online4me

Session 10: Filming Compassion

Session 10: Filming Compassion

The use of filming in conjunction with service learning is a concept that both enhances the experience for the students and engages their technological abilities.  First, the National Service Learning Clearinghouse defines service learning as a method of teaching, learning and reflecting that combines academic classroom curriculum with meaningful service within the community.  With this in mind, schools in the Cincinnati area decided to integrate film-making into their service projects.  The students were required to visit their community organization and film at least one hour of footage, on their own time.  They were also required to edit the faces of the people being videoed using Final Cut 4.  Prior to completing their footage, they had to return to class and develop a storyboard.  A storyboard is a series of sketches that outlines a scene sequence and highlights the major events that occur within the story.  In the end of the experience, the students felt achieved in several areas.  First, they took pride in their community involvement.  They also had done most of the work independently, since staff was not available to provide resources for the project, and they were able to go back and reflect on what happened during their visit by viewing the footage.

The article highlights how effective filming can be for students.  Self assessment is a growing part of education and this article highlights how filming can be a significant aid in developing this skill.  Not only did the students have to manage all of the equipment involved in the project, but they also had to edit their footage and go back and reflect on their involvement.  The article raises the idea that filming is rather complex and requires motivated students to successfully perform.  The service learning curriculum is a great tool for students, since community service is now an intricate part of education.  However, to gain the most from service learning one has to set goals, reflect on action, and reflect in action.  Students often lack the ability to reflect in action, but having video footage can help increase the learning curve.

My daughter did a service learning project and was surprised at the amount learned through the experience.  However, I asked her to imagine being able to film her experience.  The thought of being able to go back and present an experience through a video and watch yourself is intriguing.  As a computer teacher, I know how hard such expensive equipment can be to come by for students.  However, filming can make students feel a sense of accomplishment that they have ?produced? something.  I think it could instill self confidence in some and frustration in others.  Overall, I think the concept is unique, but not realistic in most school systems.  

Posted at 11:56PM Nov 29, 2006 by dwdixon in General  |  Comments[0]