video sharing #5

Video sharing post
In chapter 8 Richardson focuses much of his discussion on podcasting, but I am more interested in his ideas on video production. I was rather surprised with a statement that Richardson said “elementary school kids seem to love podcasting.”(p.121). I have never heard the kids talk about podcasting. I have only seen it done once with the older students in our school. Maybe it’s more common wherever he is from. Any way, Youtube is the definitely the best way to get your video out to the world. Richardson points out that it is the first thing blocked in schools. I understand why. I have been on YouTube many times and some videos are not fit to watch. I never let my students do searches on YouTube for that reason. Instead, I do my own search for appropriate videos that go with the curriculum and always preview them before hand. What they see at home is not my problem, but in school I want to make it suitable for students. At the same time, children need to be taught how to deal with, as Richardson said, “less than salient content”. (p.121). I am pretty sure that parents don’t know what they are watching.
Let me go back to my thoughts on video production. Richardson talks about the great online services that are free, there is unlimited usage and you can even record right from your computer. He suggests trying Movie Maker or iMovie where you can record audio voiceovers right into your movie. That looks like something you would have to play with. I’m sure the students would be able to figure that out pretty quick. When it comes to video editing that is something I know nothing about. I will have to have a look at JayCut.com and see how that works. Another place to investigate is Teacher Tube. I have gone to this site before looking for good videos to use in class. I guess it is a safer version of YouTube.
Screencasting looks like an interesting tool to use to explain something to students. Richardson suggests students could annotate their work in voice as they show it on screen. There are many other uses, but this seems to be podcasting again.
I thought would try Ustream.tv to see how it works so here we go!