Phases of Production

Maybe some of the best advice a teacher can get is when Ohler (2009) writes "Be the guide on the side, not the technician magician" (loc. 1753). Often teachers think we are the only gatekeepers of knowledge and therefore, have to have all of the information needed in order to be able to teach a subject. Although, good idea for mastery of a subject however it is nearly impossible to know everything there is on a subject before it is taught. We can't forget that our students are just as curious as we are (otherwise you wouldn't be a teacher with out some curiosity in your nature) when it comes to figuring out new ideas or processes. Teachers should not be afraid to approach technology because they are not a computer science whiz. It is good to remember that our students can help us along because after all this is the digital generation. Once this hindrance is overcome teachers can focus more on the actual storytelling process. Ohler points out four main ideas that help teacher foster a student's skills and stay away from being intimidated by technology:

• "Tell a story that is strengthened rather than weakened by the media they use"
• "Form a learning community so they can share their ideas and talents"
• "Meet the educational goals of the project"
• "Leverage their imagination and creativity"

As a last main point of this chapter, Ohler goes on to map out the media production process. I find that each phase is clearly explained and makes this process seem a lot less overwhelming than when I began reading this book. The phases begin with story planning and pre-production, which is the brainstorming process. Then actual production and post-production is the actual showcase of information. Last, the ending phase is performance, distribution, which allows the student to present their project. I could see students becoming extremely excited if this developmental phase was introduced as a unit of instruction.