Empowering Student Voices: Video Boxes in the Classroom

In an age where video content rules the digital landscape, teaching students the art of video feedback or reflections can be both engaging and educational. By introducing small video recording boxes into your classroom, you can provide a dedicated space for students to unleash their creativity, develop essential digital skills, and express themselves in a unique way.

The Benefits of Video Recording Boxes

• Enhanced Digital Literacy: Vlog style reflections or feedback teaches students valuable digital skills, including video production, editing, and content distribution. These skills are increasingly important in today's media-driven world.

• Empowerment through Self-Expression: Vlog style reflections or feedback allows students to share their thoughts, ideas, and perspectives with a broader audience. It encourages self-expression and boosts self-esteem.

• Real-World Relevance: Vlog style reflections or feedback is a valuable career skill to develop in the digital age. Teaching students this skill can open doors to future opportunities and careers in media, marketing and entertainment.

• Creativity and Critical Thinking: Creating engaging vlog style reflections or feedback requires students to think critically about their content, storytelling, and audience engagement. It nurtures creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Improved Communication: Vlog style reflections or feedback hones students' communication skills, helping them become more effective public speakers and storytellers.

Setting Up Your Recording Boxes

Step 1: Select the Space

Choose a suitable space in your classroom or common area for the recording boxes. It should be quiet, well-lit, and easily accessible to students. Consider using a corner of the classroom to maximise space.

Step 2: Design and Layout

Design the layout of your recording boxes. Each box should be just large enough to accommodate one student comfortably and whatever recording equipment you intend to use. An iPad is the easiest of devices, as the students can use their own and just place them in the box when recording. The boxes can be placed on a designated desk with a reasonable distance from one another.

Step 3: Your Video Boxes

Getting your recording boxes can cost as little or as much as your budget allows. Simple storage boxes with sound proof foam inside can work, as can a cardboard box. But if you want a more durable solution, then a wooden self box can be used. Alternatively, you can choose to construct you own.

A size of 35 cm by 35 cm by 35 cm was found to be an ideal size for primary school aged students. course, as with any other form of box, you should add the sound proof foam inside.

Step 4: Choosing Your Equipment

Whilst an iPad is the most ideal device for use in a video box, you could instead choose to use a web camera, microphone and back light connected to your laptop. You will need to drill a couple of holes in the box to put the cables through. It depends on the age of your students, your budget and the quality of the recording that you expect.

Step 5: Personalise the Boxes

Encourage students to personalise their recording boxes with decorations, inspiring quotes, or their own artwork. This helps create a sense of ownership and creativity in the space.

Step 6: Create Guidelines

Establish clear guidelines for using the recording boxes. These guidelines should cover equipment handling, scheduling, content appropriateness, and storage procedures.

Step 7: Training and Support

Provide students and teachers with training on how to use the equipment effectively if required. Offer support for video editing and content creation, either through tutorials or in-class workshops. A most popular platform for students with iPads is Flip (formally Flipgrid)

Step 8: Content Planning

Encourage students to plan their videos ahead of recording, considering topics, target audiences, and storytelling techniques. Videos can cover a wide range of subjects, from book reviews to science experiments or personal reflections. Any editing should be done away from the booth to allow for it to be available for other students.

Step 9: Evaluate and Reflect

Regularly assess the impact of the video recording boxes on student engagement and learning. Gather feedback from students to make improvements and refine the recording experience.

Introducing small video recording boxes into your classroom can be a transformative educational experience. It empowers students to become digital content creators, fosters creativity, and hones their communication skills. By following the steps outlined you can offer access and engagement to students, within a safe and structured environment. Platforms like Flip allow educators to administer, assign, give feedback and create collaborative opportunities for their students.