I used the above video (using Xtranormal) as my introduction for a casual workshop I did on Creativity, Technology and Authentic Assessments this morning for JapanASCD (workshop ning here).
In the workshop, I tried to highlight different mediums and ways to use technology to share knowledge, performance and products. What does it mean to be creative? How and what do we use technology for? Perhaps I should have called it Creativity 2.0?
My presentation is only the tip of the iceberg. Being creative is more than making things or being artistic. It’s also a way of thinking and problem-solving. I highlighted some web 2.0 applications and let participants explore them. Everyone is busy these days. No one has time just to sit and try things out.
I presented using Prezi (here) and compiled the 2.0 tools on this wiki pictured below. If you are a regular reader to this blog, you may know this stuff already. But remember, pedagogy should come first and the tools come second!
I have grade 4s researching how mass media can affect their decisions. They are looking at a few techniques and mediums. As part of their formative assessment, they are creating commercials to sell products from our school store. They are using iMovie and came up with some pretty good ideas for only two days of work. They scripted, story-boarded and filmed. I wish I stressed more camera work with them though. Several did vary their angles and perspectives, but a few were also static.
I could have let them play with xtranormal first. This may have been a good experience for them. I decided to create the above intro video for the next group I will have to emphasize this point. xtranormal is kind of fun but the hurdle I had was shortening my script. I was over the allowed space and had to make several adjustments to shorten it. Below is a screen shot outlining the process. You simply type in your script and then drag the action icons into it. Give it a try. It’s free but requires email registration. Other film info, resources and lesson ideas can be found on my wiki here.
(I will be on holiday for a week so I’ll also give your RSS feed a rest. Most likely no posts next week.)
UPDATE: I imported the video into Screenflow to add some titles and have placed it on YouTube here.
Mashface “…is stupid, fun and free.” It’s in beta mode and well….ah, yeah, it’s kind of stupid. Basically you select a photo and then video insert your eyes, mouth etc into that. I can see some potential in it too. I could see this making a good history project using a photo of a world leader, a famous artist or an inventor etc. with dialogue recorded by a student. (Hmmm).
Better yet, try out Xtranormal. “If you can type, you can make movies.” Select your actors, location and begin typing the dialogue. As you type the dialogue, you may insert expressions and camera angles. It’s quit simple really.
