Effective Use of Videos

Effective Use of Videos

Incorporating Video

There are several ways video can be used in a lesson to support objectives and address student needs. Videos illustrating concepts related to objectives support students in their progress toward meeting the objectives. Video examples from previous students can inspire students as they create their own works. Video feedback can often more clearly express the intent of comments than text alone. If students are struggling with a particular concept, including a video announcement can be an effective way to provide clarification. Video can be a great tool to establish a sense of community in an online course. Informal videos from instructors that share experiences not necessarily related to lesson concepts can foster the same kind of personal connections make in face to face classes when instructors share with their students.

Intro Videos

Lesson intro videos are a great way to prime students for learning. They provide an opportunity for instructors to prepare students for the workload of the lesson, warn them of common mistakes, stress important information, and share enthusiasm for the subject.

Content Delivery Videos

Videos can be a great way to illustrate complex concepts or tasks to students. Content videos might include a walk through of a task students will need to complete themselves, think math tutorials. They might also show students a real-world picture of the concepts they’re learning, think virtual field trip. What you don’t want to see, generally speaking, is a video of a lecture given in a classroom. The students who experienced that lecture in real life probably weren’t that interested. Students watching a video certainly won’t be. Also, a 45 minute, 75 slide PowerPoint, not a good idea. If you’re not willing to sit through your video after you’ve recorded it, neither are your students.