MovieMaker


 * What is it and how do I use it? **

[|Windows Movie Maker]is a type of software that allows users to create a video project using visual images, sounds, transitions, and titles. Once the project is completed, it can be finalized and burned to a c.d. or DVD.

I use Movie Maker as a culminating performance task. Students compile visual images and record their voices to create a video about a city in a Spanish-speaking country. The scenario tells the students that they are applying for a job on the [|Travel Channel]and must create a two minute clip to show the president of the company.

The first step of the project is to research the city and find out about tourist attractions, food, shopping, and transportation. Next the students write a script in the target language and record it orally using the [|Renaissance 2200 Language Lab.ppt]. The following day the class reports to the computer lab for the Movie Maker tutorial. Once finished with the tutorial, the students begin compiling [|images]. On the second day the students sync the images with their voice recording. Finally the students finalize their movie so that it can be seen on any computer.

Other projects that can be completed with Movie Maker include: the life of a famous person, a description of a different time period, an explanation of a concept, and much more.

** How does it **** support **** 21st **** century skills? **

This assignment supports 21st century skills because students are applying their language skills to a future career opportunity. Creating a presentation is a skill that will always be valued. Although the Movie Maker software may become [|outdated]by the time students enter the work force, the career will still be an option. Furthermore, syncing visuals with sound and selecting appropriate transitions will be part of creating presentations for years to come.

** What basic knowledge and steps are necessary to begin using this technology? **

To use Movie Maker, students must be able to search the internet for images, utilize a voice recording system, and to use the Movie Maker software. The software includes capabilities to add images, titles, transitions, sounds, and video. To introduce students to the software, teachers can lead the students through a [|tutorial]or ask their media specialist to give an introduction.

** What elements might this technology replace? How does it provide a more engaging and motivating learning experience? **

Since I have discovered this technology, my students have been creating Movie Maker videos instead of [|PowerPoint] presentations. These videos are more engaging because students sync their voice with the images to complete a more polished presentation. They are more motivated because they can view the final product as a movie rather than showing slides and talking during the presentation.

** What are the documented uses and benefits of this resource? **

Students can show evidence of their curricular knowledge through this software. It is interactive and allows them the opportunity to practice the process of creating and editing a presentation. Presentational skills are important in many careers. Movie Maker can help prepare students for the future using today’s technology. Click [|here]for classroom examples and more ideas for using Movie Maker in the classroom.