Teachers have used books since formal teaching began, but the current use of digital technology means that the definition of a “text” has changed.  We can now use film in the same way that we have used books.  We can teach comprehension, character study, plot analysis, moral values, cultural diversity, grammar and story, in other words, LITERACY, through film.  There are also opportunities to use it for maths, modern languages, science, art and technology.

Also, note that it is important that answers given by the children whilst studying visual texts cannot be “wrong” because students are able to justify their responses by referring to evidence either in the film they are watching or one that they have previously seen and analysed.

In this video, Julie Thomson talks about using Moving Image Education in her classroom.

The following sites have excellent information, resources and examples of how to use film for literacy.

Screening Shorts – http://www.screeningshorts.org.uk/

British Film Institute – http://www.bfi.org.uk/education-research/education/education-resources

MediaEd – http://mediaed.org.uk/

Learnaboutfilm.com – http://learnaboutfilm.com/