At the annual National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) conference this fall, Greg Kulowiec presented with three colleagues on the topic of Video in the Classroom. Edutopia regularly features great examples of Project-Based Learning and Comprehensive Assessment, and the presentation that Greg and his colleagues delivered addresses both of those themes. In the article, Lights, Camera . . . Engagement! Three Great Tools for Classroom Video, Ron Peck presents the slides from NCSS as well as simple directions and classroom examples that leverage Animoto, Common Craft style, and Choose Your Own Adventure videos. Their Google Presentation is embedded below.

What makes video a great medium for student projects is that it allows for a truly student-centric experience. From the EdTechTeacher Video in the Classroom page:

“In addition to being fun and motivating, video projects teach students to plan, organize, write, communicate, collaborate, and analyze. A successful video project has undergone a process of researching, scripting, organizing, filming, editing, and publishing. Students also have the opportunity to apply artistic and dramatic skills to their academic work.”

Video projects can apply across the curriculum, and take on numerous forms – from public service announcements, to news broadcasts, to book talks. Each project gives students an alternate means through which they can demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the content and materials. While Greg and his colleagues featured three specific applications, hundreds exist for engaging students and creating rich learning environments. The videos below are both from Greg. The first features a student project, and the second elaborates on the concept of a Choose Your Own Adventure video.