The Use of Video to Foster Autodidactic Learning Skills

Background Context

While conduction the Advisor training sessions for feeder institutions to Brandon University (Rural Access Program, 1990-92) the concept of difference in approaches to learning by aboriginal cultures emerged. This observation, by a colleague in Saskatchewan, Rod Dignean, resulted in a series of initiatives over the next few years which sought to explore this difference and the ways in which institutions of higher learning might harness this cultural imperative in order to enhance the learning experience of first nations students attending BU.

At the end of one of the workshops a counselor and former teacher of one of he Winnipeg High Schools asked "We know that it is necessary to have students take over responsibility for their own life and learning , but how do you bring that about?"

I blurted out, ' I'm sure there are a variety of ways to do that , but one of the best I know of personally is "video", It is a self-learning sport , both in process and content. Besides, it has the unique capacity to surface personal problems which a person is tripping over in life, and making them very visible to everybody, including themselves. That gives ample opening to address these, not as a counseling effort, but as a process of assisting them to make a better production.

Approach Used

I had conducted an earlier version of this sort of project using audio rather than video, which formed as a model for our activities.

We made one video at White Bear called "Hide the Bannock" as a prototype. It worked so well in surfacing the latent problems it was pulled out of circulation almost immediately.

We then developed the White Bear Media Project using this as one main component of the project.

The concept was shared with George Desnomie of MIEA as we went along, including a number of workshops.

Current Status

The concept is developed and tested - It works fine. To my knowledge, nobody is using it.

Findings To Date

The video adaptation of the process from audio worked well. My present work placement with TV learning (multiple switched cameras) shows promise for rendering a similar result. Some minor modifications have been noted in terms of implementation.

Required for Completion

Some form of dissemination and recoup of costs.