Using Digital Videos

“ The ability to render one’s world as changeable and oneself as an agent able to direct that change is integrally linked to acts of self-representation through writing”. (As in Hull, 2003)

I agree with the idea that the definition of text must be changed and expand to have multiple forms of writing, for example the digital writing which is another way of communication is a great way to encourage students write, especially the ones who struggle with writing. I liked the idea of using digital videos in empowering students writing, which I think it does not just improve their writing but they also gain self-confidence, self-esteem and they can communicate in a positive environment. Studies in the area of multiliteracies show that students bring with them new skills to school which they don’t use in the classroom. So why don’t we use their interest in the digital media into the classroom setting, where they work with the technology to improve their academic achievement.   

Harste (2003) pointed out that “writing begins in voice. If you can get students to write what is on their minds, the rest may not take care of itself, but you will have come a long way toward creating a potentially great literacy program”. Students using digital videos will write to extended audience. And they may share their stories with their family members, friends and even on social communication media, which will encourage them write using the digital video. But students should develop critical media literacy skills to create their own meanings and design their own writing text which is so different from the traditional writing one.