Digital Video Production in Education

Dates: January to September 2009

Cost: £1500

A Touch of Evil

Who is the course for?

This course, designed for education practitioners who want an introduction to digital video technology practice, uses key theoretical material from film study and offers ways of making it accessible in the Film, Media Studies and English classroom in secondary schools. Additionally, primary school teachers and managers, currently seeking to learn more about using media technology creatively in literacy and other areas of the curriculum, will also find the courses will meet their needs.

What level of course is it?

It is a two-module course worth 60 credits (or one-third) of the London University, Institute of Education MA in Media, Culture and Communications.

What does the course cover?

It aims to explore how digital video production contributes to the meaning of the moving image; what difference digital technologies make; and how digital video production is related to learning, especially in Media and Film Studies. In addition, the course will ground participants in an understanding of related video production teaching and learning issues.

What are the learning objectives for the course?

  • To introduce participants to the skills and techniques necessary to use digital video technology confidently.
  • To promote good practice in the teaching of digital video production in a range of different educational contexts.
  • To share wider theoretical understandings about digital video, for example, where it stands in relation to ICT and other communicative media.

How long is the course?

It is a two-term course running from January to September 2009. It starts on Monday 12 January and the final assessment deadline is 1 September 2009.

What is distance learning?

Distance learning is a mode of course delivery, which is particularly appropriate to personal professional development. The student maintains the advantage of not having to give up their work, while being engaged in a parallel learning activity, which is continually informing and being informed by that everyday experience.

However, to avoid distance learning becoming an isolating and lonely experience, there are face-to-face sessions. In the spring term there is a one-day workshop at the beginning of the course on Friday 16 January and another on Friday 13 March, both are held in London at BFI Southbank (Waterloo), and in the summer term there is one workshop which runs across three days, Wednesday 1st July (5pm - 9pm) - Friday 3 July (finishing at 2pm). In addition, it will be a requirement of the course that students and tutors are linked electronically to a Virtual Learning Environment (Blackboard) so enabling students to discuss issues and ideas with each other which relate to both course content and management, and to receive support, clarification and feedback from the course tutors. Virtual Learning Environment groups will be established and so students must have an e-mail address and access to both a computer and a modem, either through their institution or at home.

How is the course structured?

Part 1 is focused on the language and techniques of editing, using a range of digital video editing software. Part 2 develops this further in the context of an original production created by course participants. Providing practical experience alongside theoretical perspectives, the overall aim is to introduce students to the kind of digital video production work currently developing in schools.

How is the course assessed?

The course is Masters Level and each part is worth 30 credits (one-sixth of an MA). Successfully completing Parts 1 and 2 will count as 60 credits or one-third of the total MA. It is accredited as part of the London University Institute of Education MA in Media, Culture and Communication.

There are two assessment requirements: a short piece of film, made and edited during the editing seminar, together with a 2,500 word piece of writing reflecting on the piece; and a second piece of film, filmed and edited in groups, together with a 2,500 word essay on a specific topic related to the teaching of digital video in schools. Both pieces must be completed and assessed as being ‘satisfactory’ or above, in order for students to be able to gain the full 60 credits at MA level.

What course materials are provided?

containing dedicated extracts, and a Course DVD. Students will also have access to a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which enables them to share video work as it progresses and to collaborate in shared writing.

In addition, there are face-to-face workshops (17 January 2009 and 13 March 2009; 1-3 July 2009) as well as individual tutorial support.

What can I do when I finish the course?

These modules are part of the London University, Institute of Education MA in Media, Culture and Communication, and there are other distance learning modules available through that course. For more information on these and other aspects of the whole MA please visit the Institute of Education website.

How can I apply?

Download, fill out and return both the BFI application form and the IOE application form.

How much does it cost?

The course fee is £1,250. For students financing themselves, this can be paid in two installments.

Who tutors the course?

The course is tutored by John Potter, Lecturer, Centre for the Study of Children, Youth and Media at the Knowledge Lab, the Institute of Education and James Durran, Advanced Skills Teacher, English and Media, Parkside Community College, Cambridge.

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