I use first a nintendo machine with Mario Paint. Go for titles,
animation, and students writing their own score. Needs no converter,
and everything can be captured by a VCR. about ($200 total)
This system is very good, all the kids can produce something on it
and they think they are playing with the Super Nintendo
I also use a Karioke machine (cost $39) to dub. Comes with a
Mike and allows sound on sound. Cheap.
I have a VGA to Tv card ($200) that allows anything done on a
computer to be captured by a VCR. The results are not great but the
experience is. I mean it is students work.
I use Video Pro Gold ($100)to edit the films. This needs a Sony Cam
corder with a LANC jack. (new $500).
I use my channel one TV. and I have a used betamax recorder I bought
used for $25.
For Middle School Do not worry about quality just get them producing.
My tripod is lashed to a 4 corner table so it can not be turned
over. It is set up all the time and student use it constantly, but
when it is not in use, I cover it with a Cardboard box to eliminate
the "fiddling."
Tom Wetsel
twetsel@ac.net
Middle School Technology Teacher
Troy, Montgomery County, NC