My FSF 1P class (grade 9 applied French) is working to create "ME" presentations where they introduce themselves (family, friends, hobbies etc.) to the class orally and through some creative medium (poster, powerpoint, webpage, movie etc.) Lacking exposure to technology, most of my students were opting to create posters or powerpoints, even after I excitedly showed exemplars of previous students who create film versions of the projects. (I was so sure they would want to try filming after seeing the exemplars, but sadly, they didn't.) So, they started working on their projects. I decided to try harder. I pulled aside a couple of students and told them that I just wanted to show them how i-movie worked in case they wanted to change their minds about their medium and try something new. I called on these two girls in particular because they appeared very bored and annoyed at having to do this task. After the three of us snapped a few pictures and filmed a few clips around the room, I proceeded to show them how to use that footage in i-movie and to add text, music, sound effects etc. into their film. Once they saw how fun and easy it was and how it produced quality product, the two girls shrieked in delight, grabbed the i-pad out of my hands and started to create film versions of their projects. They went from being bored to quite engaged! Not only that, but their enthusiasm was so contagious that it caused other students to approach me for a tutorial on i-movie and on educreations so that they could re-think their projects. When I asked the students what had prevented them from exploring the film option in the first place they said that when they saw the professional quality of the exemplars I showed, they figured it would be too hard and that only expert tech-types could create something like that, not amateurs. They were thrilled that the technology was so easy to use. What a beautiful sight to see grade 9 applied French students get SO excited about an assignment! :)
Excellent. Getting them engaged and willing to attempt the app/technology is often the greatest leap. Seeing very polished products tends to scare many students. However once shown and they realize how easy the process is many buy in. I have in the past and still currently do model the processes....takes a bit of time, but helps with the engagement factor. "thats not too hard", helping alleviate the I can't do that/learned helplessness.... great work Mrs. B
ReplyDeleteThanks Chris!
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