4 Expert Tips for Using Video in the Classroom
Teachers are using video in their classrooms in a variety of ways. Alan Greenberg, a senior analyst at consultancy Wainhouse Research who specializes in technology applications in education, says he has seen “video go from a stand-alone application to one of the features in a larger set of applications.”
Learners today will likely seek information from YouTube before consulting a book. It makes sense, then, to capitalize on video of various types to engage learners. Here are some ways educators can better incorporate video into the classroom.
1. Spice up content with video clips.
There are so many free resources on the Internet, such as YouTube, TeacherTube or Khan Academy. Most of today’s digital textbooks come with a wealth of video clips to supplement their content.
2. Tap into students’ innate showmanship.
Students today are not shy in front of a camera. Setting up a video recording area in the classroom can be as easy as mounting a smartphone on a mini tripod. Be creative: Students could make commercials about a country they are studying, or they might act out a scene from a Shakespeare play. Post their work in a password-protected account on Vimeo to share with parents.
3. Check out the man in the mirror.
Teachers can also use the new video recording area to record information about lessons. They can watch the videos to look for hits or misses, to help improve their teaching style. When recording, try not to be a “talking head.” Use visuals, and keep each video between 5 and 10 minutes.
4. Open classroom doors to the world.
Free tools such as Skype and Google Hangouts or other inexpensive platforms allow educators to connect students directly with experts and peers throughout the world. The Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (cilc.org) shares standards-based lessons from experts at hundreds of museums, science centers, art galleries and zoos. Or visit Nepris (nepris.com) to find experts in the workforce who can discuss their careers or provide feedback on student projects.
If you would like an in-depth view into the use of video in education, see this Wainhouse Research report.
