Videos in the online class

USING VIDEOS FROM YOUTUBE AND OTHER SITES IN AN ONLINE CLASS

Not all students will have the capacity to view video. Remember that some students use the computers at work on their lunch time or after work, and these sites often block YouTube and similar sites. If students use the campus computing center, then they may need ear phones if there is sound.

You definitely should have a good virus protection software on your machine. Most institutions have a virus protection program on the site, but I still have my own.

However, there are high quality videos on the Net. Suggestions if you are going to use them:

• ·         Clear directions on use and how to begin the video.
• ·         Videos are better for demonstrations than lectures.
• ·         Long videos, unless they are professionally produced, can be a distraction. I know when I have to watch an online video I multi-task.
• ·         Need for video from a reputable source.
• ·         Absence of ads is a plus.
• ·         Must enhance the class, not just be for “glitz.”
• ·         Sometimes animations can convey the concepts better than a lecture.
• ·         Teachers should be cautious about developing their own videos. Unless you have the help of a professional Instructional Technologist, videos can be very boring, especially videos of lectures. You cannot video a class that shows the students’ faces unless you have their release. I think if you are going to tape your lectures that audio only may be a better solution because students can listen as they do other things. One teacher in a previous class told me that a student listened as she pushed a baby carriage.
• ·         If you are not going to use videos from a site like YouTube you may caution students to download RealPlayer, Flash and QuickTime. Always provide an alternate so that students who cannot access the video can learn the content.