One of the main concerns I hear from teaching staff in general, is that they do not have the time. I understand their concerns – I really do. Teachers are being asked to do more and more and not being given any extra time to do so.

In 2009, a Year 7 Home Economics teacher that I have previously done some work with, had for the past several years, got her students to produce a written report on Kitchen Safety. You know the type, “Write a 2000 word essay on Kitchen Safety.”After having several discussions about students use of and abilities with ICT, I asked her to consider giving students some choice. I said,“What about giving students the opportunity to present their work using some form of multimedia – what about a video?” 

The teacher replied, “But I don’t know how to make a video.” I replied, “Great! With ubiquitous access to the internet, a teacher no longer has to know how to do everything.The small shifts teachers can make in their practice involve giving students choice, relinquishing control and becoming a learner again. Relinquish control and you may be surprised at what your students are capable of!”

The teacher in question decided to give the students the opportunity to submit some form of multimedia presentation instead. This work was to be done at home and with no teacher guidance.

This is a sample of the type of work submitted. The teacher in question was absolutely blown away. She had no idea that her students were capable of something like this.

http://blip.tv/play/AfanCAI.html

Now you decide. Which is better? This short movie or a “googled” written report on Kitchen Safety?