When to Choose Video
If you're used to providing lengthy presentations in class, the simplest way to replicate this online would be to pre-record yourself giving the same lecture, right?
Unfortunately, the online experience for learners is drastically different, and video recordings don't capture the same benefits of a face-to-face approach. Videos, when done well, require the most investment in terms of planning and production, so be sure to carefully select what you decide to turn into video. Below are guidelines to consider before producing or curating video content in your course.
Look For Content That Benefits from Demonstration
- Simple steps in a process
- Writing out formulas
- Application of a method or theory
- Re-enactment or storytelling
- Analysis of visual media
- Content that requires tone, pronunciation, and/or gestures to be understood
Be Sure to Avoid
- Content that doesn't directly support a learning objective
- Lists of terms
- Lengthy exposition
- Discussing a long timeline of events
When Video Isn't Always The Answer
- Attachments or links to resources can allow learners to explore material at their own pace and help avoid information overload that longer videos may cause.
- Documents are also easier to search quickly, which will avoid frustrating your learner as they study for an assessment or develop a project. It's harder to recall where useful lecture content is if it's in a long video or series of videos.
- Consider exploring available materials online that may fully explore an area of your lecture or explain it in similar terms to keep your video production time down.