Using Video to Enhance Students Learning Experience
Jerry Toups, an 8th grade math teacher at Woodrow Wilson Junior High in Dayton, Texas, is fondly referred to as the "techno guru." His technological savvy led him to discover video editing. Jerry was able to quickly show off his computer skills by producing video projects designed in Ulead VideoStudio.
"VideoStudio is hands down the easiest video editor I have ever used,?asserts Jerry.
However, incorporating his digital productions into the classroom presented a challenge. Jerry overcame this challenge with a variety of creative ideas:
Standardized Testing
Each week of a standardized test, called TAAS in Texas, Jerry showed a video tutorial comprised of footage from his travels, and tips on how to alleviate the stress of testing. The footage of his travels runs as the background to the tutorials. In the foreground he introduces the teachers who administer the test with pictures of them as video overlays. Using creative text and transitions, he encourages students to prepare for the exam by eating breakfast, getting plenty of rest, and believing in their abilities.
During Class and in the In Between
Jerry takes advantage of all the time he has to get the students?attention. In between classes, as students are leaving and entering the classroom, Jerry plays educational videos he has created.
During class, he incorporates footage edited in VideoStudio into his Power Point presentations. He finds that this has a greater impact on the students and their ability to learn. Not only is it more interesting for the students, it also increases their attention span.
Video Yearbooks
Video yearbooks are fast becoming a popular way to store and archive memories. One student aid has been chosen each year since 2000 to assist in assembling photos and video for the school yearbook.
"This year's student editor was easily able to edit the video using VideoStudio,?claims Jerry.
The students have enjoyed Jerry's classroom presentations, as well as the video yearbooks.
Because of his dedication to the students it is not hard to understand why Jerry was named the teacher of the year in 2001.
For more information on Woodrow Wilson Junior High, please visit their Web site at http://www.hesd.k12.ca.us/wilson/
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