Judging Criteria

All videos in all categories will be judged on the following criteria:

1. Content: Is the "message" engaging and appropriate to the theme of the contest?
   • Be sure the content of your video addresses the theme "Not just a language class!". Your video should show us how you use the language outside of the language classroom.
   • The content of your message should show some evidence of the 5C's of the national standards—Communication, Connections, Comparisons, Cultures, and Communities. (For more information about the 5 C's, visit, http://www.actfl.org/files/public/execsumm.pdf). For example, perhaps you have made "connections" and/or "comparisons" between the target language(s) and culture(s) with other areas of interest.
   • The content should be appropriate for all audiences—i.e. a "G" rating.
2. Creativity: Is the idea shared innovative and creative?
   • We are looking to see how you have made the target language your own.
   • Your video should show why using the language is important to you.
3. Execution: Is the use of technology effective and used appropriately to get the "message" across to the audience?
   • We recommend that you watch your own video and focus on the use of the video camera. Ask yourself:
     • Is the video camera too close or too far away from the speaker(s)?
     • Did I move the video camera too quickly (making the viewer dizzy)?
     • Is the image on the video clear and appropriate for all audiences—i.e. "G" rating?
4. Effect: Was the overall effect achieved in communicating to the audience?
   • We recommend that you watch your video again. This time focus on how well you communicated your message. Ask yourself:
     • Is my voice too loud or too soft?
     • Is my speech too fast or too slow?
     • Are any flashcards or pictures easy to read or see?
     • Is the message appropriate for all audiences i.e. "G"rating?
   • Remember to avoid using any copyrighted music or other copyrighted audio/visual materials.