Reel+Learning

=Reel Learning in Virtual Spaces =

Machinima (creating video using 3D virtual worlds) holds real potential for developing several 21st century media literacy skills as well as proficiencies in communication, collaboration, creativity, and problem solving. Beyond making movies, these unique spaces allow us to step out of the constraints of our traditional brick & mortar classrooms, step into environments that allow us to stretch our imaginations and design learning that truly encompass skills that are relevant to today's learners.

=Why? =

Before we adopt any new technology, we ALWAYS must ask ourselves:


 * Why are we using this technology?
 * What does it allow us to do better?
 * What does it allow us to do that we have never done before?

The Elisabeth Morrow School in NJ initially adopted virtual world technology (Teen Second Life and Quest Atlantis) because we perceived it as a unique & engaging tool for building visual & media literacy skills. However, once the program was in place, it quickly became clear that the learning taking place in this space far outreached our initial expectations.

=Literacy: Interpreting the world in which we live =

To truly understand, we must go beyond consumption & discussion. We must deconstruct, and reconstruct to fully develop our understanding. It takes us years to teach students written language. We understand they need to read in order to learn writing and write to learn how to read. Why then do we expect kids to use these new digital tools and magically know how to produce content that is rich and meaningful?

=Political Commercials for Greek Gods =
 * Collaborative Asynchronous Project Between 6th & 8th Graders**

We deconstruct our past ~
media type="file" key="i_like_ike.mov" width="300" height="300"

Step into our future ~
media type="custom" key="7302351"

=Problem Solving: Suspending OUR fear of NOT knowing the answers =

ToMorrow Island First Day Dance (Archive)
@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s8GgmFZ7Uo

Tidal Wave Clip – Behind the Scenes
[]

Poseidon Commercial
@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L53lQzzmyYw

=Communication: Students as teachers =

Virtual Worlds (Assignment)
@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hhUF1EmEUc

What is Machinima? (Employment Opportunity)
@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n17uJJJgods

How to Perfect Your Look (Assignment)
@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=389Y8tOubjk

Fantage Tutorial (Independent)
@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxbmPTO4yJg

=Collaboration: Beyond brick walls =

@http://www.knowclue.com/movies/VetWeb.mov

No Future Left Behind (Project SMS)
@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kra_z9vMnHo

=Creativity: Giving students tools they value =

Sample Commercial (Independent)
@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iwf8rQGOH7E

Fan Tribute - Glee (Independent)
@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8_K2KPJquM

=Community: Putting citizenship into practice =

=Documentation =

@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oefgoqgo0yQ

@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kZH06TChyc

=Virtual Worlds @ Elisabeth Morrow School =



Teen Second Life
13 - 18 year olds Private Estate 8th Grade (We have a handful of 7th graders who have turned 13) Objectives: Machinima, Community & Commerce

ToMorrow Island Machinima
YouTube: [] Wiki: []

Greek God Project
2010: @http://emsgreekgods.wikispaces.com (Work in Progress) 2009: @http://thedogatemyhomework.pbworks.com/Overview

Future School
http://tomorrowisland.wikispaces.com/Future+School

Camp TechKnow
http://tomorrowisland.wikispaces.com/Camp+TechKnow



Reaction Grid
Private Estate No Age Restriction 7th Grade (plans to expand to 6th) Objectives: Begin a dialogue on what it means to be "Smart Online"

Teen2Teen
http://teen2teen.wikispaces.com

The Gnome Project
http://teen2teen.wikispaces.com/Gnome+Home



@Quest Atlantis
Schools Only 9 - 13 years old 5tth Grade (plans to expand to 4th) Objectives: Global Socialization, Citizenship, Online Safety = =

Student Congress
http://quest-atlantis-teaching.wikispaces.com/Student+Congress = = = = = = = = = =

= = = = = = = = = = = Machinima Resources = http://knowclue-machinima.wikispaces.com/Resources