WOW Wednesday – Mandy Arnold
On Wednesdays I highlight some of our amazing MVSD staff on our social media pages. Everyday our staff are using tech in new and exciting ways, are learning new skills, and are sharing ways in which ed tech is assisting them in their practice.
Earlier in the year I had an opportunity to visit Mackenzie Middle School to discuss their tech-related goals for the year. One of which was to integrate student-run video announcements into their school communication plan. The supervising teacher, Mandy, had operated a similar program at a previous school and had a solid understanding of what was required. To be honest, my support was relatively minimal and mostly focused on sharing what video production equipment was available within MVSD and software features included on platforms such as Microsoft Stream and WeVideo.
The announcements have been running now for a number of months and it is so awesome to see the students take ownership of this program. For those that are not familiar with this approach to school communication, some benefits include:
- Fosters a Sense of Community
Student-run video announcements provide an opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and talent while promoting a sense of community within the school. By creating these videos, students are able to collaborate with their peers, teachers, and staff, creating a collaborative environment that promotes a sense of belonging and unity.
- Develops Communication and Leadership Skills
Creating video announcements requires students to develop communication and leadership skills, which are essential for success in any career or field. Students must be able to work collaboratively, delegate tasks, and communicate effectively to produce a high-quality video. This process helps to develop confidence, creativity, and communication skills, which are valuable assets for future success.
- Keeps Students Informed
Student-run video announcements are an effective way to keep students informed about important events, updates, and news within the school. By delivering news through a video format, students are more likely to pay attention and retain information. This is particularly important for important events like school assemblies, sports games, and club meetings.
- Builds School Culture
By creating video announcements, students are given the opportunity to showcase the unique aspects of their school culture. This helps to promote school spirit and pride among students, which can lead to a positive learning environment. Additionally, video announcements can highlight the accomplishments of students, which can help to build a positive reputation for the school.
- Promotes Digital Literacy
Creating video announcements also promotes digital literacy skills, which are becoming increasingly important in today’s digital age. Students learn how to use video editing software, graphic design tools, and social media platforms, which are valuable skills for future success. Additionally, by using these tools to create video announcements, students learn how to communicate and express themselves effectively in a digital format.