VideoPhonics

Video, as a medium and a tool, has become increasingly prevalent, used on TV, on the Web, and even on the sides of buildings. It stands as an incredible source that many have harnessed for alternative teaching methods, and it has been a successful endeavor. As we move towards expanded media education, however, we have to ensure that it reaches all audiences, especially disabled students. For these students and the educators who devote their lives to them, video can be an incredible benefit, but the access to this tool is limited. My goal is to explain why, and explore methods of closing that gap.

My increased awareness to the ubiquity of video as a medium of expression has led me to realize that there are still audiences who are removed from the process of creation, even when that medium stands to benefit them most.

Two organizations, in particular, do an excellent job of bringing media awareness and education to disabled communities. ConnecTV employs physically challenged producers to create news programming and entertainment, while GoSprout creates opportunities for cognitively challenged individuals to act and participate in their own work. Despite the work of pioneering organization such as these, many in the disabled community do not have access to express tools like video, including most students. For that group, the medium represents the possibility for expanded group involvement, integration, and a change in educational practices.

I have two target groups that I am addressing with this project: Disabled students for whom the medium of video and process of expanded media education offers an alternative and dynamic process for education; The educators who work with these children and need a streamlined process for bringing this tool to their students.

My biggest discovery had more to do with the teachers than the students they work with. For the educators to be able to successfully use the time they have available with the students, they need tools that are easy to understand and implement, and allow the most time spent thinking, rather than fidgeting with things that do not work. My goal then becomes offering them a streamlined process for using video as a tool and creative outlet, and not as a technological conundrum.