Using iMovie in the Classroom

            Apple’s iMovie program provides teachers and students with an interactive, fun and digital method of presenting information.  When using this program, digital images can be uploaded or recorded and then edited to include titles, music, transitions, or voiceovers that result in a personalized video. Using this technology, teachers can develop their own movies to introduce a concept that will be taught or provide background information on a concept that will be explored, supplement the curriculum with a virtual field trip created with iMovie, or review concepts already learned and allow students to reflect on past objectives by viewing a video. With some instruction, students are also able to easily use the iMovie technology to enhance school assignments. Possible iMovie ideas for students, as outlined by the article Team Up with Digital Video and iMovie for Social Studies Excitement (Howard, 2001) include creating a virtual photo album to discuss family history, conducting research and recording an interview, and storytelling.  Other ideas could include creating an anti-bullying video for the school, a tour of the school/community, or recording directions on how to complete a task.  These teacher and student digital movie activities not only enhance the traditional curriculum, but also incorporate 21^st century technology skills, which will be crucial to students entering the workforce in the future. While using digital movie applications, students build skills that were often not seen in the classroom before the common use of computers. These skills, such as problem solving, communication/collaboration and creativity are beneficial in developing a student who is technology savvy. Additionally, students are able to develop real-life skills when planning/creating an iMovie. Skills such as planning, storyboarding, script writing, and editing help students to plan and organize their project while having control of the outcome.

           

            While using tools such as digital movie makers can be beneficial in the classroom, there are some drawbacks. For example, the iMovie application only works with Macintosh computers. While it is an affordable program and does come standard on many new Mac computers, similar movie making programs are much more costly. If students will be using the program, a significant amount of time will have to be devoted to teach students how to use the variety of features available. Also, the movies that teachers/students create take up a large amount of hard-drive space; so an external hard drive might have to be purchased. Along with the addition of an external hard-drive, it would also be useful to have a digital camera or digital video recorder. While many schools are now provided with funds to purchase new technology, those without funding will most likely be without many of these tools and unable to provide students with valuable technology skills. It is possible to contact outside resources (businesses or the PTA) for funding, but unfortunately new technology is often expensive would require numerous donations.