Paper Slide Videos - Oh My!

This year I have had the privilege of meeting with teachers during planning and offering ideas for technology integration. It has been fun and it has been a challenge. Each school is different (just like each classroom is different). When suggesting ideas you have to start with curriculum content (which is the same across all my schools). Then look at the instructional strategy that the teacher wants to use (differences begin here). Then you have to look at what technology the classroom or school has available (wide differences here!). You also have to take into consideration time constraints, teacher's comfort level and ability with using technology, as well as the students' age.

There have been some successes and some failures, but I want to share an option that several teachers have tried recently and for the most part had success. It is low tech but high engagement and can be used in all subject areas. The technique was developed by a North Carolinian by the name of Lodge McCammon. Yes I am  talking about paper slide videos.

The concept is so easy. Students create a story (commercial, math explanation, etc) and then plan it out using a storyboard. Taking the plan, students draw the images needed to convey the information. Students rehearse, rehearse, and rehearse some more. Students then video their story by narrating and then sliding the paper to continue the story. It is a one shot deal, the camera starts rolling and it doesn't stop until they are finished. There is no editing (I hear a collective sigh about not worrying about animations and transitions.) Simply publish the finished product. To learn more about Paper Slide Videos, please check out the wiki here. 

The third graders at this particular school created travel infomericals for various planets. Then worked together as a group to video the finished projects.

The kindergarten classes at the same school used Paper Slide Videos to publish one of their writers' workshop pieces. So every student has their own video.

Give Paper Slide Videos a try and tell me what you think.