WeVideo and the 21C Learner

Course Description

Assigning students to produce digital videos “helps build conceptual skills like understanding a narrative and using inductive reasoning to solve problems” (Czarnecki, 2009, p. 15). Producing digital videos also develops critical technology skills. According to Czarnecki (2009), “These skills are useful to children, who need them for an increasingly technology-oriented future job market, and adults, who need them to keep up with a changing world” (p. 15).

Shooting and editing video using the Chromebook’s webcam and WeVideo app can seem daunting. As teachers, how can we teach students proper camera composition and editing techniques if we ourselves have not first learned them? In this course you will not only learn how design a lesson that develops students’ 21st century skills (21CS) like collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and communication but also the skills you will need to comfortably teach shooting and editing video. By the end of the course, participants will learn how 21st century curriculum design can transform their classroom; explore the ins and outs of completing a project on WeVideo; and transform a traditional lesson into one that incorporates digital video.

Methodology

Each module includes a series of pages that must be completed in sequential order. The pages include information and resources, activities, journals, discussion forums, and videos. Taken as a whole, the pages will show participants how 21st century learning design can transform their classroom and how to shoot and edit video in WeVideo. The participant will apply their newly acquired knowledge to create a lesson for use in their classroom. Because the modules require group participation and timely discussion, each module must be completed by the date listed on the syllabus. And since we would like to foster collaboration between the students in the course, please aim to complete the activities before their due dates.

Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will

• learn how 21st century curriculum design can transform their classroom;
• explore the ins and outs of completing a project on WeVideo;
• learn basic video shooting and editing techniques;
• and transform a traditional lesson into one that incorporates digital video.

Groups

Some of the assignments will ask that you work within a group. Refer to the letter you received to see which section and group you belong to. The links below will take you to your group's homepage.

Assignments

This course uses journals, discussion boards, video submissions, and peer review assignments. Throughout the course you will find icons representing the different types of assignments. Refer to the table below for a description of the each type of assignment. Refer to the assignments summary below for due dates.

	21CS Journal - You will download and make a copy of the 3 journals used through Module 1. These journals will be peer reviewed and graded. this means your writing will be read and graded by at least two other people enrolled in the course.
	Discussion Boards - Discussions will be sprinkled throughout the course. Please respond to at least two posts to ensure effective discourse.
	Video Production - You will produce videos in Modules 2 and 3 and the links to the edited videos will be turned in.
	Peer Reviewed Lesson Plan - The final assignment for this class will be to write a lesson that successfully integrates 21st century skills (21CS). You will be asked to peer review and evaluate the lessons submitted from two colleagues.

The Instructor

I'm Chris and I'll be your instructor. I have taught Video Production as well as AP Biology, Chemistry, and Student Council in Nevada. If you have any questions at any time during the course, contact me at any of the methods below. Welcome to the course! Email: justucr@nv.ccsd.net Office: 702.799.8451 x 5505 Text/Google Hangouts: 702.714.1854 Twitter: @crjustus

Course Flow