Caught on Video

Overall I enjoyed the many ideas that were behind the use of the Flip camera. Getting students motivated to learn because they really are learning (and being able to document this by video) is more rewarding and important than students learning to get a grade attached that may not really reflect their work amongst the rest of the class. The Flip camera would definitely put a spin on educational assessment. Instead of a class of students all turning in hard copy assignments, their is a video that is proof that each kid knows or doesn't know how to do a particular problem/activity. Furthermore sharing a "video assignment" is easier and more immediate to the parents. In the article in mentioned a net base that would store, organize, copy, and send parents videos for each student. Although this may be a rigorous to set up, once it is done, it seems well worth it. In addition students like seeing themselves do things and probably learn a lot more from watching their own videos. It fits with the generation of students that are in the classrooms today! The only downside I found to this is TIME! I can imagine shooting a video of each student (including the students that are not cooperative or hard to manage) doing a particular problem takes time out of the classroom. How much could really be covered or accomplished in the classroom daily? It seems that if a teacher did want to try this method, they would have to have helpers in the classroom to be more time efficient. Overall, if trained properly, the Flip Camera would be a great tool to use in the classroom.