Deeper Than Edutainment: Taking Books and Their Film Adaptations Seriously

Overview

When content streaming is at an all-time high, educators and caregivers have an opportunity to enhance learner engagement and social and emotional development by capitalizing on increased screen-time.

Traditional models of movie-use in classrooms generally involve showing a film adaptation of a novel: to reward learners after first reading the story, to compare-and-contrast the book and film adaptation with a general critique of the movie as an "unfaithful" version, and to support teaching content in subject areas thematically related to the film’s plot or themes, content, or themes.

Deeper Than Edutainment: Taking Books and Their Film Adaptations Seriously presents an approach that further enhances movie-use through the intentional application of cross-media storytelling. By looking closely at a story "twice-told" through the lenses of aesthetics, ethics, and academics, students will have the opportunity to interrogate the merit of what is on their screen, surface the differences in how stories are being told, and gain a deeper understanding of the overall narrative. While improving their media literacy skills, learners also develop a deeper sense of self-understanding, heightened social perspective-taking, and better informed civic awareness and civic engagement.

Program Details

Deeper Than Edutainment: Taking Books and Their Film Adaptations Seriously is a four-week action-oriented online program that combines research, theory, and practical in-classroom experiences. Read, watch, explore, evaluate and debate numerous examples of cross-media stories [including Little Women, Pinocchio and The Watsons Go to Birmingham, and more], as well as discuss the merit of course content through live discussions with fellow participants. You also will have the opportunity to devise cross-media learning experiences using stories you value and plan to make use of – a professional development plan, curriculum, or virtual lesson — that fits your specific learners.

This learning experience is asynchronous and takes place within the learning management system Canvas​. Asynchronous programs do not have any live components and are designed to be self-paced. ​However, this program does include a suggested weekly schedule with two days per week for assignments due, in order to provide a guiding structure. Completing assignments on the recommended schedule is not mandatory, but allows participants to engage with and learn from the entire cohort, which helps to build a community of practice.

Objectives

• Discover the benefits of cross-media storytelling for boosting social, emotional, and academic development of young people.
• Critically examine the current state of movie-use in and for education, and analyze arguments for and against using film adaptations of books together with texts in formal learning settings.
• Engage an alternate pedagogy in cross-media stories as an alternative to traditional film use with learners to encourage inquiry and debate.
• Design, develop, and receive peer feedback on a cross-media education intervention/learning experience for your context.

Who Should Attend

• K-12 educators at all roles and levels, including:
  • Teachers
  • Curriculum Directors
  • Principals
  • Superintendents
• Public and private school media librarians and public librarians
• After-school caretakers
• Nonprofit directors and administrators
• National education organization representatives
• Parents
• Movie and media industry representatives

Registration will take place on an individual basis, and teams are welcome.

Fees & Policies

Individual Rates: $295 per person
Group Rates: 10+ people: $225  per person

Tuition includes all instructional materials required for participation in the program.

Full tuition is due by the indicated payment deadline, please refer to the individual program’s community and application page for payment deadlines. While a purchase order confirms enrollment, full payment is still required by the final payment deadline. Please note that failure to pay by the payment deadline will result in your withdrawal from the program.

Please click here for more information on payment, refund, and withdrawal policies.

The Harvard Graduate School of Education reserves the right to change faculty or cancel programs at its discretion. The school is not responsible for any planning expenses incurred.