Flip Video Cameras

Next week, I will be training the staff on how to use the Flip Video camera. I find this such a great, inexpensive, and easy-to-use tool. I hope everyone is as excited as I am!
In proposing this as a useful tool in a classroom, I am going to suggest that the best place to start would be small: Think about topics you teach that your students may struggle with. Would it be easier for them to understand if you had video clips demonstrating the skill or idea readily available? That is easily done with the Flip Video camera.

But then could you take that one step further? What if you put the technology in their hands and had them create the video clips? They would be in charge of their own learning using a mode that is engaging and fun.

An Example
Small groups, tasked with creating a step-by-step, how-to video demonstrating the correct ways to complete a skill or task

1. Groups work collaboratively to assign roles and responsibilities
2. Groups create a storyboard to plan video clips
3. Groups use cameras to film procedures
4. Groups use evaluatory processes to review recorded material and reshoot if necessary
5. Groups combine final clips into one movie using the Flip Video software
6. Groups publish final movie to a class blog or wiki or a DVD

The Flip Video camera will create a classroom that is engaged in a rigorous and relevant task that produces quality products! The students will have ownership of their learning, and they will be creating something that is useful for everyone.

I also used www.capzles.com to create a step-by-step guide for using the cameras. Check it out and add comments as you see fit. I hope that seeing the Capzles site in use will be a good hook for trying it out with students.

Educause also created a "7 Things You Should Know About..." document on the Flip Video camera that explains the camera itself and some possible classroom uses.

Happy filming!