The topic of using multimedia projects in place of written assignments is a very debatable one. Should teachers have the right to substitute techonological literacy for written literacy? Will the use of one form hinder the development of the other? These questions are valid problems and issues that need to be considered before assigning (or refusing) multimedia projects in your classroom.
According to the article "Orchestrating the Media Collage" by Jason Ohlerat, we need to embrace the idea of multimedia projects or what he calls "digital literacy". In a world that is so technologically advanced, multimedia projects can enhance overall literacy across the board. This means that a student who is fluent in digital literacy (typing, compiling pictures into a collage and adding text, narration, movie making, etc.) will actually succeed more in the forms of written and oral literacy. I wholeheartedly agree with the author of this particular article. If teachers do not embrace the world of technology and take full advantage of the several forms of media readily available to all, then our students will not be prepared for a future that will be even more embedded in computers and multimedia.
The video "The Power of One" was assigned to a high school social studies class as a substitute for a 15 page paper that was required before graduation. They were to highlight the history of voting on an international, national, and local level and describe the importance of voting. In order to create the video, the class had to have a very good grasp on the concept of voting and its history. They had to do research and brainstorming--both of which are very important skills acquired when constructing a research paper. They also had to use collaboration and team work to complete the project--skills not necessarily gained through writting. In addition to those skills, the students had to use their knowledge of editing, sound/narration production, and publishing their multimedia project. Overall, there were numerous skills the students displayed with the completion of this particular project. They had to project their understanding of the topic and use creativity to attain their ultimate product.
As far as the ISTE-NETS are concerned, there are several standards that a teacher can meet by assigning a multimedia project such as the one described above.
1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity:
b. engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.
c. promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes.
Both of these standards are completely met with using the project of "The Power of One". This type of project will gauge conceptual understanding, cooperation, and encourage the use of digital tools and resources.
If anything the use of multimedia projects will only help your students succeed further. Of course other forms of literacy should not be neglected. Writing, speaking, and listening are all important forms of literacy that should be attended to, but digital literacy needs to be accepted and introduced to students at a young age if they are to keep up with the ever-advancing society of our world.
The Power of One Video
Orchestrating the Media Collage by Jason Ohlerat
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I agree the students need to have multiple literacies that include traditional print and oral as well as new digital literacies in order to succeed in the 2st century. It seems like you are willing to integrate digital literacies into classroom activities!
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