The incorporation of video in online learning is becoming more prominent each day. Videos in education enable students to transcend practical, real-world limits and experience the much-expanded possibilities digital places offer. They are becoming an integral part of online education. It is rare to encounter an online course today that does not include lecture videos as one of its components.
Learn the reasons below why videos are excellent additions to online courses and something one needs to seriously consider when designing an online course!
Videos give learners control over their studies
Students have more control over their studies when utilizing videos. Similar to using a textbook, they can pause the video and return to it later, an advantage over typical lecture-only courses. If there are also parts of the lecture that they do not want to see, they can skip them. And if they need to review a particular section for an exam, they can replay and return to that part whenever they desire.
Students whose course is mainly on videos also have the choice to watch their learning materials on their phones. Furthermore, some learning platforms allow students to save their videos offline. This adds a layer of convenience to the learning process since this allows them to access their study materials wherever they may be.
Videos can add three types of value context (cognitive, nurturing, and experiential) in an educational context
In a discussion paper by Hansch et al., they discussed these three values from Koumi that individuals developed when employing videos in online learning. Visual tactics that aid learning, such as process demonstrations utilizing animated visuals, are examples of cognitive value. Meanwhile, the potential of video to encourage and relate with its viewers through the affective domain is referred to as nurturing value. Lastly, experiential value delivers vicarious experiences by allowing students to witness occurrences in a video that they may not have the chance to glimpse in real life.
Videos increase the engagement of learners with the learning material
The frequent use of videos in online learning gave birth to the rise of technological innovation in the field. Today, aside from the usual pause and play, there are many more options for interactions learners can do with their video material. They now have the capability to annotate, bookmark, and watch the video material to the speed they prefer.
These new features provide additional value to the learning experience. Having the option to write notes on videos requires fewer tabs open when studying, and watching a video lecture at a faster but still comprehensible pace is time efficient.
Videos help ease in explaining complex concepts
There are only so many concepts written texts can explain. Sometimes texts, even with the help of graphics or PowerPoint slides, are not enough to deliver a lesson effectively. Some concepts are better off presented when non-verbal communication is involved. Some lessons are more understandable when there is simultaneous narration and demonstration of the process in the video. Videos provide an alternative avenue for teachers and students to communicate every thought and idea effectively.
Videos provide a better learning experience for students who find reading uninteresting
Undoubtedly, some students perceive online learning as boring and they tend to get overwhelmed with the amount of reading they must do to accomplish a course. Video materials in online courses alleviate those feelings. They can even think of online learning as enjoyable due to this learning experience.
Video use also enhances how information is delivered to the learners. It stimulates the auditory part of the mind aside from the visual, which can contribute to better learning retention.
Videos are multipurpose!
Videos are not only used for lectures. There are numerous other ways to apply videos in online learning.
Here are some of the affordances of video Hansch et al. enumerated in their discussion paper: establishing rapport, doing virtual field excursions, managing time and space, sharing stories, inspiring students, displaying historical footage, giving demonstrations, utilizing visual juxtaposition, and utilizing multimedia presentation.
What We Use
At the Lavender Dragon Team, we recommend using a variety of video styles and types from whiteboard explainer videos to animations created with Vyond or more traditional live video that we edit using Camtasia. When choosing the best type of video for your project consider your budget, resources, and the ideas that you want to get across to your audience.
References:
Borup, J., West, R. E., & Thomas, R. (2015). The impact of text versus video communication on instructor feedback in blended courses. Educational Technology Research and Development, 63(2), 161–184. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-015-9367-8
Evans, H. K. (2014). An Experimental Investigation of Videotaped Lectures in Online Courses. TechTrends, 58(3), 63–70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-014-0753-6
Giannakos, M., Chorianopoulos, K., Ronchetti, M., Szegedi, P., & Teasley, S. (2014). Video-Based Learning and Open Online Courses. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 9(1), 4. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v9i1.3354
Hansch, A., Hillers, L., Newman, C., Schildhauer, T., McConachie, K., & Schmidt, P. (2015, March 13). Video and Online Learning: Critical Reflections and Findings From the Field [HIIG Discussion Paper Series 2015-02]. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2577882