Journal Six- "Filming Compassion"

By: Janet Bremer and Marilyn Clark
Many public and private school are now requiring students participate in service learning. Typically students have filled this requirement by: participating in after-school projects, individual involvement outside of school, or by taking classes. However, the authors of this article have discovered a new way that allows the hands on use of technology to fill this requirement. Integrating video production into the service learning requirement allows numerous more benefits then the traditions programs. The authors created a program were students are assignment to make a five-minute video for a nonprofit organization. Since nonprofit organizations usually lack the funding to make a video themselves, many organizations will jump at the chance to get involved in the program. Furthermore, students are learning to use various aspects of technology that are crucial in today's society.

Questions

1. What technological skills did the student learn when making the video for a nonprofit organization?
2. What are some of the benefits of the video production program the authors have created?

Answers

1. The students learned a variety of technological skills when creating a video for a nonprofit organization. Among the skills they learned include: using a digital camera, importing video, editing, exporting video to a videotape or DVD. Students also learned how to film different types of shots including close-ups and long shots. Students also learned how to use Final Cut, a program that allows students to add text, introduce different sections, and provide credits at the end of each section.
2. The video production program, created by the authors, have numerous benefits. First, the students will learn first handed about the nonprofit organization. By touring the facilities and meeting with the staff, the students see how the organization is working to improve society. Second, the video created by the students will help to teacher other about the organization and show them way to get involves. Finally, when students evaluate their peers' videos, it helps them to develop critical and analytical thinking skills.