The weekly reflection prompt this week was to find a way to redefine, augment, and enhance an example of a school activity with technology.

The concept that came to mind for me in our pod was the idea of a using a multimedia video recording to replace a classic essay in an english class. A basic way of evaluating student literature comprehension is a book report, an activity that has been practiced since the start of english classes. Back in the day teachers and students did not have access to the technologies we have today, therefore most reports were a classic 3-5 page essay summarizing the plot of the book. However in our technologically advanced modern world I believe we can do better.

The image I had in mind was students getting to avoid essay writing by doing an ASAP science style whiteboard animated narrated video.

This is ASAP SCIENCE’S most viewed video, as an example

This approach would force students to truly master the information they are presenting as they will be attempting to not only summarize a book but teach the plot with the addition of images as well. I truly believe many students would rather do a video of this style in place of an essay as it allows for more creative process and will generate an end product they will be proud of and can further share in the future to more than just an english class.