Today, at the start of class, we watched a short video that examined a unique hands-on project given to the sixth grade students of Cedar Ridge Elementary (Branson, Missouri). This assignment, which allowed the students to directly interact with various forms of technology, challenged the class to create a daily news program that aired each morning throughout the school. Students were given the responsibility of researching and organizing information, creating scripts, directing, filming, reporting, and even editing each show. In order to perform these tasks the students used computer programs such as Microsoft PowerPoint (to display the weather forecast) and Word (to write and edit scripts), as well as technology that included digital cameras, video recorders, the Internet, and more.
When watching this video I was not only impressed by the project itself, but by how well these students handled the assignment. Although I was not initially expecting it, I found the production to be organized and surprisingly professional. This was due mainly to the filing and script writing process used by the class, as well as the directing of the show (“you need to speak up and have a clear voice”). The students did an excellent job in distributing the work load, teaching one another how to properly use equipment, and simply producing quality work. It is clear that the teacher had little to no interaction in the production of the show as, according to the teacher, the students were “completely responsible” for each broadcast. This authentic experience not only challenged the students, but impacted the curricular skills of each, and taught them how to work as a team.
In a world where technology is a vital part of our society, it is essential that students of all ages are given the opportunity to interact and build basic technological skills.
When watching this video I was not only impressed by the project itself, but by how well these students handled the assignment. Although I was not initially expecting it, I found the production to be organized and surprisingly professional. This was due mainly to the filing and script writing process used by the class, as well as the directing of the show (“you need to speak up and have a clear voice”). The students did an excellent job in distributing the work load, teaching one another how to properly use equipment, and simply producing quality work. It is clear that the teacher had little to no interaction in the production of the show as, according to the teacher, the students were “completely responsible” for each broadcast. This authentic experience not only challenged the students, but impacted the curricular skills of each, and taught them how to work as a team.
In a world where technology is a vital part of our society, it is essential that students of all ages are given the opportunity to interact and build basic technological skills.
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