Using Streaming Video
I agree with the DIVERSE site's assessment that judicious
use of streaming video :
· encourages critical reflection
· supports collaborative learning
· allows students to control the pace of their own learning (1)
I think the key word above is judicious. I watched the streaming media on
Bloom's Taxonomy and it was as about as engaging as a poorly dubbed Mexican
wresting/vampire movie on a television with poor reception at 3:30 in the
morning. The same could have been achieved much faster (and to my mind better)
with well written text with a few good illustrations.
Essential to good video production is that it tells a story, not necessarily
in narrative form, but that there is a beginning and an end. There is clear
direction from the beginning where this "train" is heading. There
are "stations" along the way that will allow the viewer to stop
and reflect about what is being told. Every video needs to be a "journey".
These are the elements that make it a compelling medium.
I am generally appalled by the use of video in many schools anyway. The "electronic
lesson plan" is too often turn on the VCR, turn off the lights, and lets
fill up the allotted time. I'm not saying I never use film, but not with a
handout that contains an overview of the film (yea, I actually have to watch
it before I show it!) and some questions that are to be answered while the
video is in progress. They turn them in too.
The power of well produced streaming video is under optimal conditions they
are short, can be shared with the rest of the class, and often expose some
specific point(s) that are relevant to the lesson. Brevity is key, as you
can integrate them into the lesson instead of the video becoming the lesson.
The key though is the lesson that they are integrated into. If that does not
have value then the streaming video that supports it will be just that - streaming
video.
1. diverse
website (http://www.sar.bolton.ac.uk/diverse/video_he/pedagogy.htm)