Two possible uses for mobile technology within your department
The mobile video story
Learning objectives:
- To tell a story through film
- To draft a screenplay
- To plan, prepare and implement the filming of the story
- To record the story in image and sound
- To compare own productions to professional works and discuss
Procedure
The class is divided into small groups which choose a school-related topic for their video story (e.g. a current event in the class).
All the necessary elements of the film are then decided (location, equipment, actors, etc.), roles and tasks allocated and a script prepared. Scenes are then filmed and edited using the mobile video function. The groups then present and discuss the results in class. Depending on their content, videos can be uploaded to the school website. Finally an exercise is organised comparing and contrasting homemade videos with professional films. Why are their own works more interesting for the class?
Notes on equipment: Many mobiles are capable of video recording and sometimes even feature free editing software. For other editing solutions please refer to our list of available free software. Alternatively if using iPads, there are a number of apps available such as Avid and iMovie.
Storyboards (visual screenplays) can also be produced with free programmes such as Google SketchUp and celtX or just using one of many simple storyboard templates available on the web.
Documenting a field trip
Learning objectives:
- To document elements of the field trip on a mobile
- To expand on media skills
Procedure
The class is given the task of documenting a field trip using photographs, videos or audio recordings on their mobiles. Depending on the subject being taught, specific focus points are set.
A museum visit for instance, with voice recording of impressions on visiting galleries (permission to take photographs or videos must generally be sought from the museum).
