Tech Article #2 - KidsVid

Kidsvid is an instructional website that allows students a creative way to demonstrate and present material they have learned in class. It provides teachers with the scaffolding and tools students need to make it happen, and includes a resource for teachers on how to integrate video making into the curriculum, including lessons. To check it out, click the picture above.

On the home page is a menu that lets the students choose one of the following stages:

1) scripting - writing down on paper what the story is about
2) making the video - capturing the sounds and images on video
3) editing - putting all the elements together in a way that a story is told
4) showtime - showing your movie

Each stage is designed to walk the students through that process step by step. In the scripting stage there is a storyboard tool that allows the students to plan out their whole movie. Below is a screen shot from the tool.

In the making the video stage there are links that allow the students to learn about; their camera, how to get the best shot, camera moves -which includes video examples, lighting and audio. The editing stage highlights the use of good music, effects and jump shots, with video examples to demonstrate each part. The last stage, showtime just allows the student to choose the format they want to use for their video and allows them to compress the data.

The site also includes The Theater - which is a place where students can display and share their finsihed product. Click here to view samples of videos students have put together which demonstrate an awesome job in intigrating technology, literature, and art. (My favorite is Tortoise Run! - especially the Kangaroo laugh!)

As a future teacher who wants to teach using technology as much as possible in order to engage and teach her students, I think this is a wonderful website. I love how the site is designed. It is easy to navigate and very clear in walking the student through each step of the process. The resources available to the teacher are helpful and useful in helping make this tool a success for both him/her and the students. And, best of all, it too is free!