pdZone

I had what I think is a good idea for integrating technology into Language Arts and Visual Arts. It’s not entirely new - it builds on ideas that I have read over the past couple of years - but I think it meets some needs specific to our school environment.

Here’s how I see it:

• students write script for short movie - any number of genres (documentary, play, cartoon, narrative, etc.) - students could select their own subjects/themes, or be assigned by teacher (responding to reading)
• take digital photos (themselves, cartoon characters, buildings, nature, etc.), scan artwork, create digital images - to be used in movie
• if photos are taken with a bluescreen, the background colour could be removed and students, objects, artwork, etc. could be placed in setting as part of story
• use storyboard in Windows MovieMaker to organize their work
• students record narration, modify timeline, add titles, music, effects/transitions, etc.
• students could export their work to disk/DVD or upload it to school web site (contact parents!)

I think this could be a great writing activity. It could also serve to show of some of the work of our talented students. This could be good for many students who are reluctant to present work in front of the class, or as an alternative assessment (book report or documenting a science experiment, for example). Any thoughts or suggestions?