Page 33

Learning with the NUT

Teachers in the frame

“The camera is least important in creating a good photograph,” tutor Mahmood Anwar told teachers on a TUC ‘Lights, Camera, Action’ course at Central Bedfordshire College in January. “Always remember, it’s 50 per cent the person taking the shot, 40 per cent light and just 10 per cent the equipment.”

The ten-week course, part of the NUT’S extensive ICT training programme, introduces teachers to film and video techniques, starting with handling a camera and getting to know about focus, aperture, depth of field and shutter speed.

Mahmood showed how to hold a camera, how to stand when taking a shot and how to avoid camera shake. He displayed many beginners’ mistakes – trees growing out of people’s heads , cutting off heads, wrong exposure, red eye.

“Teachers will find this course allows them to come out of their shell in relation to technology. They can experiment with technology and, importantly, it lets them play with digital media. Most of their students use digital media all the time and this course will give them the chance to catch up.”

Teachers learn how to make a video, edit and upload it. They can discover ways to make their lessons more interesting and interactive. For example they will be able to make and edit videos of lessons, and create e-learning.

The class seemed more than happy with day one of their course. Paget Jeche, a maths teacher at Ely Community College, Cambridge, commented: “Some students see maths as a dull subject. I want to see if I can be better equipped with resources and may be able to brighten up my subject.”

Wendy Miles who teaches at Glenwood School, Dunstable, said: “We have a lot of technical resources in the school, lots of equipment, and I’d like to be able to make full use of it.”

Over ten weeks, the class will learn framing, shot selection, interview techniques, planning the shoot, filming in public places and on location, video editing, uploading to YouTube, and using new media to promote their school or their union.

Find out more

ICT skills courses are held at different venues round the country and courses are free to NUT members. Courses are led by specialists in local colleges and learning centres.

Each course is designed to increase skills and knowledge, raising confidence and contributing to personal and professional development.

Visit www.teachers.org.uk/ict-skills for a list of courses and dates. The programme for the summer will be published in mid-March.