Video Picks from November 2010
Here’s the archive of links to VideoAmy’s educational video picks from November 2010.
November Favorites
Social Equity and Justice in Education
Here's an introduction to a beautifully-made series of short black-and-white documentaries by the Pearson Foundation's New Learning Institute. With four profiles of successful urban schools, the series illustrates how the education paradigm can shift when people come together to challenge conventional wisdom. (Source: New Learning Institute's 21st Century Education Series)
I'm a huge fan of the NPR program Radiolab. In each episode, they explore intriguing philosophical questions through a science lens, and occasionally a short video will compliment the show. This stunning film called Words is produced by Everynone for a show of the same name. See how many associative words you can identify! (Source: RadioLab's YouTube Channel)
'Tis the season to reflect upon what we're thankful for, and I, for one, am incredibly thankful for all the dedicated educators that make a difference in the lives of kids every day! Check out Edutopia's Give Thanks discussion from last week for some wonderful sentiments. This video was produced by Take Part, an online community that encourages and facilitates social activism. (Source: takepart's YouTube Channel)
Previously featured: November 26th, 2010
Thank a Teacher
'Tis the season to reflect upon what we're thankful for, and I, for one, am incredibly thankful for all the dedicated educators that make a difference in the lives of kids every day! Check out Edutopia's Give Thanks discussion from last week for some wonderful sentiments. This video was produced by Take Part, an online community that encourages and facilitates social activism. (Source: takepart's YouTube Channel)
In this six-minute excerpt from the PBS project We Shall Remain, the true story of the first Thanksgiving is explored. Part of the American Experience series, We Shall Remain explores Native American history as an essential part of the American story. A Teacher's Guide is also available. (Source: PBS Video)
For many, the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday in the retail industry, is the biggest shopping day of the year. But did you know that since 1992, it's also celebrated by thousands around the world as Buy Nothing Day, a day of activism against rampant consumerism? Which way will you go? (Source: myhdtm's Channel)
Previously Featured: November 19th, 2010
With Thanksgiving around the corner, I thought it might be good to feature a few success stories this week. I'm thankful for educators who are making a difference in the lives of kids every day!
Chicago has a reputation for being a center of educational innovation, but this is the first I had heard of this all-girls' school that has been successfully educating young women as leaders for nearly a decade. With its innovative grading model and open admissions the YWLCS looks like a school to watch and learn from. (Source: YWLCS' YouTube Channel)
Here's an introduction to a beautifully-made series of short black-and-white documentaries by the Pearson Foundation's New Learning Institute. With four profiles of successful urban schools, the series illustrates how the education paradigm can shift when people come together to challenge conventional wisdom. (Source: New Learning Institute's 21st Century Education Series)
World Peace... and other 4th-grade achievements interweaves the story of John Hunter, a teacher in Charlottesville, Virginia, with his students' participation in an exercise called the World Peace Game. The game triggers an eight-week transformation of the children from students of a neighborhood public school to citizens of the world. Visit the website to learn more about the film. (Source: WorldPeaceFilm's Channel)
Previously Featured: November 12th, 2010
Radiolab and NPR Present Words
I'm a huge fan of the NPR program Radiolab. In each episode, they explore intriguing philosophical questions through a science lens, and occasionally a short video will compliment the show. This stunning film called Words is produced by Everynone for a show of the same name. See how many associative words you can identify! (Source: RadioLab's YouTube Channel)
This beautiful video self-portrait made by British surf photographer Mickey Smith is an inspiring example of web video as art. The imagery is stunning, the timing is astonishing, and Mickey's words remind all of us about the importance of following our dreams. (Source: Astray Films' Vimeo Channel)
Continuing on the "web video as art" theme, this year the venerated Guggenheim Museum gave a big nod to the world of online videos by sponsoring YouTube Play: A Biennial of Creative Video. It was a partnership with YouTube and more than 23,000 videos were submitted -- 25 were selected to exhibit at the museum. Check out the full winners' playlist. Caution: not every video in the list is suitable for viewing at school. (Source: YouTube Play's Channel)
Previously Featured: November 5th, 2010
Art of the American Soldier
Just in time for Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11th, the National Constitution Center has created an incredible exhibition called Art of the American Soldier, artworks made by Amercian soldiers in the line of duty. This collection presents a great opportunity to reflect on the soldier experience and teach critical thinking skills around how and why we go to war. Be sure to visit their Educator Resources. (Source: National Constitution Center)
Many of us have fond memories of Schoolhouse Rock and the classic educational video, I'm Just a Bill. But is it really as simple now to make a bill into law? This parody from TakePart, Participant Media, Magnolia Pictures, and GOOD Magazine take a stab at the way the process works now. (Source: TakePart's YouTube Channel)
On the heels of the mid-term elections, we're all reflecting on how much our votes matter. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, ratified in August 1920 to give women the right to vote. This video is a great reminder of how far we've come for equality at the polls -- although some countries took longer than others, as you can see from Wikipedia's Timeline of Women's Suffrage! (Source: Encyclomedia)
Featured videos from October 2010
Featured videos from September 2010
Featured videos from August 2010
Featured videos from July 2010
Share Your Favorite Education Videos
If you know of a must-see video, leave a comment here, email the URL to media@edutopia.org, or tweet a link to @VideoAmy on Twitter.com and I'll be sure to take a look. Note: Some videos may be preceded by brief ads; in some cases, free registration may be required; and news-sensitive links may expire over the next week.