COURSE OVERVIEW

Students use digital tools to convey information and conceptualize, plan, and produce stories in a semester-long exploratory class. Students explore WeVideo to upload, edit, and export video projects, and are taught aspects of Google Drive for organizing and working on projects.  Students also learn about equipment usage, camera work, basic production, and elements of storytelling.

PREREQUISITES & CO-REQUISITES & TARGETED STUDENT POPULATION

This is an exploratory course appropriate for any student population with varying ability levels.  Since much of the work is project-based and often completed in groups, content can be differentiated and adapted accordingly.  All students should have a basic knowledge of correct grammar, spelling, and syntax, as well as a basic understanding of how to log into and access student laptops and Google Suite. 

COURSE CONTENT

Students use digital tools to convey information and conceptualize, plan, and produce stories in a semester-long exploratory class. Students explore WeVideo to upload, edit, and export video projects, and are taught aspects of Google Drive for organizing and working on projects.  Students also learn about equipment usage, camera work, basic production, and elements of storytelling.

This class primarily focuses on teaching students how to utilize digital tools to tell stories and convey information.  Some lessons focus on tips and tricks to use when filming, while others focus on uploading footage and editing it with a wide array of basic techniques, such as color/Chroma-keying and adding transitions.  Additional lessons cover an overview of the basic types of digital stories, the techniques and qualities found in each, and how the students can incorporate these concepts into their own projects.  Students also receive hands-on training in online tools, such as WeVideo, as well as training in how to use basic audio and video equipment.  Any of the concepts learned are then critically reflected on by the students, as they determine the best way to incorporate, modify, and/or combine any of the above-mentioned techniques, tools, or categories in relation to their projects.  Higher grade levels are given access to more advanced equipment, as well as supplemental lessons meant to deepen their understanding of techniques and how they can be used.

• Unit 1 -- Intro to Digital Storytelling

• Introduce students to Digital Storytelling, WeVideo, and General Class Policies.
• Students are introduced to the three types of Digital Stories:  Awareness, Education, and Entertainment.
• Introduce students to basic filming techniques and equipment usage for digital stories.
• For 8th Grade, students are given access to and training on how to use more advanced equipment, like wireless mics.
• Video Project 1 -- For their first video project, students will use WeVideo to make a short video (no shorter than thirty seconds, but not exceeding three minutes) where they will share three interesting details about themselves.  Students are expected to use a combination of visual and audio media to convey this information.

• Unit 2 -- Awareness Videos

• We study and compare/contrast various examples of awareness videos while making note of the techniques used.
• Introduce basic scripting & planning for digital stories.
• For 8th Grade, students are also introduced to Storyboards.
• Outline and create an awareness video on the topic of their choice.  
• Video Project 2 -- For their second video project, students will use WeVideo to make a short video (no shorter than one minute, but not exceeding three minutes) where they will raise awareness about a topic of their choice, providing three reasons why people should be interested in it.  Students are expected to use a combination of visual and audio media to convey this information, as well as provide a short written script.

• Unit 3 -- Education Videos

• We study and compare/contrast various examples of education videos while making note of the techniques used.
• Introduce basic strategies for research and verification for digital stories.
• Outline and create an educational video on the topic of their choice, preferably one that involves something that they are learning about or doing in another class.  This project is often done in collaboration with other teachers.
• Video Project 3 -- For their third video project, students will use WeVideo to make a short video (no shorter than two minutes, but not exceeding four minutes) where they will inform their audience and educate them on the topic of their choice, providing three facts about that particular person or event.  Students are expected to use a combination of visual and audio media to convey this information, as well as provide a short written script, complete with the citation of any sources used.

• Unit 4 -- Entertainment Videos

• We study and compare/contrast various examples of entertainment videos while making note of the techniques used.
• Introduce basic genres of stories and frequently used character types to use in digital stories.
• For 8th Grade, we go into more depth on these topics with a lesson and assignment based around basic tropes in storytelling.
• Outline and create an entertaining video with a group.  It must be an original creation.
• Video Project 4 -- For their third video project, students will use WeVideo to make a short video (no shorter than three minutes, but not exceeding five minutes) where they will work with a group to create an entertaining video in the genre of their choice. Students are expected to use a combination of visual and audio media to convey this information, as well as provide a fully written script.

• Unit 5 -- Copy, Transform, Combine

• Students will revisit previous concepts and complete assignments, where they are asked to apply new knowledge to previous examples and projects.  For example, revisiting a short video clip and identifying the types of shots used, the camera angles used, and the genre of the clip.
• Students will critique and provide feedback on other students' work.  This feedback should incorporate concepts learned in class so far and take the form of constructive criticism.
• Video Project 5 (Seventh Grade) -- Students will individually work to edit together a video of varied length where they introduce each of the video projects made during this semester, and they are given the opportunity to reflect on and critique their previous work.  Students are expected to use a combination of visual and audio media, as well as provide a fully written script.
• Video Project 5 (Eighth Grade) -- Students work in a group to come up with a video of varying lengths that incorporates each of the three types of digital stories as video segments.  This video should have one cohesive topic or theme, such as safety tips.  Students are expected to use a combination of visual and audio media, as well as provide a fully written script and completed storyboard.
• OPTIONAL -- Final Exam covers key terms, techniques, concepts, etc.

COURSE MATERIALS 

Provide the course materials students use and analyze. Course materials help us understand what materials are used to support student learning and the delivery of this course. 

• Laptop
• Multimedia
• Websites
• AV Equipment