EDCI 336 Blog

This week we are learning how to use iMovie to edit video footage with film, sound, music, and green screen. We are taught to slow down footage, crop, and incorporate music. Fortunately for me, I already know how to do that. The UVIC sorority Kappa Beta Asked asked me to create their spring rush video with complete artist freedom. This is the result:

However, this lesson was beneficial to me because I learned how to use a green screen. I was provided with the footage for the ocean, chickens, and audio. I followed the guided steps to create this:

During this exploration I showcased my skills through the technology competency “Media Development” by video editing through iMovie and exploring sound through film and audio.

Oercommons
Open educational Resources is a source of digital open educational resources that are free and available for anyone. There is Open Author which is a program to help teachers create resources, lessons, and modules. Its an open library which is organized based on subject, grade level, and conditions of use. Its easy to navigate and has a variety of content for use.

Curriki
A research library available for k-12 content. It is organized by resources, members, and groups. Its easy to personalize lessons for students, connect with other teachers and discover what works/doesn’t work. It gives us the opportunity to contribute our own lessons for others to adapt and use. It also lets us share and recommend other lessons for educators to use. Simple and easy!

Siyavula
A source for textbooks, exam prep, and practice to become masters of math and science grades 7-12. This website costs money annually. However, there is a 14 day trail available to try out. There is something for all skill levels for teachers, parents, and students.

Opened
I created my website and blog through opened.ca. During use of this website I have exhibited the technological competency “curation” by organizing my thoughts, ideas, reflections, and educational work in a collection as well as interacting with other students and having the opportunity to look at their resources.

This week I was able to explore the PSII Approach which is the Public School of Innovation and Inquiry. It is a combination of emergent and common curriculum. PSII is a school which is welcome for everyone welcome to a unique structure to learning. The course subjects are integrated as opposed to standard schools which are in segregated courses and classes. Personal learning goals are created to benefit the needs of the individual and the group. Learning goals are created personally and individually as opposed to universal learning goals. While this is a new take on the general school system, I believe its an interesting perspective to look at personal growth as opposed to the standard universal system.

Most likely to succeed by Tony Wagner and Ted Dintersmith is an interesting film that captures the beauty of using a project based learning approach in a public school setting. Teachers have the freedom to teach with little to no guidelines. This often means more group projects and less standard examinations. This film captures how children take initiative of their own learning. In conclusion, the students come out each year happy and confidence with a strong skill set.

Its interesting to compare the difference between this environment and a “typical” classroom environment. Even when children “fail” at a project they still consider it a success because their mistakes are thought of as learning opportunities. As long as they work hard and put in effort, they come out of every learning experience a stronger student. Whereas a typical school would provide them with an F and go along with their day. As a teacher, this is difficult to hear because I wouldn’t want any student to give up or not have the confidence they deserve because they didn’t do something the way a teacher expected.

In contrast, I’m curious to how project based learners experience post secondary. If they are not required to complete standard examinations and written assignments, how will they handle a college or university course-load? I left this documentary having a stronger appreciation for project-based learning and am excited to try some of the techniques shown in my future practice.