VIDEO LITERACY + DIGITAL FASTING
#5DAYCHALLENGE
THE PROBLEM
Digital overload and constant social pressures make it harder to focus, stay present, and connect meaningfully—with ourselves and with one another.
Some days it feels overwhelming. Other days it feels like we’re losing control of our own attention.
So the real question becomes: How do we reclaim our focus
and use technology with intention instead of letting it use us?
THE CHALLENGE
During Global Week, we’ll learn how to create professional,
powerful videos using nothing more than our phones.
At home, we’ll practice turning those phones off.
We’ll be speeding up and slowing down at the same time—on purpose.
As our storytelling skills grow, our dependency on constant digital noise begins to shrink.
This is how we take back control.
This is intentional storytelling.
We decide when to turn the switch on—and when to turn it off.
IN SCHOOL
DAY 1 - Camera settings & Camera moves
DAY 2 - Lighting and interviews
DAY 3 - Video editing & Captions
DAY 4 - Video peer reviews
AT HOME
DAY 1 - Sleep in bedroom without phone
DAY 2 - Turn off phone 1 hour before bed
Day 3 - Turn off phone from dinner to bedtime
Day 4 - Keep phone off at home for a full day
DAY 1 - POWER OF TIME
Camera Techniques and Moves
— Understanding basic camera operations.
— Mastering essential camera moves to create dynamic shots.
Constructing an Effective Narrative
— Developing a compelling story arc.
— Structuring a narrative that fits within a one-minute format.
Set Design
— Designing an appropriate setting for different types of videos.
— Creating visually appealing backgrounds that enhance the story.
DAY 2 - Power of Light
Lighting Setup
— Basics of three-point lighting.
— Techniques for achieving professional lighting on a budget.
Set Design
— Designing an appropriate setting for different types of videos.
— Creating visually appealing backgrounds that enhance the story.
Interview Preparation
—Prepping for interviews, including research and question planning.
—Techniques for making interview subjects comfortable
DAY 3 - Power of Voice
Authorship
—How to create meaningful narratives.
—Tips for capturing high-quality audio
Adobe Premiere Pro Basics
— Introduction to Adobe Premiere Pro, a professional editing software.
— Navigating the Premiere Pro interface and tools
Editing Techniques
— Creating titles and graphics.
— Adjusting sound EQ and balancing audio levels.
— Integrating and balancing music tracks.
SHORT TERM OUTCOMES
Throughout Global Week, students build essential video-literacy skills while learning to use their attention with purpose. Through the themes of Time, Light, Voice, and Community, they practice intentional storytelling, ethical editing, and meaningful peer feedback. Tech-limited sessions, analog tools, and daily challenges help them experience focused, distraction-free creativity. By week’s end, students create a one-minute story shaped by deliberate choices and responsible authorship.
LONG TERM OUTCOMES
The program helps students develop healthier digital habits, stronger media awareness, and greater agency over how their attention is used. They gain lasting tools to understand and navigate systems that compete for their focus, and to use storytelling to build connection and purpose. The experience fosters cross-grade collaboration, supports intentional tech use, and cultivates a school culture that values authenticity and meaningful impact.
SAMPLE STUDENT VIDEOS
Your ability to inspire audiences with cutting edge methodology and cultural sensitivity allowed for participants of our workshops to launch new initiatives and forge lasting connections with our embassy.
Marissa Polnerow
Public Affairs Officer, US Embassy Rwanda