Hi Guys,
I have been interning at a local production company over the summer working on a youtube channel called, Team Marco Polo academy. The channel began in 2005 and the premise was to create entertaining videos for American kids that would teach them about European History and Culture. I have been tasked with re-branding the channel for a slightly older audience and making the content more educationally sound .
The main project I have been working is called ‘Debatables.’ Debatables is an interactive youtube series designed for students currently studying for the AP Euro and World history exams, and anyone with a general interest in history. The format is an informal discussion intended to introduce students to the key debates on a certain topic and encourage them to get into the mindset, and find the sources, to make their own arguments. I wanted to move away from the classic ‘fact telling’ format that is common in education videos and shift the focus to developing critical thinking skills. In the pilot I am discussing with another intern but the plan is to get a different expert as a guest each week to join me.
The pilot is on the French revolution, specifically the reign of Terror.
We currently have two versions – one longer and one cut into bitesize pieces.
It would be great to get feedback on which version you prefer and any comments/critiques more generally.
These are pilots and the animation is not top notch but for now I am primarily looking for feedback on content and concept. Is Debatables something you think would a.) be useful to students b.) engaging and entertaining.
Is there any other video format that you think students may benefit from?
The videos can be found here:
I’m really excited to see where this project could go and I look forward to hearing your thoughts 🙂
Cheers!
Emma Hinchliffe 