From Makerspace to a Short Films Festival: Raising our Voices for Inclusion.

Purpose & objective

Participants of this session will be able to learn the story of the success of 7th-grade students who produced a short film to raise their voices on autism and inclusion.
Attendants will learn how to plan a learning activity to enhance freedom of expression, creativity, and students' self-awareness of their knowledge. This session will provide a step-by-step guide to applying the Design Thinking methodology in the classroom.

Outline

Introduction: Understanding the purpose (5 min)
In the first part of the presentation, participants will learn about the background of the Short Films project and the importance of acknowledging their purpose when designing a learning activity. Autism is a condition that many kids experience in El Salvador. The lack of awareness and proper teaching education tools makes the learning experience a very difficult challenge for them. It is our purpose as educators and classmates to create a learning environment where autistic students can feel appreciated, happy, and understanding. Instead of trying to make them fit in a box, we can all pact to support them to embrace their talents, freedom, and creativity. (Step 1 Design Thinking: Empathise and understand).

Learning from the students (15 min)
During this part of the presentation Gabriel and Iker, 7th-grade students, will share their process of creating a short film using slow-motion techniques and storytelling. From the decision-making process to selecting what type of tools to use, designing the characters, writing their script, and choosing the editing apps, to transforming the Makerspace into their filming set. (Steps 2 - 3 Design Thinking: Define and Ideate).

Colores de la vida (5 min)
Participants will watch the shortcut and final version of the short film. Being able to interact with the students to understand the creative process (Step 4 - 5 Design Thinking: Prototype and Test).

Raising Our Voices on Inclusion and Autism (5 min)
In this interactive final part of the session, students will share their why. How does this story and project impact their lives and community and how can we support other initiatives to nurture creativity and empower autistic kids in the classroom.

Supporting research

Design Thinking in Education
https://tll.gse.harvard.edu/design-thinking

The Power Of Creativity For People With Autism
https://lexingtonservices.com/the-power-of-creativity-for-people-with-autism/#:~:text=Art%20and%20expressions%20of%20creativity,or%20decipher%20their%20own%20emotions.

Art & Autism: The Importance of Creativity for Children on the Spectrum https://theplaceforchildrenwithautism.com/autism-blog/art-autism-the-importance-of-creativity-for-children-on-the-spectrum