Week #4 - Video Editing in the Classroom

The use of videos in the classroom was this week's topic of discussion. We explored some great sites on the Internet, including TeacherTube and the Veterans History Project. I have to admit that I didn't even know sites like this existed. TeacherTube seems to be a great site if you want some help (or just some new ideas) about lesson plans and activities in your classroom. Some of the videos on the site were really creative ways to get material across to students. Sometimes the quality of the videos were less than desirable but I think that has more to do with the person making the video than the actual TeacherTube site. Students can also use TeacherTube to post videos that they have created as well. I think this is an excellent alternative for showcasing what the students have learned (as opposed to the typical research paper, speech, etc.). TeacherTube is a fairly new site that hasn't even been up and running for a year. I'm sure as time goes on, it will work out some of the bugs and will be much easier to access and navigate.

We also took a peek at the Veterans History Project. I could have spent all day clicking on the links on this site. I am amazed that most of it was done by students. What a great way to learn US history and to make it really personal. There are so many people spotlighted in the project – civilians as well as veterans, men and women, minorities. Those involved in the project don't just address the subject of war but all of the issues that are connected to war. You can search by theme (women at war, courage, patriotism, sweethearts, buddies, family ties, prisoners of war, African-Americans at war, etc.). You can also search by last name, keyword, race/ethnicity, branch of military, state of residence – just to name a few. Some individuals have audio interviews, while others have video interviews. Some have included photos, memoirs, official documents, and personal correspondence. It really is a fascinating site that everyone should check out.