So as stated in previous EdTech Inquiry Blogs, Vlogs are essentially a creative outlet via video to let people like us (or students) relay information with their personal thoughts or reflections. Because vlogging is such a creative outlet, it is really up to the vlogger on how you would like to present what they want to talk about. It could be as simple as one long video, no cuts or edits, or using a multitude of different software to enhance the visual aspects of the the vlog.
Some of the different multimedia tools someone could use to enhance the vlog could be anything you want, but in this blog we are going to go over iMovie and Screencastify.
As stated in a previous blog (see any of our blogging accounts to learn more) iMovie is essentially the perfect editing tool to attach clips together, edit audio, and add title screens. This can be used as a self reflection tool, similar to self editing or peer editing a paper, or just to add some visual flair to what you are trying to present. However, the main downside to iMovie is that it is IOS exclusive meaning that unless you have any Apple products this application can’t be obtained on Windows. The main alternative if you do have windows is called Movavi Video Editor. It has essentially the same interface, but obviously there are some differences. If you want to research more feel free! If you care to see an example of how an iMovie finished product looks, see Riley’s Music Midterm blog!
The other application we highly suggest is called Screencastify. This application essentially allows the user to screen record their laptop or computer screen – with audio from the user – to share with their audience of who watches their vlogs. These screen records can then be placed into a video editor of something like iMovie or Movavi to put together the user’s vlog. This is also why we keep pressing the point that these video editors are essential to a vlog because they are the glue that strings together all these different medias. An obvious point to make is that because you are screen recording everything that is on your desktop screen or browser is copyright. Copyright should be the first point teachers discuss with their students before something like vlogging could take place. Not only that, but Screencastify could be used for numerous different purposes from the teacher’s perspective. The main point that relates to teaching is using Screencastify to find a variety of different provocations to start the vlogging process in the early stages of student vlogging, or to help those who do not have a direction they want to take their process.
Overall, we highly recommend incorporating different media uses into student vlogging so students can (1) enhance their technology capabilities and become well versed in different online media uses, and (2) to create more visually entertaining vlogs for their audience. These will check off many curiculuar competencies, but also touch on the idea of ‘process over product’ when students are making a variety of different art projects in the form of vlogging!
Riley, Ari and Adrian
