iMovie

Link: https://www.apple.com/imovie/

Tool’s Description: iMovie is a video production app for all Apple products that simplies the detailed editing of professional software. “Students use photos and video clips to build a project timeline and then customize with transitions, audio, music, and special effects” (Meyers, 2018). iMovie has a range of templates, themes, and project filters that control color“ (Meyers, 2018). It's designed for simplicity with touch, swipe, and drag. Students can simply drag clips to rearrange them on the timeline, touch the settings button to change filters, themes, and fades, and tap the plus sign to add clips, photos, and audio files. A couple of taps will publish and/or share the video (Meyers, 2018).

Educational Benefits: “iMovie’s video editing tools utilize creativity in students” (Meyers, 2018). Students are able to modify their own creation through the tools in the app to improve its overall appearance. “To provide the best version of the product, students collaborate and problem-solve through teamwork” (Anderson, 2002). Teachers simply observe and facilitate this process in the classroom while students are working only assisting when needed.

Differentiation: iMovie meets a variety of learning styles such as spacial, visual, auditory, verbal, interpersonal, and logical/mathematical. Creating a video consists of filming, arranging, editing, and adding details after recording. Sound can be added to reinforce the video’s effect and by making commercials or reenacting a play. These activities encourage mobility and fun during the process of meeting any learning objectives. Planning through storyboards are necessary for any speaking parts. Interpersonal skills are required in groups for delegating the tasks for collaboration on a video.

ISTE standards: iMovie addresses the ISTE-S Global Collaborator standard by “constructively contributing to project teams and by assuming various roles and responsibilities to work effectively toward a common goal” (ISTE-S, 2016). Students collaborate by deciding on which role they will take for movie creation and editing. These range from effects, editing, prop-master, and recording. The collaborative goal is a relevant and engaging video that is evident of learned concepts and the application of those skills.

Considerations: Copyright, creative commons, and fair use policies must be considered and cited when using additional images or sources outside of the iMovie app. In order to maintain consistency and organization throughout the project, the teacher should use a detailed rubric to plan out the steps necessary for design. Computing hardware must be Apple-based due to software design specifically for Apple products.

For Chrome users, compatible video programs include WeVideo at (https://www.wevideo.com/hub#) or MovieStudio at (https://gsuite.google.com/marketplace/app/moviestudio_video_editor/785803880206). Both programs are available through the Chrome Store.