Lights, Camera, Action!

The Werklund School of Education’s Office of Teaching and Learning is in the movie business.  More accurately, T & L is offering support and resources to assist academics in the production of video trailers.

The intent of the one to two minute videos is to promote Werklund School programs and courses by answering questions students might have when choosing a program of study.

“The trailers provide faculty with the opportunity to highlight aspects of their course(s) to the broader student campus as well as to aid prospective students in learning more about the courses in a program,” explains Jennifer Lock, associate dean of Teaching and Learning in the Werklund School.

The first hands-on training session was held Friday, January 6, during which three academics worked through the production of their videos with assistance from Technology Coaches Carol Johnson, Glory Ovie and Zulay Diaz Caceres.

Prior to the workshop, Johnson asked the participants to give some thought to the style and imagery that would best communicate the content of their program and to explain such matters as the central question the program addresses, the relevant learning that will occur during the semester and how the program will impact the student’s thinking or life journey.

During the afternoon session the academics created a storyboard, shot video or audio footage, selected stock images and laid everything down in iMovie.  While the projects were all at varying stages of completion by the end of the session, the faculty members involved came away with a better sense of the process and Johnson was pleased with the outcome.

“I was excited to see the creativity and personality of the instructors showing forth in their videos. Because each video is crafted by the instructor, each course is highlighted in a way that showcases the unique combination of the course and its instructor,” she says.

The next workshop will be held Wednesday, January 25 from 1:30 – 4:00 pm and is open to Werklund School faculty and post-docs. As space is limited to eight participants, registration at tandl@ucalgary.ca is required.

“I would encourage people to sign up quickly as the workshops provide academic staff with an excellent opportunity to work on their projects while having easy access to technology experts,” says Lock.

Register today and get ready for your close-up!