my blog: what are some inexpensive ways to use technology in the classroom if you're teaching at a low income/low poverty school? I think it would be awesome to try a digital book walk with my first graders using a flip camera, but obviously the whole process would take A LOT longer!
I agree that I too was (and still am) shy in front of a video camera, but the whole idea of receieving an education is that you are challenged and grow. So although I like your idea of allowing students to work behind the camera and develop those skills, I also think that it might be necessary to allow students to be recorded too. I was thinking of how you presented some extra options for equipment and I thought about cellphones. Most (even the inexpensive ones) come with video recording capabilities and although the quality of the cheaper phones are not always what you would wish for, it remains an option. A second option is that of the iPods, the newer versions of the iTouch also come out with video recording capabilities. I was also thinking that one could buy a webcam (if the computers do not have a built-in camera), and although there are obvious limitations with using a webcam for the project you envision, it nonetheless remains an option (be it a relatively stationary one).
ReplyDeleteGood suggestions from your peers! I do think video production is a very powerful means of expression in the classroom. As you think about the cost (and we have to in these budget times!) you might consider your school's PTO or educational foundation. Teachers are writing proposals to both of these organizations and getting money for equipment, materials that they need in the classroom. Flips are really semi-inexpensive ($100-$200 each), so that might be a great avenue for your to explore. Also, keep in mind that when using video - it doesn't always have to be edited. You could just download the clip, save it as a quicktime file or media player file and you are ready to go!
ReplyDeleteLeandi, I didn't even think about the new iPods! Buying those would be like getting a two for one deal. I think I've mentioned before how I have an iPad and when I saw the new iPods with cameras I was so mad. I know Apple will soon come out with a camera in the iPad. I will feel so behind the times without! Jo, I'm glad a lot of your students don't mind presenting in front of the class. This is something that I was worried about. I like your idea of talking about it with your class. That's something that I will probably try to do with my class. Thanks so much for all the suggestions!
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