Using Video In Online Courses - Things to Avoid

Using video in an online course can sometimes add a new and different element that helps engage the learner or it may have the opposite effect of turning off the learner if it is not used in the appropriate way. Below are some things to avoid when using video for an online course.

Things to avoid:

Long video lectures that are over thirty minutes long – Most of us have trouble focusing on long video lectures. (Consider breaking the video into chunks, especially if it a straight lecture from PowerPoint)

Using Video Lectures as the only means of providing content – Many instructors that are new to teaching online may be tempted to record their lectures thinking that they can teach the same way that they did in class. Video can be of benefit but there may be a better way for learners to absorb content. Some studies suggest that facts that are read are retained much more than when they are heard. Also, a video lecture is for the most part a passive learning activity. More active learning techniques can be used to help the learner in internalizing the content.

Capturing a guest lecture that is video recorded without obtaining permission in writing – make sure that you have the speaker sign a personal release form that states that the presenter will not hold the university\school district liable for any claims, losses, expenses and liabilities of every kind due to the recording. Also add text that the presenter shall not claim any right to payment or royalties from the recording. You may also add that the recording will be used for educational purposes etc... Also check with your groups legal department. They may have a form that you can use.

Using Video In Online Courses - Course Syllabus\Course Structure Introductions

One activity that I have noticed consistently in courses that are taught on campus is the syllabus (Wikipedia, 2008) review during the first class. Usually the instructor will open the syllabus and discuss the information about the course such as how to contact the instructor, an outline of what will be covered in the course, with a schedule of test dates and the due dates for assignments; the grading policy for the course etc…. Also in those courses that utilize a course management system the instructor will also open the online course materials and show the students where and how to interact with the online content and assignments of the class. Typically the instructor will stress important items and add additional information that goes beyond what is written in the syllabus.

This same approach can be used for an online course by creating a syllabus video or course structure video. The instructor can capture the syllabus and go through the syllabus pointing out the important items and adding additional information that may go beyond what is written in the syllabus. The instructor can also go through the course structure by capturing the screens and recording their voice as they go through the course menu and the different sections of the class. They may also create demonstration videos for important activities such as turning in an assignment, how to take an online quiz, or how to access and use the course management system’s synchronous chat. Creating these videos may help the student feel comfortable with the online environment and more clearly communicate the expectations. The videos may also decrease emails that students send to instructors at the beginning of the semester. Also instructors can always refer students to the recording(s) when they ask questions that have already been discussed in the video.

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Syllabus. (2008, November 21). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 01:44, November 23, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Syllabus&oldid=253145694

Using Video In Online Courses - Course Video Introductions

Using video in an online course can sometimes add a new and different element that helps engage the learner or it may have the opposite effect of turning off the learner if it is not used in the appropriate way. Over the next few weeks I will be introducing some techniques for using video with online course that instructors have used effectively in the past.

Creating a course introduction video – A course introduction video is an excellent way to introduce the course. Typically an instructor will either show video of themselves or use a video PowerPoint lecture with photos of themselves. This technique helps the student put a human face with the online instructor. Personal interests and hobbies can be mentioned allowing the students to further identify with the instructor. An instructor can also talk about their experience in the field of the course that they are teaching. These video introductions can be very short and quick to put together but will help put a face and an identity with an online instructor. Hopefully this technique this will kick off the course in a positive direction.

Listen to this podcast from Educause of an instructor’s experience using an introduction video.

PODCAST (Educause, 2007)

Zorn, Diane (2007). E07 Podcast: Using Video Streaming and Podcasting to Design Rich-Media Online Courses. Retrieved November 22, 2008, from Educause Connect Web site: http://connect.educause.edu/blog/kellywalker/e07podcastusingvideostrea/45659