Context:  This video production assignment was created for CI 3750, Integrating Media and Technology into the classroom, Spring 2007, under the instruction of Jeff Goodman.  During the taping of the attached video, I played the role of the grandmother.  I also did a lot of the editing for the imovie.  For this lesson I would have students create a video using a book that they choose.  I would put my students into groups of 3 or 4, and have each group choose a book that they would like to make into a video.  This activity is very beneficial for students, especially for those who may have trouble with reading.  It enables these students to understand the piece of literature they have chosen, and allows them to express their views in a more creative format.  As a teacher, there is a lot of flexibility that could go with this project.  One alternative to having each group choose a different book, is having students do a video on a class reading assignment.  If the class is reading the same book, have groups create an alternate ending for the story.  Or they could focus on different genres or story elements, and turn their piece of literature into a different form of the same story.  For example: One group could do Charlotte's Web, but have it be about an alien animal set in space.  What about Charlotte's Web, told from the Rat's View?  The possibilities are endless.

Impact: The following North Carolina Standard Course of Study standards were met through the completion of this project:

Computer Technology Grade 4

Competency Goal 3: The learner will make connections through the use of oral language, written language, and media and technology.
     3.03 Consider the ways language and visuals bring characters to life, enhance plot development, and produce a response.

Alignment:  The story pictures assignment helps me as a teacher meet the following standards:

NETS-T Technology Standards

Standard I: Teachers demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts.
        B - Demonstrate a continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.
For this project, I used imovie for editing purposes.  It was my first time ever making a video.  I learned production skills, editing skills, as well as how to use a camera to get across a certain point of view.  I think that my understanding the technology will be very beneficial in helping my students!

Standard II: Planning and designing learning environments and experiences.  
        D - Plan for the management of technology resources within the context of learning activities.  
During the production of these video projects, each child will be given the opportunity to work on each part of the project.  What this means, is that students will rotate jobs and responsibilities, so that each group member is able to act, film, and help edit the video project.  They will all be involved and will all learn about the various technologies used in creating a video. 
        E - Plan strategies to manage student learning in a technology enhanced environment.
Prior to filming or doing anything with the cameras, I would show my video to the students so that they will understand what I mean by changing a book into a video.  Once they have viewed my video and we have discussed the various options they have as far as creativity goes, each group will be given a camera.  As a class, we would go over different video techniques, including pan, zoom (in and out), low angle shots vs high angle shots.  We would talk about the effect that each view has as far as a viewers impression goes.  Finally, the students would have an opportunity to practice these techniques before they begin filming.  After they have filmed their video, each group will be responsible for editing their own film and putting it all together for viewing. 

Standard VI - Teachers understand the ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology in PK-12 schools and apply those principles in practice.
        B - Apply technology resources to enable and empower learners with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, and abilities.
The great thing about this assignment, is that everyone is required to be involved, and that each child brings a unique personality to the project.  The groups have the opportunity to instill their various learning styles including visual learners, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile learners.  The creation and editing of these videos require all of these abilities to be explored.

NC DPI Standard 1
Indicator 5
Each group is picking out a particular book, or is planning out their own ending to a class book.  Either way, this activity requires students to know what their text is about.  They have to know their story inside and out in order to be able to create a new ending or their own twist on the story itself.  This is one of the most effective ways to make sure students learn the subject, by putting the entire product and outcome in their hands.