Digital Voice Awards

Title:

Is Anybody Listening?

This project is:

Original

Category:

Secondary

Grade Levels:

11

Abstract:

In the novel The Great Gatsby, the theme of “the American Dream.” was being explored in this AP Language Arts class. As they journeyed though various assignment of writing essays and discussions, the teacher inquired how things were going with his students regarding the current economy—and what he heard was startling. When Village Academy High students sent their video to the United States President, they challenged him to respond—and he DID! In fact, he not only responded to it on national TV, he visited the students as well. This video exemplifies the power of student voices.

Technology Strand:

Video Production

Length:

9 minutes

Applications/Technology:

AVID Technology

Grade 11 English-Language Arts Listening and Speaking 1.0 Listening and Speaking Strategies. 1.1 Recognize strategies used by the media to inform, persuade, entertain, and transmit culture (e.g., advertisements; perpetuation of stereotypes; use of visual representations, special effects, language). 1.6 Use logical, ethical, and emotional appeals that enhance a specific tone and purpose.

Behavioral Learning Objective:

Students construct essays responding to their video project and and compare their responses to selected units in the book "The Great Gatsby".

How was this project assessed?

Students were asked to respond to a simple question: "How does the current economy affect you and your families?" Students wrote essays as part of an authentic assessment to determine their responses.

Other information:

Village Academy High School has gained nationwide attention with a presidential visit in March from Obama himself responding to this video both on national TV and then an actual visit to the kids! The YouTube video, news articles and other press have received thousands of hits online.

Name:

Michael Steinman

District:

Pomona Unified

School:

Village Academy High School at Indian Hill