Gold PSA: What is a PSA?

18. Digital Storytelling

Step 1: To develop an appreciation for a Public Service Announcement (PSA) play the following video about teen cell phone addiction. 

Teen Cell Phone Addiction - PSA (0:58)

Direct link


Step 2: With a partner or as a class, review the following list of PSA characteristics.

  • Take a position on and present one single issue.
  • Catch the attention of your intended audience with a clear message that is memorable, stands out, and is easy to remember.
  • Keep it short (usually 60 seconds or less).
  • Inform the viewer of key, relevant facts.
  • Have a clear call to action (usually indicated through text on screen).
  • May include people/music, slogan, voice-overs, special effects (like black and white), and/or transitions.
  • Includes a message (such as don't give your password to a friend, be careful what information you put in a chat room, don't be intimidated by bullying texts).

Step 3: When you play the following two PSAs created by students, think about the messages and then compare-discuss with a shoulder partner or as a class:

  1. Did it catch your attention? If so how was it done?
  2. What were the messages? Were they clear and have a call to action?
  3. Who do you think is the intended audience for each one?
  4. Were any key facts or statistics presented by either one?
  5. What persuasive techniques were used in the examples? Did it evoke an emotional response?
  6. How effective was each PSA? 
  7. How might you change or improve them?

Direct Link (51 sec.)

Direct Link (42 sec.)

18. Vocabulary

18. PSA CREATION

18.Gold PSA Student Checklist
 

18.Gold PSA Teacher Guide 

MITECS - Michigan Integrated Technology Competencies for Students

ISTE Standards

3. Knowledge Constructor
a. Plan and employ effective research strategies to locate information and other resources for their intellectual or creative pursuits
d. Build knowledge by actively exploring real-world issues and problems, developing ideas and theories and pursuing answers and solutions

4. Innovative Designer
a. Know and use a deliberate design process for generating ideas, testing theories, creating innovative artifacts or solving authentic problems

6. Creative Communicator
a. Choose the appropriate platforms and tools for meeting the desired objectives of their creation or communication
b. Create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations
d. Publish or present content that customizes the message and medium for their intended audiences

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