Digital Video in the Classroom

Digital video and editing can be a very simple production that details a classroom visit or fieldtrip, or it can be more involved and include numerous settings, characters and scenes. No matter the method, digital video and editing can offer opportunities for improved learning and understanding of the subject at hand. The use of multimedia can enhance creative thinking and problem solving and advance knowledge of technology for students. An added benefit will be the knowledge gained by educators as they learn to use digital editing and understand the impact it plays in learning.

Desktop Movies

When you bring your lessons to life through video, sound, and pictures, students become more motivated and involved, and everything makes more sense. MovieMaker (Free on all PC computers) or iMovie (Free on all Mac computers)  takes classroom expression to the next level by putting exciting tools into students' hands. Students can create high-quality presentations and video reports to demonstrate abstract concepts or increase the relevance of social issues. Teachers can share best classroom practices with their peers and document professional growth. You will use which ever desktop movie program you have available. If you have a PC, MovieMaker is usually found under the Assessories Folder from the START menu or directly from the ALL PROGRAMS link. Bet you did not even know you had it.

Desktop Movies - Creating a Passion for Learning -

Integrating Technology with Digital Video -

The Power of Desktop Movies

Desktop for the classroom -

Apple Learning Interchange -

Desktop Movies and the Curriculum -

Getting Started with Desktop Movies -

10 Tips for Capturing Great Video -

Online Video Tutorials (Review the video tutorial for MovieMaker if you have a PC or for iMovie if you are using a Mac)

Assignment Requirements 

This assignment is designed for you to demonstrate your proficiency of using a video editing program and your ability to integrate technology to meet curricular goals. You are required to upload your educational video to teachertube.com. The video can be about any educational topic.

• Create an educational video that is captivating and creative. The video only needs to be about one minute in length.
• Images are appropriate and identify movie theme. You can use still shots and screen captures to create your video or you may use a digital video camera if you have access to one (QuickCam, phone, etc.)
• Sounds are appropriate and enhance movie theme. You can import music or record voice.
• Transitions and effects are used appropriately to enhance movie theme
• Titles slides appropriately introduce and conclude movies as well as display important text throughout the movie.
• Movie is uploaded to TeacherTube.com. In order for others to view the file you must save it as a movie file. Once your movie is complete, after you have preformed your final save, complete the following steps:
  • File--> Save Movie File-->Save it to MyComputer-->Give it a name & know where you are saving it to-->This is the file you must upload to teachertube.
  • You are required to upload your video to http://www.teachertube.com. You will have to sign up for a free account. Upload your address link to the assignment dropbox when your movie is uploaded.

Step-by-Step: Planning for Curricular Success

The first step is to plan the video and tie it to stated curriculum or technology standards. Curriculum benefits can include development of higher order thinking through the production of video, collaboration between teacher and student, student and student, or student and the knowledge of the world.

The Pitch
Before a film gets made in Hollywood, the concept gets pitched to a producer. In this case, you group will pitch their concept to the teacher with a one-page synopsis of their idea and team members.

Storyboard & Script
You need to plan and write the script before ever touching a video camera. You will write the script as a scene-by-scene narrative of the Desktop Movie from beginning to end. Include dialog for the actors, descriptions of sets/scenes, and audio. You will use a stroyboard to create this script outline. Storyboards show (in rough cartoon form) action, actors, camera angles, and transitions from one scene to the next. Creating this visual roadmap of key scenes makes it easier for all team members to work more effectively.

Example of blank storyboard to organize your movie