Educator spotlight: Jennifer Eggert, DuJardin Elementary School

Video is more than just a way to express creativity or engage audiences. It has become an educational tool at all levels and is being used by educators worldwide to engage and teach students. WeVideo recognizes and spotlights educators who use WeVideo to reach their students in new and exciting ways.

Check out the latest spotlight on Jennifer Eggert, Innovative Learning Coach at DuJardin Elementary School in Bloomingdale, Illinois. She was a recipient of the Golden Apple Award in 2017 and has been in education for almost a decade. Here's what she had to say about the changes she's seen in her classroom and students since she began using WeVideo.

What is your role at DuJardin’s Elementary School?

My name is Jennifer Eggert. I am currently the Innovative Learning Coach at DuJardin Elementary School in Bloomingdale, Illinois. This will be my 9th year in education and I am super blessed to work with the most incredible administrators, staff, and students around!

How did you discover WeVideo?

I came to Bloomingdale School District as an Instructional Technology Coach. Our Technology Committee (made up of different staff members and administrators) had just started talking about their purchase of WeVideo for students. This was BEFORE we officially went 1:1. 

What changes have you seen in your teachers and students with the use of WeVideo in the classrooms?

Using WeVideo has transformed the way kids and teachers learn in their classrooms. The kids have gone from passive media consumers to active media creators! Our students are creating book trailers, math videos, screencasts, documentaries, TED Talks, commercials, newscasts, genius hour videos, and so much more! With endless possibilities, the sky's the limit for both our teachers and students!

What is the most valuable skill that you believe kids learn by creating content with WeVideo?

Through WeVideo, I think students gain so many valuable skills. If I had to choose one, it would be innovation. According to George Couros, in his book, Innovator's Mindset, he describes it as “a way of thinking that creates something new and better. Innovation can come from either “invention” (something totally new) or “iteration” (a change of something that already exists), but if it does not meet the idea of “new and better,” it is not innovative.” 

How does WeVideo tie into the 21st century skills currently being taught at your school?

WeVideo provides many opportunities for our students to exercise those ever important 4C’s: Communication, Creativity, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking. We value student voice and choice and video editing lends itself quite naturally to these two initiatives in our building. 

Why should districts implement WeVideo or any type of video editing software?

Media is such a part of our world today. Designing videos and/or other media files provides so many opportunities to empower students to be creative through the lens of something they are invested in!