Reading and Discussion Two: The benefits of Youth Film-making

Film-making has become easier than ever thanks to modern technology.  Just yesterday I downloaded a groundbreaking new app, called Hyperlapse, that uses gyroscopic technology to create time lapse videos.  This is something that, until now, could only be achieved with a massive array of expensive equipment.  Did I mention the app was free?  Youth today have FREE resources like Hyperlapse, and many other apps and software, that allows them to create film and video with professional results.  Our animoto videos for the first assignment are another great example of how easy it is to make a visually engaging product from almost anywhere we have a computer (or smart phone) and an Internet connection.  There are many benefits to youth film-making, both in and out of school.  Students are able to assert themselves as individuals, explore topics they have connections to, and master tools that will help them be successful in many ways throughout their education and their lives.
Students who engage in film-making are giving themselves a voice and asserting their individuality.  Instead of handing in words written or typed on white paper, these students perfect their writing skills, turn them into oral skills, and apply meaningful visuals to connect the words with their real lives.  Viewers are given the opportunity to make an emotional connection with the filmmaker as their senses are stimulated with sights and sounds.  People are drawn to technology, so youth film-makers are sure to catch the attention of those who would not have initially been interested (I watched 5 videos for this assignment; that's 5 stories I would have never known or had access to without youth film-making).
Film-making allows the participating youth to explore topics in depth, and in particular, they explore topics which have meaning to them.  This translates into a deeper and more powerful message relayed to the audience.  The second reading, 7 Things You Should Know About Digital Storytelling, opens by describing a young man who made a digital story during winter break.  Youth do not necessarily have to be in school to create deep and interesting media to share.  The boy in the story made his film about his love of the blues.  Film-making happens outside of school.  Viral videos on social media are a testament to the fact that someone always has a camera rolling these days.  Youth film-making seems to be almost natural, so harnessing this desire and using to teach seems to follow suit.
Film-making is an exciting way to teach students about technology and keep them up-to-date with what is available.  The fringe benefit is that the educator must also be savvy in the ways of technology.  In other words, if my students have to learn it, then I have to master it!  Youth who begin using technology early will be more proficient as they grow older.  It also allows us to monitor their etiquette and utilize teachable moments as often as possible to create an environment of ethical use of technology.
I think youth film-making is a great way to teach our students while we learn as well.  I am looking forward to integrating this technology into my future classroom.