Activities > Video
Is it feasible to use video for teaching and learning?
How can video be used as a teaching and learning tool?
What equipment will I need to film and produce a video for myself?
Can anyone film and produce a video for me?
How can video be delivered on the web?
How long does it take to download a video from a web site?
Is it feasible to use video for teaching and learning?
Using video in teaching and learning has become more feasible because the cost of video equipment and associated software and hardware has fallen, video technologies have become easier to use, and delivery has been transformed by the growth of the web as an educational medium. The challenge now is how to use video meaningfully within the technical constraints that exist.
How can video be used as a teaching and learning tool?
Video can support a variety of pedagogic approaches and teaching methods - it can be used to communicate facts and demonstrate processes and procedures; it can be used to interact with students and facilitate problem solving and thinking; it can be combined with other electronic teaching tools like chat rooms and discussion boards to engage learners and bring course content to life.
The following examples show how video is commonly used in teaching and learning.
| Use | Example |
| Interviews | Interviews often take a ‘talking head’ format where just the head and shoulders of the speaker are captured. Interview with David Hume Kennerley Video for Slow Connections (56kbps) Video for Fast Connections (512kbps) |
| Lectures, workshops and presentations | Presentation by Sally Thornhill Video for Slow Connections (56kbps) Video for Fast Connections (300kbps) HR Training Workshop Video for Slow Connections (100kbps) Video for Fast Connections (300 kbps) Ken Heather – Introduction to Economics Video for Medium Connections |
| Demonstrations | Video is good for demonstrating processes and procedures especially where the procedure is difficult, expensive, or time-consuming to recreate. James Scott Skinner Dances Video for Slow Connections (56kbps) Video for Fast Connections (300kbps) |
| Online Reflection | Video Tips Gallery Video for Slow Connections (<128kbps) Video for Fast Connections (>128kbps) |
| Live Broadcast | Streaming video can be used to broadcast live events. Race Rocks Video for Medium Connections |
| External Resources | Video can be used to incorporate geographically remote or impracticable resources into teaching and learning. Mandrill Video for Medium Connections |
Further Information
Mireia Asensio (Lancaster University) discusses pedagogy in relation to streaming video in the following clips.
Slow Connection (56kbps)
Fast Connection (300kbps)
What equipment will I need to film and produce a video for myself?
The budget, subject matter and location of the project will have some bearing on the equipment needed to film and produce a video. The basic kit, however, should include a video camera, tripod, microphone, lights, and a computer with capture card and editing software.
Staff and students can borrow video cameras and accessories from Audio Visual Services (AVS).
An Apple Macintosh computer with capture card and editing software is also available in the Learning and Resource Centre (LaRC) for staff and research postgraduate use.
Further Information
Sally Thornhill (UMIST) discusses video equipment in the following clips.
Slow Connection (56kbps)
Fast Connection (300kbps)
Can anyone film and produce a video for me?
Audio Visual Services (AVS) provide a range of filming and editing services. For more information contact Glenn Medler on 01603 592495 or email g.medler@uea.ac.uk
The Learning Technology Group (LTG) can provide advice and guidance on the effective use of video in teaching and learning.
How can video be delivered on the web?
The delivery of video has been transformed with the growth of the web as an educational medium. The two methods of web delivery are downloading and streaming. Both methods can be used with Blackboard courses.
When a video is made available for download it is stored on a server and downloaded to your computer in its entirety for you to watch. The drawbacks of this method are that large video files take time to download, take up disc space on the viewers’ computer, and protecting copyright is problematic.
When a video is made available to stream it is stored on a server and gradually delivered to your computer for you to watch. The drawbacks of this method are that sound and image quality can be affected by inconsistent or slow speed internet connections. Streaming also requires a special server and server software.
There are no hard and fast rules for choosing a method of web delivery. The Learning Technology Group (LTG) can provide advice and guidance on the most appropriate choice for your project.
Further Information
Jim Strom (University of Manchester) discusses the basics of downloading and streaming video in the following clip.
Slow Connection (56kbps)
Fast Connection (300kbps)
How long does it take to download a video from a web site?
Large video files can take time to download. Using the tool below you can work out approximately how long the process of downloading will take. To use the tool:
1. Enter your video's filesize in the filesize box and select the relevant units using the arrow buttons.
2. Select the connection speed at which most users will be downloading the video (use 56kpbs for dial-up modem, use 512kbps or 1 mbps for broadband, and use 100mbps for on campus).
3. Select the percentage of network overhead. Leaving overhead at 0% will provide a best possible download time.
4. The approximate download time will then appear in the time box.
For example, a 60mb video file will take 7 minutes 49 seconds to download using a 1mbps connection with no overhead.
