Course Content
Week 1: Media Literacy Foundations + My Voice Story Seed
In Week 1, learners shift from passive media consumption to responsible creation. We introduce media literacy basics (bias, intent, credibility), the SAMS feedback framework (Story, Audience, Message, Style), and course safety guidelines (consent, privacy, respectful representation). Weekly outputs: My Media Map + 60–90s “My Voice” story seed + 1-page SAMS analysis of a media example.
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Week 2: Story Circles, Pitching + Storyboarding
Learners discover meaningful stories through story circles, then shape their ideas into a clear pitch and message. They plan their project using a simple script/narration outline and a storyboard that guides production.
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Week 3: Visual Storytelling + Photography + Photo Essay
Learners develop visual storytelling skills using mobile photography and ethical image-making. They produce a photo essay with captions and sequencing that clearly communicates a message and story arc.
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Week 4: Audio Storytelling Voice, Interview + Sound
Learners practice audio storytelling—recording clean voice, using ambient sound, and (optionally) conducting short interviews with consent. They create a structured audio story and strengthen ethical storytelling habits.
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Week 5: Mobile Video Production + Shooting for Story
Learners shoot better mobile video using shot types, stability, and simple sequencing. They film a short story sequence guided by a shot list and learn how B-roll supports meaning and emotion.
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Week 6: Editing + Rough Cut Critique
Learners edit their work into a rough cut using a practical mobile workflow. They participate in structured peer critique using SAMS and create a revision plan to improve clarity, pacing, sound, and message.
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Week 7: Media Literacy for Impact, Truth, Bias + Distribution
Learners deepen media literacy for impact—verification habits, misinformation awareness, and responsible representation. They create a simple distribution plan and a campaign asset (poster/teaser/posts) to support their story.
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Week 8: Final Cut + Online Exhibition Showcase
Learners complete their final cut, write an artist statement, and prepare an exhibition-ready entry with credits and permissions. The course ends with an online showcase and reflection on growth as a Digital Change Maker.
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Digital Change Makers: Mobile Storytelling & Media Literacy (8 Weeks)

Lesson 4: Feedback Skills — Using SAMS for Critique

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Why feedback matters

Feedback helps you see what you can’t see. But it must be structured and kind to be useful.

Learning goals

By the end of this lesson, you can:

  • Give feedback that helps improve a video (not discourage people)
  • Use SAMS to critique story and technical quality
  • Receive feedback without defensiveness

 

The SAMS feedback method (simple and powerful)

Use SAMS in this order:

S — Strength

What is working well?

  • “Your hook is strong.”
  • “The close-ups made me feel the emotion.”

A — Ask (a question)

Ask to clarify what you didn’t understand.

  • “Who is the main character?”
  • “What do you want viewers to do after watching?”

M — Make a suggestion

Give one improvement idea.

  • “Cut the first 5 seconds—start at the action.”
  • “Add one wide shot to show where we are.”

S — Specific next step

A clear action they can take today.

  • “Add a title explaining the issue.”
  • “Lower music under voice and export again.”

✅ Best feedback is specific and doable.

 

How to do peer review this week

Each learner should:

  1. Watch 2 classmates’ rough cuts
  2. Give SAMS feedback for each (text)
  3. Receive feedback on their own video
  4. Create a revision plan

 

Peer Review Template (copy & paste)

Video Title: ________
Strength: ________
Ask: ________
Suggestion: ________
Specific next step: ________

 

Activity (20–40 minutes)

Use SAMS to review two videos (classmates). Save your feedback text—you will submit it.