Since our topic of discussion this week examines the ability for movies to generate debate over technology, society and culture, this website, offers guides and lesson plans for teachers to facilitate in their curriculum. The Organization, "Teach With Movies" offers insightful debate issues, templates for themes in movies and a fantastic selection of titles to choose from on the page with monthly additions. The site does require a fee of $11.99/year to subscribe, but based on the content and availability of templates it seems quite fair for instructors.
http://teachwithmovies.org/
One of the benefits for teachers facilitating movies to deconstruct certain aspects of societies centers on the visual appeal to the senses and the connection between emotional affect and sensory input for students. The course material that relates to the movie offers students a perspective that draws personal interest and increase self-awareness of certain life issues that carry significance in the real world. In addition, period pieces may highlight cultural awareness for both American and cross cultural studies. Movies also allow a form of art education to interweave with students in curriculum's that are being forced to cutback on certain school programs that often target arts and music to be included in the cut list.
Movies as a form of technology becomes more accessible today and with the available options to create multiple formats of screening movies than before in the past, teachers have more incentives to use movies to assist students with educational topics. In areas that lack the upgrades and infrastructure necessary to assist with computer education, movies as a technological resource remains a viable alternative to introduce students to a varied education and interest in media education. Games today being used in education often incorporate thematic sequences and cut-scenes that mirror the interest and history of American culture and cinema. The gaming industry continues to grow as a commercial success but often the same entertainment techniques rest in the visual stimulation from the interest in cinema. As long as teachers understand the importance of gaming and technology of the future, it remains essential to offer students the foundations of media education in cinema to carry a sense of historical perspective and progression of technology in education.
Teaching with Movies (2008). Lights Camera Learn: A Unique Tool for Teachers & Parents. Retrieved April 18, 2008, from the website: http://teachwithmovies.org/
3 comments:
Hi Ben,
I agree with you that the teacher could use movies as both a tool and a teaching resource to help students to improve their multiliteracy skills.
Actually, there are some common features shared by movies and games, such as entertainment techniques as you mentioned, narrative contexts, fantasy, and authentic language & culture.
Hence, "teaching with movies" is suggestive in "teaching with computer games". For examples, educators could borrow some implementation strategies to support the integration of games in the classroom from "teaching with movies". Thank you for sharing this wonderful website.
Best, Jiao
Hey Ben,
I've taken a media literacy course, in which we discussed using movies in teaching. Nowadays, literacy does no longer refers to traditional reading and writing. Reading images is as important as reading letters. Visual literacy is essential for each one living in such a image-saturated world.
As you mention, movies can attract students' attention. I observed an ESL class before and the teacher often used movies to enhance students' listening and speaking. For example, after the students watched "The Wizard of Oz", they were asked to dramatize what they had watched. Movies are very common in students' daily lives. If the teacher can use movies to foster students' critical thinking skills, what they learn in class can also benefit them out of class or even for a life.
I really enjoy this week's assignment watching a movie. It turns out to be a productive learning activity. With the guidance questions in my mind, watching the movie is just more than entertainment. I believe the teacher should play the role of a facilitator to guide students to think critically about movies.
Hi Ben,
I agree movies have educational value so they are great as an instructional tool. As long as connections are made to the curriculum and it is not just a babysitter or "Free Day" activity, I am all for using movies as long as they are G ratings for elementary kids. I think PG ratings are a little risky given the reason for the rating.
:) Garnette
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