Video has existed for well over a century, and editing has developed hand-in-hand with progression made in the visual arts and technology world. From splicing tape, to in-camera editing, to AVID, to Final Cut and iMovie, the options vary widely in terms of technological advancement and complexity. What makes digital video editing so exciting, however, is its newly discovered accessibility and flexibility in school environments.
My father has been a videographer in the DC area for around four decades, working for a variety of government agencies, contractors, television stations, and art professors. He has taught photography and video at multiple universities. He knows his stuff! However, he has started going to classes and trainings frequently in the last ten years. I have asked him why, and his explanation is always the same: The video world is changing quicker than the old geezers can keep up. In a new millennium where anyone can be an iReporter if they have a phone with a camera and creative ideas, the need for sit down, production-heavy interviews is gradually on the decline. In-camera editing has taken on a new meeting with machines like the iPad, which allow users to take video and access quality editing software on the same device. The key, though, is that any human can now become a journalist with the next big break on a story. How do we guide our students to become skilled, effective users of technology to which they are already seemingly native?
I see digital video in the same vein as general internet use: There is not a right way and a wrong way to take advantage of the resources. However, teaching responsibility and ethics are important. In addition, we can provide students with authentic experiences without breaking the budget. What about having students bring their own device? Refurbished Flip Cameras and Bloggies are being sold at reasonable prices. In addition, the multitude of tablet options out there now have cameras and can be used for other purposes. In terms of editing, there are free options (depending on your operating platform) and programs that do not cost much. We need to encourage our students to visually document their world so that they may have the chance to be the next Woodward or Bernstein.
I had no idea that your dad was a videographer, Sam. That is really neat (and will probably come in handy for that big wedding coming up!) Anyway....I feel like you really made a good point about why using all of these devices in a classroom setting is important. The main reason being--BECAUSE WE CAN! As long as we have all of these great tools at our fingertips that are so accessible to students and teachers, there is no reason why we shouldn't be utilizing them as much as possible. It keeps kids current with the technology that is out there and helps them to find new ways to explore what they are learning and showcase it! :)
ReplyDeleteWell I have to start out by saying "JINX!!" I had literally typed "I had no idea your dad was a videographer, Sam!" and then I looked up and saw my sister's comment! As my dad would say, "DNA is a powerful thing!" :) I think its great that your dad is continuing to pursue his own personal development in that area even though is already an expert at it. It really just goes to show you that everyone can always learn something new. That's a great example for teachers who think that they don't need to learn or understand new skills, especially those that they already acquire. I love your idea of having students bring in their own devices or buying refurbished ones to use in the classroom. These days, the resources we need to use for digital video editing are pretty easily accessible and we know the students enjoy using them. Why not incorporate them as much as possible while also enhancing student learning? That's a no-brainer!
ReplyDeleteVery cool that some of your knowledge is genetic. But your talent is hard-earned. You'r such a good and patient teacher, I can totally see you doing this with your kids and making it a really worthwhile experience for them. It's great that you were already using something the rest of us are just learning.
ReplyDeleteAnd more and more, my original field of journalism requires anyone who hopes to be hired to have audio- and video-editing skills, in addition to the traditional writing and interviewing skills. Further, all kinds of breaking news events have shown us how important the role of the "citizen journalist" is. Everyone today has the opportunity to document the world as they see it. Pretty cool, if you ask me!
How cool is that to have a father in the media world! Just as your dad has learned and we were told by Priscilla and Dawn during our first class, technology is ever changing. We need to keep up with the rapid pace of technology and be capable of teaching our students how and when to use it. My ex-husband's best friend was a sports journalist for years. He thorougly enjoyed his job but was forced to change careers due to the decrease in newspaper circulation and therefore, the demand for the information he was providing to his audience. Maybe, if he chose to learn the digital video and editing process there could have been a chance for him to keep his job as a journalist. It's hard to say what could have happened with this man's job, but it is certain that the days when everyone received newspapers has almost disappeared. Newspapers are becoming something of the past...obsolete.
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