Techniques and Technical Terms

Photo by Bruno Massao from Pexels

Much of the meaning of video, whether it be in film, television or on the Internet, is created by how the camera is used. Additionally, meaning is created by the way a video shot is composed and framed. Camera work is, essentially, an art.

When you combine camera shots with music, sound, lighting and editing, it is clear that filmmakers have 

to make many decisions when telling the story.

This assignment involves becoming familiar with the different video techniques and technical terms and why and how they are used. Below is a list of the different terms and some links that will help you understand them better.

Define what each term is in a one or two sentence definition and explain, where applicable, why it is used (the effect it can have).

CLICK HERE to see a chart you can use. You can copy and paste this into MS Word. 

Or you can create your own chart, make sure to have the three sections for each term:

1. The technique or term
2. Definition
3. Why it is used (effect)

When completing the assignment use the sites below to help you gather the information you need. This assignment is a small part of a larger project where you will create your own video.

The Medium is the Message...

Original photo from morguefile.com

Canadian Educator Marshall McLuhan (1911-1980) is well known for his idea that the "medium is the message."

In others words, the method of how something is shared with others should be the focus of study, not the actual content. The way something is delivered (the medium) affects a society just by its characteristics, not only by the message it carries.

Click here to watch the video created by Historica Canada. Also read the information provided on that site about Marshall McLuhan and his insights on how technologies affect our lives.


Classroom Discussion and Activity: Article read in class 

ASSIGNMENT: CLICK HERE to view the assignment.  

ASSESSMENT: Click here to see the assessment rubric.

Suggested online sources to help you complete the assignment

The Drum

Mashable

Wired

TechNewsWorld

The Next Web

ExtremeTech

MediaLens

OnTheMedia

Adage

Adweek

Media Literacy Key Concepts: Assignment, Resources and Example

Assignment Details
View the details on the assignment.
And take a look at the sample below the links

Links to Resources
You may find these links helpful for your assignment. Remember, however, to also do your own search and record any sources you use so you can cite them in your assignment.

• Media Smarts
• Association for Media Literacy
• Canadian Encyclopedia 

Example

What is Media Literacy?

Media Literacy

As you view the videos below about media literacy, jot down points that you feel are important (link to worksheet is below). You should have about four points from each videos (i.e.: two from each) 

Click here to make a copy of the worksheet in your Google Drive.

Once you have watched the videos and jotted down your points, write a reflection explaining the points you made and also make connections to your own experiences with media usage and/or examples of your concerns with media.

Make sure to share your work with the teacher. 

Below are some points you can consider (but you are not limited to these points):

• Not just having the ability to analyze media, but the ability to create it
• The goal of most corporations, including those that own media, is to make money above anything else
• Not just to be critical of media as media consumers, but as producers
• The two trends we are seeing in the 21st century: Media that is corporate, consolidated, centralized versus media that is diverse, local, independent
• Media is very powerful and can be beautiful but also dangerous
• Educators who are clueless about their own discrimination means that the education system does not offer the ability to learn about and appreciate differences among people
• No media message is objective; there is always a point of view and someone (or group) is left out
• "Junk values" is the notion of values created around materialism and selling things we do not need, but we are told will make us feel good and be part of a group

Make sure to make a creative title for your Google Document or MS Word entry.

Rubric (5 pts each for 20 pts)

• Overall, the entry shows much though and effort.
• There are fewer than three grammatical errors or sentence structure issues in the entry.
• The  entry contains at least four strong points from the videos that are effectively addressed.
• The entry was completed on time and includes a creative title.