Week 9 - A Post Chewing on "Caught on Video"

"Caught on Video" by Bob Spankle

Oh Bob Spankle, what curious wisdom you have.

I was challenged, confused, turned upside-rightside-downside-up, and all over unsure about video recording in class.

Bob (as I will call him so informally because I prefer Bob to Mr. Spankle), discussed using video cameras in the classroom. This can DEFINITELY be helpful. But I found his suggestions less helpful than I would've liked. Things I think would be counterproductive (or at least not as productive as Bob would like to think):

• "Film a completed product from a student before it is sent home." - how would I do this Bob? A 2-dimensional art project, a poster board, an in-class essay... I don't know how helpful this would really be. What if I didn't record it well enough, the student took it home, by the time I realized I needed to see it again it had been recycled to save a tree??? I just don't know Bob, I just don't know.
• "Film the progression of fluency on a weekly and monthly basis." - How? I want to see Bob do this so I know what he means. Fluency... what does he mean by that? How would I videotape that? Frustration Bob, frustration.
• "Create video time capsules." - Where would I sign this virtual yearbook for my friends? How would we compile this? What would make the cut and what would be labeled a level of importance too low? Forget yearbooks Bob? Forget yearbooks?????
• "Film all teacher/student writing conferences." - Okay, so this makes sense - mostly. Except that writing on the paper, using sticky notes - that's all actually helpful. If you record the session but don't use SOME sticky notes the student may not understand the specifics of the information being spoken. I like sticky notes Bob, I like them.
• "Never write another long note for a substitute teacher." - what if they forget what I said in the video - should they watch it again during class? Perhaps I should write a note and record myself Bob, perhaps I should do both.

Alright... I did like some ideas.

I like the idea that we should record stuff outside of the classroom that is relevant to the subject and then bring it in to show the students - that's creating connections Bob, that's good.

Filming lesson highlights, study guide discussions, and entire lessons is always a good idea. Props to you Bob, props to you.

Film myself reflections on the school day to send to the parents... alright, I can take that Bob, I can take that.

Podcasts/Videocasts for homework - definitely Bob, definitely.

Recording answers to questions at the start of a unit and then re-asking those same questions after the unit is a good idea - good for the teacher I think. Spectacular insight Bob, spectacular.

Anyways - I can definitely see potential in recording in the classroom. I appreciate Panopto here at NU. I appreciate podcasts from different places when I miss events. I appreciate it - I really do. Just, silly Bob, you took it to too many weird places. But I am content with the ideas and information I have gleaned. My hat's off to you Bob, my hat is off.

Until next time.