Film Tactics Reflection

 

 Technology one of the most rapidly and endlessly changing phenomenon of the 20th century. As educators, it is our role to keep ourselves updated on the newest tech and its application towards creating more effective teaching environments. However, after viewing the short video, "Film Tactics", I was given cause to slightly alter my view of technology.

Previously, I was of the view that once new technologies are designed and manufactured - old technologies became obsolete and therefore less effective in the classroom. However, I believe that the video, "Film Tactics" - which is from the 1940s - illustrates not only how to effectively use technology as a teaching aid, but also reveals how old technology, such as VHS tapes and old style filming techniques can be used effectively in the contemporary classroom setting.  

In modern classrooms, equipment such as smart boards, iPads and laptop computers enable students to have access to the most current technologies as well as educational resources. However, I believe that many technologies from the past can still be used effectively in the classroom, although may require a bit more creativity from the teacher.

Ultimately, "Film Tactics" reminds us of the importance the proper use of technology in the classroom and I believe simultaneously displays how a technology from the past can be re-used effectively as a learning tool.

Reflection: Photobooth

Get it? Reflection? See what I did there?...

Despite the fact that I am a reasonably knowledgeable "techy", I have almost zero experience using apple computers and the software applications common on all Mac computers.

Today I was introduced to the program, "Photobooth", which is a very basic and user-friendly photo editing program. I was surprised to find that it was incredibly easy to use and within a few short minutes I can completely mastered the program.

Having mastered the program, I began to think about it's practical applications in the classroom. I could imagine young K-5 children very much enjoying this program, because of its ease of use, and the fact that it is very fun!

Students can alter their face and the way they see themselves and perhaps will be able to laugh at their own image. I believe this could be an important lesson about beauty and our societal standards for self image. Using this program, all of the students can make themselves look silly, and they can laugh at themselves and have fun with their own personal self image.

Furthermore, programs such as Photobooth can be used in projects over a long period of time - such as having the children keep a 'photo-journal' about how they have changed over the course of the school year. The students could take a picture of themselves every week and then write a short paragraph about their current thoughts and the events of their lives; then at the end of the year, compile all of these images and paragraphs into a short book about how they've grown over the school year.

I find programs such as this a very fun and engaging tool for capturing the interest of young learners and motivating them to learn in several different ways.