Questions to Consider When Incorporating Streaming Media into a Lesson

Before you incorporate streaming media into your lessons, it is important to keep in mind the following questions:

What is the purpose? It is important to determine the purpose for the video before shooting begins, and to keep that in mind during the entire  process. If after filming, editing, and reviewing  you find that the intended purpose wasn't met, the video should not be used. We need to hold video to the same standard that we hold other instructional materials. When using video clips that are easily downloaded or obtained, make sure the same question is asked- What is the purpose? All media should be used to help reach instructional goals.

Is is necessary? It is important to recognize that just because you can stream video doesn't mean that you should. Consider the objectives of the lesson. Will video truly enhance the learning or will it distract from the goal. If the instructional objective is simple recall, or at the knowledge level of Bloom's taxonomy, is it necessary to produce a video to teach the information? The short PowerPoint with audio, created to illustrate the possibilities of converting classroom presentations into web-based lectures on demand, gives an example of content that is not enhanced by using technology. (Bloom's Taxonomy - A Streaming Media Presentation) Also consider the time it takes to complete a project like this-- their example was four minutes in length yet took one hour to create.

Will it work for your audience? When making the choice about whether it is appropriate to use streaming video, consider who the intended audience will be. It is important to realize that not all students are visual learners and may encounter difficulties when using streaming video. On the other hand, an auditory learner won't do well when all materials are  written. It is important to give students multiple ways to obtain the content. This will ensure that all types of learners have an equal opportunity to meet with success in the classroom.