My local paper, the Detroit Free Press, is running a wonderful story that should be read by educators everywhere. Bradford Academy is a local charter school serving 1100 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. A year or so ago, 75 seventh graders were given the opportunity to turn school reports about famous disasters into short documentaries. The kids were given access to computers, technical guidance, storyboarding direction, and more, and they worked on their projects for a year. They had to do the research, compile information, write the script, shoot the video, work on music and scoring, and more. Not all students made it all the way to the end, but those who did had their documentaries screened at a really nice local movie theater, complete with an Oscar night type experience (red carpet, tuxes and gowns, etc.) and an awards ceremony. What a great way to encourage kids to learn, while exposing them to technology in a meaningful way. I am more than impressed.
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