Video Production with Students - Helpful Tips and Resources

Here are some takeaways from the April 21st  #gafechat discussion on Using Google Tools to Produce Videos. There were so many amazing tweets and ideas being shared. 

Benefit of Students Producing Videos

What to Consider When Producing Videos:

Examples of Videos Students Can Create & Possible Tools Needed 

• Screen Capture for Tutorials/Demonstrate Understanding 
• Document camera
• Screen capture tool (ex: Screencastify, Snagit, Camtasia)
• Stop Motion (example)
• Stop motion camera
• Google Slides and screen capture 
• Argument Videos (thanks @MrSchoenbart for the example) 
• Camera (mobile device, webcam, video camera, etc.)
• Green screen app or green sheet
• Editing software/website
• Silent Films (thanks @Mizgibson for the examples)
• Camera (mobile device, webcam, video camera, etc.)
• GIF creator (Snagit)
• Informational/Talk Show (thanks @Flems_English for the example) 
• Camera (mobile device, webcam, video camera, etc.)
• Editing software/website

Stages of Video Production & Helpful Resources 

Here are some of the stages that students will need to go through to produce a video. Depending on the type of video determines whether or not they need to complete each stage. 

Brainstorming
The brainstorming part if crucial for students to be able to determine what type of film to produce. Tools students can use to brainstorm:

• Google Document
• Padlet
• ReadWriteThink 
• Mindmaps: Lucid Chart, Gliffy, Mindmeister, Mindomo, Mindmup

Scripting/Storyboarding
Students work on the writing process when creating a script. Pre-writing, drafts, revisions and collaboration are a huge portion of writing a script. Tools students can use to write a script:

• Google Drive: Spreadsheet, Document, Slides, Drawing
• Storyboard That
• Story Guide - downloadable templates
• Amazon Storyteller - lets you visualize your script

Filming
Here is where students demonstrate their learning. You will be amazed at how engaged and focused a student can be when trying to capture the right shots. Tools students can use to film:

• Camera on mobile device, flip camera, etc.
• Screen capture tool: Screencastify, Snagit, Camtasia (desktop) 
• iPad Apps: Tellagami, Sock Puppets, ChatterPix Kids
• Interactive Whiteboard apps: Educreations, Screenchomp, Baiboard
• Interactive Whiteboard websites: Aww - Web Whiteboard 
• Google Hangout on Air

Editing
This requires students to think through a process from start to finish. Tools students can use to edit:

• YouTube Editor (YouTube Creator Academy)
• WeVideo
• iMovie (app and Mac)
• Animoto
• PowToon
• GoAnimate
• Camtasia (desktop)

Sharing
Students need to know that their work matters. It is also a great way for the students to gain feedback and then reflect on how they can improve for the next video. Ways students can share their work:

• Social Network: Twitter, Facebook, Google+, YouTube
• Use videos in place marks in maps (thanks @alicebarr)
• Create QR codes to place around the school
• Upload into Google Drive and share link with parents, teachers, students, etc.

Here are a couple additional resources teachers can use with students to help through the production process:

• Website on how to produce a video (thanks @HallsvilleTech for sharing)
• Blog on scripting tips (thanks @briandittfeld for sharing)