This week in Module 5, I had a great time learning how to create a video for teaching. It was fun, and I discovered some new tools along the way.
The Learning Video I Made
Before I started recording, I created a simple storyboard to plan my video. This helped me organize my ideas and make sure the video would be clear and easy to follow. I mapped out each scene and decided where I would use iterms like eggs, chocolate, and oranges to make it more engaging for kids.
- Recording: I used my iPhone to record the video, and my sister helped me film it. I used items like eggs, chocolate, and oranges to make it fun and interesting.
- Editing: I combined the video clips and photos using iMovie, which I found on my MacBook after it was mentioned in Module 5. I had never used it before, but it was easy to learn, and I enjoyed putting everything together. I also used Canva to create colorful pictures for the video.
Publishing the Video
Once the video was ready, I uploaded it to my YouTube channel in 1080p resolution. The hardest part was adding the transcript. I had to match the words to the exact timing of the video, but it was worth it because it made the video more accessible.
How My Work Aligns with Mayer’s Principles and UDL Guidelines
I applied Mayer’s principles and UDL guidelines to make my video engaging, clear, and accessible for all learners:
I used several of Mayer’s principles to make my video clear and engaging:
- Segmenting: The video was short and broken into six easy topics (addition, subtraction, etc.), so it wasn’t overwhelming.
- Personalization: I used a friendly, conversational tone to connect with kids.
- Signaling: Elements like eggs, chocolate, and oranges helped make it more fun.
- Spatial and Temporal Contiguity: I matched narration with visuals and placed related text and images together to make it easier to follow.
- Transcript: These helped students who might need or prefer to read along.
Exploring Twine for Learning
The second thing I learned this week was how to use Twine. I had never heard of it or seen it before, so it was exciting to try something completely new. I think Twine can be a great tool for creating fun assessments or activities for students, especially if it’s used to pose questions in a creative and interactive way.
At first, I struggled to come up with an idea, but eventually, I found this idea:
https://tabarekalmusawi.github.io/My-Twine-Story/
Once my Twine project was complete, I wanted to share it with my classmates by publishing it online. That’s where I ran into another challenge which is using GitHub to host my HTML file.
I wasn’t sure how to get started, so I decided to ask ChatGPT for help. I asked, “How can I add my HTML Twine to GitHub so my classmates can open the link?” ChatGPT gave me clear steps, and by following them, I was able to successfully upload my Twine HTML file and publish it on GitHub.
Final Reflection
Module 5 was a great experience. I learned how to use new tools like iMovie and Twine, and even figured out how to publish my work on GitHub with the help of ChatGPT. These activities showed me how storytelling, videos, and interactive tools can make learning more engaging and fun.
I realized that creating good learning content isn’t just about sharing information – it’s about making it meaningful and memorable. I’m excited to use these skills in future projects to create content that is enjoyable and accessible for everyone.
Great work on the learning video! I really liked how you combined visual and learning aids (physical objects + labels) , which of course adheres to good learning principles. The addition of the transcript is also great for accessibility. Well done!