Technology and Film in Education

Technology and the media need to be embedded in children's learning. Technology is everywhere. It's in the workplace, it's how people interact with others, it's in our social lives. Therefore, "Digital Literacy" should be a central feature of our curriculum studies. Steve Jobs advocated the need for creativity and technology to go hand-in-hand. The two subjects, art and technology should not be seen as separate studies, but should work together to produce creative outcomes. 

Film Education

When I was at school the only option was media studies if you wanted to use cameras and study films. Just a few years later, technology and film is becoming more frequently used in the classroom. Primary school children are using ipads with apps to create whatever they can imagine in the classroom. There is an app for nearly every subject in schools. 
    Films are fun and make concepts come to life. When children watch films they enjoy, they become completely absorbed and captivated by it. If, by watching films has this effect, then the enjoyment they get from making a film themselves, must be enormous. Film education can benefit every subject, it can widen vocabulary and  increase motivation.


Underachievers 

Pupils with low reading and literacy skills can flourish in this technology driven environment. At home, they may have little encouragement to read or practice writing. However, what they do spend a lot of time doing is watching television, playing on games consoles, ipads/iphones. Therefore, the gap between school and home is narrowed, as they can transfer their knowledge and skills in both locations. Research has discovered that pupils who are low achievers, improve their literacy skills and become more engaged in school work because they are interested in using media technology. 

   

This Tes talk below discusses the benefits of "Film Club" in schools in the UK. Film Club produced vast benefits for pupils, with thousands of schools signing up to the scheme. The film producer argues for the use of film for children's education, and how it has positively shaped her life. 


References
Cross, C. (2012). The Guardian. [Online]. [Accessed 9 May 2014]. Available from
http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2012/mar/21/creativity-technology-classroom-teaching 
Kidron, B. (2012). Ted. [Online]. [Accessed 1May 2014]. Available from http://www.ted.com/talks/beeban_kidron_the_shared_wonder_of_film#t-330095