In the last 100 years motion picture technology has evolved from passive entertainment to interactive context-based learning materials that are used in today’s educational environments. When students are engaged watching an educational video and interact with the video through note taking, thinking or applying concepts, retention and knowledge transfer will occur. This theory is debated among researchers as they do differ in their opinion on the merits of video-based instruction.
Some researchers state that one cannot fully isolate the learning outcomes to the media itself. While other researchers suggest that context-based videos can enhance learners’ retention and motivation. The constructivists state that when instruction methods use authentic, real world examples in the learning environment and give the learner control of their own learning by actively engaging in the learning process deeper learning is achieved.
Research has shown that the video-based instruction is successful in enhancing students’ problem-solving skills and has the potential to enhance learners’ retention and motivation. “Attention is one of the major influences on motivation that learners should have for successful learning. “(Keller 1983). One approach that promotes motivation is the ARCS model of Motivational Design created by John Keller. ARCS stands for Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction. When students interact and are engaged with a video they are motivated to learn and will remember more.
Video can also be a way to create dialog to enhance the learning experience among adult learners as well as children. “A series of studies conducted by the Children’s Television Workshop (CTW) showed that after exposure to programs such as 3-2-1 Contact and Square One TV, children had an improved ability to recall facts, demonstrated higher problem-solving capabilities, and increased their overall interest in math and science (Children’s). http://www.libraryvideo.com/articles/article18.asp
Finding useful, high quality and copyright free instructional videos among the myriad of videos from video-sharing sites, such as YouTube, that are suitable for educational purposes, can be a rather daunting task. In the article, “Web-Based Video in Education: Possibilities and Pitfall” Chareen Snelson states, “The challenge is to identify usable video resources and instructional strategies that are enhanced with online video.” One of the most important factors in video selection is selecting a high quality video created by knowledgeable sources. Poor quality videos are distracting and lessen the motivation to continue watching.
Selecting high quality and relevant materials that promote and encourage learner’s motivation will increase learning outcomes. Videos that demonstrate a process or a skill by experts have cognitive value. Information received through the visual and audio input channels of our brain creates a comprehensive learning experience. Using both channels helps retain the information better and can be transferred to the long-term memory of the learner.
A few challenges can arise when using video-based instruction. “Without the basic essentials of adequate equipment and technical support the potential benefits gained with access to extensive online video resources will be rendered useless“ (Snelson, Perkins “From Silent Films to YouTube” Pg.17). Another challenge for K-12 instructors may be that video-sharing websites may be blocked in schools due to the school’s computer security settings, which block all outside websites to prevent accessing inappropriate materials for younger students.
Researcher Philip Guo suggest the optimal video length is 6 minutes or shorter. “The take-home message for instructors is that, to maximize student engagement, they should work with instructional designers and video producers to break up their lectures into small, bite-sized pieces” (http://blog.edx.org/optimal-video-length-student-engagement/).
The convenience of watching videos at anytime and anyplace creates opportunities to reflect on the subject longer because you are able to stop the video at any time, rewind, replay or download for later review. Additional videos are also available to continue to dig deeper in any subject matter. While taking a webinar for professional development I personally learned that the interactivity of exchanging ideas online with other participants was beneficial in gaining deeper knowledge.
Resource for timeline Wainhouse Research
Source clipart: Clker.com
Destop computer: http://www.eduscapes.com/history/contemporary/
Vintage projector: http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/~s-herbert/sndmov.htm