1. Explanation of the concepts.

The class just finished a chapter and the next lesson will begin with new material. In the traditional class, the first lesson would entirely be focused on introducing a new concept followed by some simple examples.

Now, imagine a different scenario: as a homework, students are given to watch a video recorded by a teacher with an introduction to the new topic and an explanation of all of the rules together with simple exercises to do. Students are encouraged to write down all of the questions and problems they encountered to solve them together in the classes. This also frees time in classes to focus on complex problems.

An additional bonus on this is that the students can get back to the introduction whenever they need as students have access to it throughout the course.

2. Instructional videos.

We’ve all been in a situation where 3 people read instructions and all three did it differently. Whenever it’s because of language skills, the complexity of the task or just a bad day (we’ve all had them) it can still be a problem. This can especially happen for tasks that take long time and are due to further deadline – after all our memory has its limits too. Also, let’s be honest, no one wants to repeat a job already done.

A solution to this would be together with written instructions adding a video or a screen record explaining each step. This would also help those who couldn’t attend the classes as they can easily catch up with classwork at home.

3. We are different humans

We are unique humans with different learning styles, preferences and needs. A video can be customized to cater to each student’s requirements. This can be especially helpful to students with learning disabilities.

Even without any disabilities, we have unique learning styles. Some people prefer listening, while others engage more with video content. With visuals and audio combined, video provides a dynamic learning experience that caters to both visual and auditory learners. So whether you’re watching a lecture or a demonstration, video can help you better understand and absorb information.

4. Recording your lectures for the future rewatch.

This is a bit tricky, as it requires more technical skills or available equipment, but as a teacher, you can think about recording your lessons and giving access to your students. This will allow your students to rewatch it whenever they need to revise the material.

There are already examples of it in different courses, for example, Professor Leonard records the theoretical part of his math lessons and uploads it to YouTube for his students to be able to watch it at home. English with Lucy records lessons as a part of her YouTube course. It’s worth noting that YouTube isn’t the only place to share your videos. You can use Learning Management System (LMS) that your school is already using or have an online storage system like GoogleDrive, DropBox etc. to upload your files and share them with your students.

5. Test your student’s knowledge with interactive video quizzes.

Video doesn’t mean just passive watching! You can use video to do interactive quizzes that will test the knowledge of your students. One example of this can be the platform Edpuzzle where you can create a quiz out of any video you create or find on YouTube. Edpuzzle allows you to add open-ended questions, multiple choice questions or a note for your students. The option of preventing skipping will force students to answer all questions and the ability to turn on close captions will help in understanding spoken word (especially for those who are hard of hearing!).

Some of the challenges to consider.

Of course, like any solution, it has some challenges or drawbacks to consider before marching with it in full force.

While video offers many benefits, it’s important to address technical challenges that may arise. Slow internet connections, compatibility issues, or limited access to devices can hinder the video experience. Teachers must ensure video accessibility for all students and provide alternative options if needed. Remember, inclusivity is key!

In conclusion, the use of video in classes can have a lot of benefits for both teachers and students. Its ability to enhance engagement, facilitate effective communication, and support personalized learning experiences has revolutionized the way education is delivered in the digital age. As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of online education, embracing video as a tool for instruction will undoubtedly continue to yield numerous benefits and contribute to the ongoing advancement of teaching and learning practices.

Edpuzzle is one tool that is described on AidKit platform, if you want to learn more about Edpuzzle or other digital tools visit https://aid-kit.erasmus.site/platform/