Page 32 - Resources and Support for the Online Educator
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a future video. Other times I record a quick history lesson. The new locations
provide a nice change of pace for the students.
These videos can add relevance to class by showcasing real places students
are learning about or giving real context to content. Language arts teachers
can share videos of places where novels take place. Social studies teachers can
record at famous battlefields or historical landmarks. Science teachers can take
videos where famous inventions were created. Students get a visual cue for con -
tent they may only see pictures of or read about. Sometimes what students read
is disconnected from the real world, and this strategy brings the two together.
10. Do it.
The biggest thing holding most people back is fear. Fear that the video won’t be
perfect. Fear that you won’t know how to record a video. Fear that your ideas
are dumb. Fear that the students won’t connect with the videos. And you know
what? You’re right. All of those things could happen. But guess what happens if
they do?
Life. Goes. On. On those rare occasions when a video doesn’t quite work out,
you move on.
BUT . . .
For every video that doesn’t work out, there are twenty more that get the kids
fired up for learning and engage them in new and exciting ways. That makes
it worth it. The value added to the classroom has so much more impact than a
video that messes up. Failure is just a learning opportunity.
So, dive in and bring the Awesome Sauce to your classroom!
Technology 101
Just about any video in this book can be completed with the most basic set-up.
However, as you create more videos, you may want to expand the tools you use
to record. Here are some things to consider:
1. You need a solid surface to record on: It is almost impossible to hold
a camera still while you record. As I said in the Top 10 list, it’s best if you
108 Chapter 9: The Kids Menu: Creating Videos with Students
Awesome Sauce: Create Videos to Inspire Students, Engage Parents and Save You Time 32
