Flip Cam

- Links to or pictures/videos of technology artifacts

Description of and rationale for how the technology might be used with and preferably by students (Bloom's)
Flip Cam and other recording devices are simply digital technologies that require little set-up time. They are convenient in the sense that almost every computer has a recording device of some sort. Students could use them in the classroom or in private library rooms during school hours if they do not have access to one at home. These devices would be beneficial for students in speech classes. Many students feel awkward reciting speeches in front of a mirror or to family members, so this is a way in which they are able to practice for an audience without having an audience. This idea highlights Bloom's top two tiers of learning. Students are creating, not only their speeches, but also, the videos, learning to utilize certain technologies they have available to them. Evaluating is the main reason I would want students to record themselves giving their speech. It is easy to dismiss criticism from other students and teachers as something other than their review of your performance. This way, a student is able to recognize for his/herself what he/she needs to work on. It will create a better understanding for students, helping them learn the qualities of a good speaker through observation rather than just being lectured or critiqued. It is also my hope that, by practicing and working on improving one's ability, it will give the student confidence in his/herself when required to perform in front of peers.

Consideration of struggles for implementation (student, systemic, and/or hardware)
The schools would have to provide computers/cameras and time for students who do not have access to such devices at home. This may take out of class time or single out the students who do not have the means to complete the project at home. If the school has multiple cubicles or study rooms, it would be a great in-class assignment.

Consideration of the biases and trade-offs of the technology
Students may neglect to perform their speeches in front of an actual audience if given the option to use self-analysis through Flip Cam. This could create additional anxiety for students when forced to perform in front of their peers.

Explanation of how the project meets the selected teacher standard and student standards
INTASC Standards:
6. Assessment: The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher's and learner's decision making.
This is an engaging project for middle school and high school students because it gives them the opportunity to evaluate/critique themselves and possibly their classmates. By watching themselves speak on camera, they get to see how others may perceive their actions, which is a huge concern for this age group. They want to know how they look to their peers, so this aspect will most likely appeal to them. They are able to see themselves grow with each recording that they do. It may also be a way for the teacher to monitor the students' growth by requiring the students to e-mail their videos to him or her. This allows the teacher to see how far each student comes from his or her first attempt. Not all students are comfortable in front of an audience of any sort, so this is away to compare the student to his or herself rather than to the rest of the class.

ISTE Standards:
1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity: Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.
This  project will strike student interest in learning to better themselves as public speakers because it allows them to partake in things that intrigues them, critiquing themselves and creating videos. They may be motivated to do this project because of the technology rather than the actual learning process, but it will better them as speakers because they are able to record as many videos as they want until they perfect their speech.


Cite and evaluate educational research related to the tech use (261)
Mehta, Diana (2011, September 13). The Telegram. Retrieved from http://www.thetelegram.com/Arts---Life/2011-09-13/article-2746764/Video-in-the-classroom-keeps-digitally-savvy-students-engaged-in-learning/1