An explainer video is like your personal "aha!" moment on demand. In just a minute or two, it takes complex stuff, breaks it down with fun visuals and simple words, and leaves you thinking, "Got it!" Perfect for making even the trickiest topics click without the headache.
Planting Your Herb Garden: A "How To" video
1. Thinking about all the assignments you did this month, which ones are you selecting to go into your portfolio folder?
I’ve always thought that having a herb garden would be a great idea, but I struggled with the commitment required to maintain a large garden. Through this project, I realized that starting with just one or two plants at a time was a more approachable and sustainable pathway. This idea became the heart of my video, and I’m proud of how I translated that personal insight into an instructional piece.
2. What does your selection(s) say about you as an instructional designer?
This selection reflects my ability to break down complex or overwhelming tasks into simpler, actionable steps. As an instructional designer, I aim to identify the core elements of a subject and present them in a way that is clear, manageable, and motivating for learners. I focus on ensuring that the content is both sufficient and accessible, so learners feel empowered to take action.3. What skills did you learn this month? How can you best demonstrate those in your final portfolio?
This month, I developed skills in synthesizing content and weaving in a relevant, personal narrative to create a more engaging learning experience. The “one plant at a time” story helped make the instructional content more relatable and memorable. These skills—distilling information, using storytelling effectively, and simplifying the learning path—will be key components I showcase in my final portfolio.Storytelling: Adaptation and Survival
Problem: For the Functional Storytelling course, there is a need for an overview of how storytelling has contributed to human adaptation and survival.
Analysis: Storytelling has been a fundamental tool for human survival throughout history. Before written language, stories conveyed crucial knowledge, taught lessons, and reinforced social cohesion. Oral traditions helped pass down survival techniques, cultural values, and moral frameworks. In the modern era, storytelling continues to serve these functions, shaping perceptions, fostering empathy, and influencing decision-making.
Proposed Solution: A short, engaging video illustrating storytelling’s role in human survival, from oral traditions to modern narratives.
Goal: Show how storytelling continues to shape human adaptation and survival, from ancient times to modern society.
Tools Used: Vyond, Milanote, Word, Specheelo.
BeNative Project: Explainer Video
Problem: The BeNative Project needed to articulate the basic principles and methodology to get stakeholders on board and to get collaborators up-to-date quickly.
Analysis: The BeNative Project develops from a simple concept but it has many possible applications. The explainer video will primarily focus on two things: A description of the project - The three main stages of the project.
Proposed Solution: A short explainer video will cover the main points succinctly and in an entertaining way.
Goal: The main goal is clarity of what the project stands for. This helps connect the stakeholders and collaborators with enough information to proceed into other conversations. I suggested we should annotate other explainer videos to be made (ie: methodology, outcomes and applications).
Tools Used: Vyond, Milanote, Word, Specheelo.
The Forest School
Forest School is an outdoor educational approach that promotes hands-on, nature-based learning to support children’s holistic development. This long-term, experiential approach helps learners grow through practical experiences in natural settings.
This short documentary showcases how educators learn Forest School teaching skills—observing children, practicing nature journaling, and embracing child-directed Emergent Learning. Shot amidst scenic trails and reflecting ponds, the film highlights the integration of mindfulness, culture, and heritage in education. We will visit Seedkeepers Forest School and nearby The Earth School at Fauna Forest Farm to experience first hand the practical application of Forest School principles.
FOREST SCHOOL TEACHER INSTITUTE - www.forestteacher.org
Video produced by Fabio Garcia
Tools Used: Milanote, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop. Camera: Osmo Pocket 3 + Sony FS5m2
