In a world saturated with videos, it is easy to view a video as a separate entity from the world of writing. However, most video ideas are started by writing scripts, or include text within the videos. Understanding how to write and how to write for a digital format is the basis for creating well-meaning and put-together videos. Turner and Hicks state, "social media, then, must be embraced as a form of reading and writing" (2017). Social media and other online media include many elements of reading and writing; they are just focused on a different avenue. This new outlook will help guide students in their use and production of videos.
When I have to make a video for a class assignment, I always have a written script in front of me. This allows me to have a solid plan for what I will be conveying to my audience. Turner and Hicks describe the "MINDFUL" technique to assist creators and students in developing digital media (2017). MINDFUL is an acronym that stands for "monitor your reading and writing," "identify the claim," "note the evidence," "determine the framework and mindset," "facts," "understand the counter argument," and "leverage your response" (Turner & Hicks, 2017). This acronym can be used as a checklist when writing and videoing to make sure your digital media has all of the important components. During my own video, I made sure to have a clear goal, use factual information, and understand counter arguments.
Check out my introduction video below!
Writing digitally and creating videos seems like a daunting task. By having a clear directive and end goal, videos become more feasible to do. I believe that adding visual components like text or even pictures also gives videos an extra level of engagement. When there is something visual happening, people are more likely to pay close attention to what you are saying, especially on social media.
A great way for students to be engaged in a lesson is by watching and creating a video. The YouTube video below is a great resource for teachers wanting to create their own videos! This would be a great lesson to have with students to prepare them for a digital world.
Reference
Canva. (2022, September 4). Make short educational videos for the classroom fast and free with Canva [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtoVR5ZByoM
Turner, K. H., & Hicks, T. (2017). Argument in the real world: Teaching Adolescents to Read and Write Digital Texts. Heinemann Educational Books.
I agree that videos are more engaging when there are visual aspects added to the video. Videos are a great way to engage your students, but it also a great way to implement a new assignment to your students. Most of your students have been around technology and videos most of their lives, so they would probably be very interested in creating a video for an assignment. This will teach them that it is important to have their information laid out before they start making their video. They will realize that it may take a few tries before it is the ending piece. Lawrence states that "it is important to plan ahead and to understand the purpose and audience of the video" (Lawrence, 2022 p. 112). This is something that the teacher will need to teach their students, so they will create their videos for the correct audience.
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Lawrence, D. (2022). Digital writing: A guide to writing for social media and the web. Broadview Press.
I like that you noted that it is valuable to know your audience when posting online. Truly, the world is your audience online, and I think it is so important to remember that your online presence leaves a digital footprint. When thinking about digital media, digital writing, and knowing your audience, I remember where Lawrence (2022) states, "Some marketers speculate that the appeal of video has more to do with user behavior than anything else" (p. 113). As educators, it is unlikely that we are posting on a social platform in a marketing manner. However, if we are posting online to influence students, parents, and other educators in some manner, we must ensure we are providing the message we truly wish to relay. Continuing to think about one's online presence, Thompson (2022) shares, "You never know who you'll come across on social media, and maintaining a professional presence helps people know who you are, what you do, and what you are passionate about before they meet you." I think the previous statement is critical. In the past, we saw the importance in first impressions, but we typically reserved the thought of first impressions for in person meetings. Now, individuals are able to get a first impression about someone by checking out one's online presence.
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Lawrence, D. (2022). Digital writing: A guide to writing for social media and the web. Broadview Press.
Thompson, V. (2022, November 9). 5 ways to maintain a professional online presence. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/5-ways-to-maintain-a-professional-online-presence