EDUC 422-Article #3: "If you give a kid a video camera..."

"If You Give a Kid a Video Camera..."

The article, "If You Give a Kid a Video Camera..." is a play on the book, "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie...". This article suggests that providing children with technology will prompt their desire to learn more. Teachers need to ask the right questions, in regards to what benefits technology can provide. Using video cameras in Language Arts gives students the opportunity to make one-minute videos expressing the main idea, send messages to pen-pals in other countries, and create book reviews. With these videos, teachers are then able to provide feedback in learning centers and analyze progress as an assessment tool. In math, video cameras can be used to create a mathematical scavenger hunt, create a math story problem, and record student thinking. Before passing out these video cameras, students need to be taught how to properly use the device and why they are so helpful in the classroom. The author, Laurie Campbell, offer great tips for video camera use in the classroom. She suggests the cameras are each given a number and assigned to certain groups of students each time. Campbell also said to always be thinking of new ways to implement the video cameras to further instruction. Lastly, she said to occasionally provide little amounts of direction in order to force experimentation upon the students.

This article was extremely helpful in providing exact ways to implement/involve technology in the classroom. Video cameras are an older invention, but actually utilizing them to further class instruction is a newer strategy. I think this will not only promote student learning, but it will allow for independence and responsibility. This implementation allows for collaboration, experimentation and presentation. All of these skills increase understanding of the instructed concepts. I also really like the fact that this concept is related to a children's book to demonstrate a cause and effect relationship. Bringing technology into the classroom environment sparks student involvement and creations to facilitate learning.

There are two ISTE NETS standards for students that stood out in the analyzing of this article. The first correlating standard is under "Creativity and Innovation". Students are told to use the video cameras a to demonstrate understanding. It is their responsibility to experiment and apply previous knowledge to these assignments. The second standard addressed is under "Communication and Collaboration". Children are to communicate and collaborate with their peers, while presenting a complete (or sometimes incomplete) understanding of the concept.

Campbell, L. "If you give a kid a video camera..." Learning & Leading with Technology. (34)5. 30-31. Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/201202#pg32