Creating+Content+with+Technology

One of the most exciting ways you can use technology with students is to allow them to create projects showcasing their knowledge!

This page looks at making a book trailer, but the information can be used to make any type of project: showing how a science principle works, demonstrating a process in physical education, or showing the important parts of a social studies project.

Steps for creating a movie project:
1. Pick your topic/book 2. Watch examples on the Internet Book Trailers for Readers Book Trailers for All Bookscreening: Children's Books Bookscreening: Young Adult Books Slime Kids Book Trailers Digital BookTalk 3. Write your script for your project 4. Create a folder on the server for your project. You will have several pieces to the project, so you want a place to organize them. 5. Find pictures to fit your project. Save these into your picture file on the server. 6. Open iMovie to create your project. Simply drag and drop your pictures into the bottom of the screen. 7. Use the "T" button to add text boxes as necessary. 8. Click on the microphone icon to record audio into the project. 9. Find background music for your project. Like the pictures, this needs to be copyright friendly! Save the music file into your folder on the server. 10. Drag and drop your music file into the project. You can adjust the length and volume of your audio files by clicking the arrows on the bar with the audio. 11. Any time you would like to preview your project, click on the play button in the middle of the screen. 12. When you are done with your project, click "Share" at the top of the screen and export into iTunes, YouTube or as a movie file, however you would like to share your finished product!
 * Your script will include a plan for the words you will say, the types of pictures you will use, and the text that will be on the video
 * Think about what you are saying and how it will catch your audience
 * Draw and scan your own pictures
 * Take your own digital pictures
 * Find online copyright friendly images
 * Don't forget to write down where your got your pictures if you need to include copyright information!
 * Some good places to find pictures:
 * MorgueFile: my favorite--people share photos here without even expecting attribution!
 * Google Images: use advanced search to filter by usage rights
 * Flickr: use advanced search to select "Creative Commons" filtering
 * You may need to adjust the length of time the pictures show to fit your audio. Do this by clicking the arrow on the picture. You can adjust each slide individually or apply the changes to all.
 * Some places to find music:
 * Free Music Archive: make sure to search "instrumental" if you are using this with spoken audio
 * SoundBible: lots of sound clips and sound effects
 * Jamendo: free music downloads, but make sure to go to the Creative Commons section to find music to use

I Want More!
Check out these links for more detailed information on making videos with your class:
 * Making Videos on the Web: A Guide for Teachers by Richard Byrne
 * Book Trailers for Readers: How to Make Book Trailersby Michelle Harclerode
 * This site includes planning worksheets, evaluation tools and more