SANDBOX -- CHRISTOPHER JUSTUS -- OCT10_16

View the Syllabus as a Google Doc

WeVideo and the 21C Learner

Course Description

Assigning students to produce digital videos “helps build conceptual skills like understanding a narrative and using inductive reasoning to solve problems” (Czarnecki, 2009, p. 15). Producing digital videos also develops critical technology skills. According to Czarnecki (2009), “These skills are useful to children, who need them for an increasingly technology-oriented future job market, and adults, who need them to keep up with a changing world” (p. 15).

Shooting and editing video using the Chromebook’s webcam and WeVideo app can seem daunting. As teachers, how can we teach students proper camera composition and editing techniques if we ourselves have not first learned them? In this course you will not only learn how design a lesson that develops students’ 21st century skills (21CS) like collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and communication but also the skills you will need to comfortably teach shooting and editing video. By the end of the course, participants will learn how 21st century curriculum design can transform their classroom; explore the ins and outs of completing a project on WeVideo; and transform a traditional lesson into one that incorporates digital video.

Methodology

Each module includes a series of pages that must be completed in sequential order. The pages include information and resources, activities, discussion forums, and videos. Taken as a whole, the pages will show participants how 21st century learning design can transform their classroom and how to shoot and edit video in WeVideo. The participant will apply their newly acquired knowledge to create a lesson for use in their classroom. Because the modules require group participation and timely discussion, each module must be completed by the date listed on the syllabus.

Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will

• learn how 21st century curriculum design can transform their classroom;
• explore the ins and outs of completing a project on WeVideo;
• learn basic video shooting and editing techniques;
• and transform a traditional lesson into one that incorporates digital video.

Groups

Some of the assignments will ask that you work within a group. You will be anonymously added to one of the four groups below. There you will be able to post announcements only your other group members (and the instructor) can see. Use the links below to go to your group's homepage:

Assignments

This course uses a journal, discussion boards, video submissions, and peer review assignments. Throughout the course you will find icons representing the different types of assignments. Refer to the table below for a description of the each type of assignment. Refer to the assignments summary below for due dates.

	21CS Journal - You will download and make a copy of the journal in Module 1.02 - Journal: 21st Century Skills or you can download and make a copy here by clicking on this link.
	Discussion Boards - Discussions will be sprinkled throughout the course. Please respond to at least two posts to ensure effective discourse.
	Video Production - You will produce videos in Modules 2 and 3 and the links to the edited videos will be turned in.
	Peer Reviewed Lesson Plan - The final assignment for this class will be to write a lesson that successfully integrates 21st century skills (21CS). You will be asked to peer review and evaluate the lessons submitted from two colleagues.

The Instructor

I'm Chris and I'll be your instructor. I have taught AP Biology, Chemistry, Student Council, and Video Production in Clark County School District. If you have any questions at any time during the course, contact me at any of the methods below. Welcome to the course! Email: justucr@nv.ccsd.net Office: 702.799.8451 x 5505 Text/Google Hangouts: 702.714.1854 Skype: @crjustus Twitter: @crjustus

Course Flow