Students creating digital video in the primary classroom : student autonomy, learning outcomes, and professional learning communities

Abstract

This research is a part of a national project to identify effective sustainable and embedded use of ICTs leading to improved educational outcomes. The project identified six schools and conducted a qualitative case study analysis out of which eleven successful strategies were reported. One of these strategies was observed at a primary school and demonstrated highly effective and sustained use of digital video production by students leading to changes in pedagogy and teacher’s roles, heightened learner autonomy as well as improved educational outcomes including increased reflection and metacognition. In addition, the teachers reported increased confidence in assessment and reporting as well communication with parents. A final implication of the research suggests that the use of video production also helps to sustain a professional learning community approach within the school.