Creativity, Communication & Citizenship: Brilliant Book Trailers!

One of the awesome parts of my job as LwICT Teacher Leader is that I get to be involved with a wide variety of learning activities.   In May, I was invited to help Mrs. Bowley's grade 7 class with a really awesome book trailer project.  Students viewed a variety of book trailers before selecting a favourite text and planning their own book trailer.  The grade 7s used iMovie to create their trailers and then uploaded them to YouTube.  Next, they made posters with QR codes linked to their videos so they could share their book recommendations by displaying the posters at their school. 

What I Like...

I think the final videos are really well done and I've got a long list of books I want to read after watching them!   There was a lot to like about this project, but some aspects that stood out to me included:

Creativity and Communication 
Bringing together images, text and music to create a compelling book trailer video required creativity and this group of students certainly let their creativity shine!  The project also required effective communication.  Students demonstrated their understanding of a text and conveyed the essence of the book by selecting appropriate elements to include in their video. 

ICT Infusion
This project is a great example of how ICT can support and enhance learning.   Students were able to use technology tools to demonstrate their understanding and knowledge of a text.   I also really like how technology enabled sharing in this example; the QR code posters and video links are great ways for students to share their work with a wider audience.  I think other students and teachers will enjoy watching these!

Digital Citizenship
When I first visited the grade 7 class to help get their book trailers started, we discussed copyright and the need to respect others' work.   We talked about sources for public domain images and royalty-free music.   I know that these thoughtful conversations continued because I heard more about digital citizenship when I returned for my next visit.  I learned that the students did some research on acceptable use and discussed how copyright was applicable to this project.  Students also discussed  sharing their work and considered which platform to use, how much personal information to include and how the videos would be shared.  I was happy to see and hear students thinking about digital citizenship as they worked on this project.   

Watch These!

Okay, you've got my perspective on this cool project - now it is time to watch some samples!   Thanks to Mrs. Bowley's class for sharing the book trailers below!   They are definitely worth watching.  You might even want to compile a list of books to enjoy this summer.   

The Maze Runner 


Divergent


Girl, Stolen


If I Stay


Miss. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children


Remember Me Always


Where She Went


The Hunger Games


Pitch Black


Everything, Everything