Writing with Images

From TeachToolsWiki

Ethna Lay’s English Composition class is always composed of a wide variety of students. Some come to her class with strengths in reading comprehension and critical writing, but often there are also students who have trouble expressing their analytical ideas in written form. Seeing this as an opportunity, Ethna set out to find a way to engage students who needed a different way to communicate the thoughts they had about the literature they were assigned.

Online Video

Given the usefulness and popularity of online videos and as a medium for ideas, Ethna began to think about using video essays in her classes. She decided to allow students the option to “write” their composition in video format.

Joe Zona from Faculty Computing Services met with Ethna and helped to refine her idea. It was decided that students would create two to five minute video essays that would allow them to use composition, editing, and direction to convey the ideas they may have had trouble communicating in a traditional written essay format.

Reaching the Students

The technology had to be accessible and easy to use. Students have many classes and responsibilities, and so the decision was made that teaching advanced editing was not conducive to the idea of accessibility.

Instead, Joe met with Ethna’s class to discuss how to use “flipcams,” a handheld video device which uses built in video memory. These devices feature USB connections, which allow them to interface with a computer (Windows or OS X) and be edited using basic editing software. While meeting with Ethna’s class, Joe went over basic filmmaking technique, basic editing technique, and other points to consider when producing a creative video, namely, how to get a point across in a short period of time.

The Results

The results Ethna got were excellent. The students made articulate arguments using the techniques Joe had introduced them to and they were able to communicate their thoughts visually. Ethna was able to use this as a starting point for discussion with her students.

This year, Ethna plans to expand the program, making it mandatory for students to try at least one video essay as a way to learn a new means of critical analysis and ultimately to improve their writing skills.

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