"Top Docs"

The “Top Docs” project will give students opportunities to develop the 21st century skills of technology integration, critical thinking, and collaboration by producing videos for real audiences and with potentially real social implications. It also includes several literacy components, especially research and writing.
1. The project begins by brainstorming issues that have social implications for the people at our school. Issues can be at the school, community, national, or world levels but should be things that will likely generate interest or be new to our population.
2. Small groups form based on interest in topics.
3. We watch some scenes and short documentaries to observe and evaluate techniques and styles of documentary filmmaking.
4. Groups conduct research to learn about the issue using web resources, databases, and personal interviews.
5. Groups script their documentaries, assign roles for the shooting, and determine locations and other technical requirements. The docs should be persuasive in nature and incorporate strategies for gaining audience attention.
6. Groups use editing software to create final products. They should include music and video effects to enhance the viewing experience.
7. Groups write a project proposal to be used should their doc win the competition. This could include a fundraising campaign, an awareness campaign, or a volunteer event/project.
8. Videos are aired and a winner is selected based on class votes and a committee of staff members. The winning video is shown school-wide (in language arts classes, for example). The video can also be posted on YouTube.
9. The class works to implement the project proposal submitted by the winning team.
10. Students write a self-evaluation reflecting on the collaborative process, the value of the activity, and the power of technology to communicate.