Journal #4 (NETS II, III, V)

 In this journal many NETS were used to help create, facilitate and engage in technological learning. This journal explains how learning can be creative, digital and expanded growth using technology in the classroom.

Learning through Media...
I think that this was a very genius and creative idea. Making storyboards and things that students can create their own short film is awesome. Sometimes the things students have to learn about is not "fun" or interesting to the students, and sometimes the way a teacher chooses to teach it makes it even harder to want to pay attention. At a young age, children have less of an attention span, especially on issues they don't care much about. When an assignment is given to create a short film on what you are learning it makes you 1.) HAVE to pay attention and 2.) more engaged in the project. The students start getting creative and they get the feeling that they have the power to control thier project. In the matter or watching your students make a short film you can easily find out the the same information as you would if you had them write an essay, but the film making is just so much more fun.

Should film making eliminate writing essays?
No. I don't think that film making should eliminate writing essays, but maybe instead of having three essays planned for the school year you can have 2. One at the begining, and one at the end with a film in the middle. Writing essays isn't just to find out what kind of knowledge on the subject they have, but it helps to know thier writing style and how well they do at grammar. Writing essays is still important, but film making can be a fun substitute at times.

Could Film making be done with any subject in school?
I'm sure if the teacher was creative enough they could find a way to make a film for any subject. In English it could relate to the book the class is reading. In History they could renact something from the past that they just learned about. In science they could make an experiment, something like Bill Nye the science guy. Math and PE might be more difficult, but films are fun and get the student involved and interested, and with students' imaginations, just about anything is possible.