Students will produce a short form news feature for a class online news magazine.  The broadcast feature is based on a formal journalism research project, such as a feature article, subject profile, or news investigation.  Students organize small groups around topics of interest, and they collect and analyze primary and secondary research for a formal written research paper.  Student groups also film, edit, and produce a broadcast feature of their project.  Students collaborated on all work for this project on our class wiki, http://www.mrravin.pbwiki.com/, and used technology software and hardware such as Windows MovieMaker, Audible, and Flip Video cameras.

Students apply the best strategies from traditional research projects to new digital literacies.  The project leverages student literacy for online and digital video communication in order to engage students and advance student learning.  In addition, real publishing online mirrors real world journalism and increases student interest and accountability.

Teachers and students will especially benefit from the use of a classroom wiki.  A wiki is an open editing educational tool that can promote conversation and collaboration between teachers and students inside and outside of the classroom.

Our draft project is online, complete with a draft curriculum and links to mentor text projects online.

You can visit our class wiki at:

http://www.mrravin.pbwiki.com/

     1)  Students will develop a strong sense of credible and accurate primary and secondary research.

     2)  Students will learn the characteristics and features of real world journalism.

     3)  Students will be able to analyze an important and meaningful topic objectively and without bias.

     4)  Students will learn and advance essential digital literacies, including film composition and wiki collaboration.

     5)  Students will develop a strong personal sense of expression through real world publication.

Weblinks are included on the project website and include mentor texts from 60 minutes, CBS Evening News, the New York Times, CityVoicesCityVisions.org, and the Film Yourself short film competition.

1. Students will read, write, listen, and speak for social interaction.
2. Students will read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding.
3. Students will read, write, listen, and speak for critical analysis and evaluation.
4. Students will apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.
5. Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.
6. Students use digital media and environments  to communicate and work collaboratively.