TARGET Video Training

On a Saturday in the spring of 2004, Learning Technology Center staff taught 18 teams of Austin-area teachers and their fourth and fifth grade students how to use digital still and video cameras and video editing software to create instructional video projects. The teams each received a digital video "tool kit," including an Apple iBook laptop computer, software, digital still and video cameras, and a microphone.

The effort was part of a Technology Application Readiness Grant for Empowering Texas (TARGET) awarded by the Texas Education Agency to a collaborative of local private and public schools. The collaborative partnered with the LTC to provide the digital video training and resources to support fourth and fifth grade reading and language arts Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

Ken Tothero led the LTC's effort to produce a training manual and resource CD-ROM, and to acquire the video equipment. Karen French and Claire Christerson conducted the day-long training sessions, which also included information on the benefits of using video in instruction, guidelines for assessing video projects, and strategies for managing group projects.

The teachers developed video project assignments for their classes. The students who received training helped their classmates learn to use the equipment. During the six-week project period, the LTC sent email newsletters reminding classes of project milestones and providing additional production tips. Another half-day training session was conducted in mid-April as the classes wrapped up their projects. All the projects were screened at a "film festival" in late April and three projects entered into AISD's competitive film festival.

The LTC will provide the same workshops and activities for AISD teachers in 2005. Students in the College’s teacher preparation program will conduct the training workshops.