My grade seven class is in the middle of a viewing text unit, where we are deconstructing E.T. We began by looking at different types of camera shots. After we spent a few hours outside, gathering different types of shots, we began to make tutorials. I wanted the kids to experiment with different tools and to blend the media.  They created a standard Keynote slide with the information (Type of shot and purpose for using it) and inserted an example of the shot as a movie file. They recorded the slide and imported it into iMovie where they added the voice-over commentary using green screen.

I like the idea of trying new things and techniques that spark their imagination on what can be possible. The sound in this clip is terrible, even though we had a microphone, but it is a taste of what is possible. The problem is this task was just one step in this unit and we have to move on, so we were not able to perfect these clips. I just wanted to give them a taste. I want kids to see that they control the tools, and they can usually create whatever they imagine. I want them to understand they don’t need to be limited by what they think a tool is used for. Overall, not bad. I was pleased with the comfort that they could understand instructions like this:

• Create a slide in Keynote which includes a movie clip.
• Add a green screen voice over in iMovie
• Share your clip with me in a shared Google Doc collection called Shots

Next, we are identifying various elements in the film E.T. which include camera shots, but also lighting to establish mood. They have isolated their scenes and are adding a Directors Cut commentary over the scene. Those should be ready soon. Final step is creating their own scene using the techniques they have learned.