Digital Tool 11: Digital Video

Digital Video

Digital video is simply a video composed of digital pictures captured through a video camera or a linked series of photographs. The use of videos as a learning tool is unlimited in today's classrooms in all aspects of learning. Video can be used as a 'hook' to engage the learners or to introduce a new topic or unit; older videos or 'home movies' can be used as a research tool for investigating historical information; videos can be made by students as an assessment tool; videos can record experiments or interviews for later analysis, their use depends on the learning framework set up by the teacher. Video is a social learning tool because even though it may be set up to record a 'specific' event it can not help but record the social aspect of clothing, language, culture, communication and social generation, as it was or is at the time of the recording. The below youtube vision is of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (note the American use of vocabulary).

As a teacher you could not explain these images without the vision. As a teacher you could use this video in so many ways. I recently used it in a SOSE unit plan as a 'hook' to help students understand their personal link between dropping a water bottle down a drain and the consequences on a global level.

Visual aids and visual images are an important part of 'effective teaching' in today's classroom. Visual support in lessons enhances the learning experience for all students, particularly those who strengths lay in the visual learner area. It is also an effective tool for students with 'hearing impairment' as it opens up a world outside of the classroom. They can watch video images and interpret the information for themselves, relate it to their understanding and knowledge. Can you imagine trying to use sign language to 'engage' a Deaf student in class when using only 'text'. As a teacher imagine reading 'Avatar' to a class of deaf students, through an interpreter, and then let them watch the video (with subtitles) and the impact would be entirely different.

A culture of change is also upon us with so many people now 'recording' everyday happenings on their mobile phone or i-pods or video cameras and uploading this to youtube or blogs. A school yard fight was once handled in school, now it can become a major court case because of video evidence. An off the cuff comment (socially inappropriate) said, could be accidentally recorded and there could be resulting consequences. Digital video is changing the way we learn and the way we look at ourselves in society. As a teaching tool it certainly is effective, however with all teaching there is always the 'social responsibility' side that needs to be taught alongside its appropriate use.

PLUS

1. Where do I start??? There are so many arguments for its inclusion in effective teaching.
2. A visual aid for all students.
3. Provides vision that can be interpreted into individuals 'social' knowledge or understanding.
4. Used as a 'hook' or engagement tool - it is extremely effective.
5. Provides visions from around the world - as it is happening, and brings them into the classroom.
6. Can be used as an effective 'assessment' tool.
7. Helps to record and review social and cultural history as well as the main message of the vision.
8. Limited only to the 'effective teaching' it is to support. Unlimited to the teachers imagination or implementation into the lessons.
9. Engages the majority of learners regardless of age, social or cultural diversity.

MINUS

1. Must be used appropriately in 'effective' learning with cultural considerations to students and the community. (Not that this is a minus - more of a scaffolding consideration).
2. Research can take time to find the most 'effective clip' for the learning journey.

INTERESTING IMPROVE IMPLEMENT

As I work with a hearing impaired student, visuals are a large part of our lesson and learning experience. It is used to introduce a lesson or unit, to support it by consistent reviewing, and for review when introducing new knowledge to link to. Videos can be used by students to share life experiences and it allows them to view and understand diverse aspects of history, cultures from around the world, other peoples opinions and views. It also allows them to record their own views and opinions, and share their knowledge by recording it as an assessment piece or share their understanding of a concept.

Vision is a powerful too. Digital vision is a powerful learning tool. In contrast to the above youtube link, I also showed the students this amazing vision. Although the sound quality is not fantastic, they were amazed at what they were watching. There are visions here that one would love to see in a lifetime and with the benefit of digital video we can watch it in our classroom again and again. We can discuss it, research it, review it and just keep admiring it.

On previous blogs I have discussed the issue of 'time consumption' when learning or researching these digital tools for use in the classroom. With digital video however, the major time factor is getting lost in all the information and videos that are out there, and that are suitable and appropriate for use in the class. Again, this is where curriculum exchange with other teachers and sharing of ideas and resources can cut down on that time. The problem is though, once you start looking at youtube videos, they market it well so that they give you options of ones with similar content, so you could be there all day.

The best benefit of digital video is that regardless of age, it delivers a message, and the individual gets to interpret that message to their social and cultural prior knowledge. This is what 'effective teaching' is all about.

WHAT I THINK

I love digital video. I use it daily, and although it can take time to sort through the stuff I don't want, once I am on the right track, it is inspiring. Sharing it with students and watching and sharing their reactions and emotions and responses to the 'appropriate' videos, well that is just what teaching is all about!!!!