TT#9: Online Videos in the Classroom

I don't remember a time in school where I was not excited to watch a video.  Watching a video meant you did not have to take notes, read the textbook, or listen to the teacher talk.  Most of the time there was an assignment that went along with the video, but hey it was still the best option.

I support online videos in the classroom.  In my past teaching placements, I have found online videos to help solidify my students learning.  I have found videos on YouTube and TEDx talks.  Here are two examples of how of I used online video's in my classroom:

1. In my first placement I was teaching grade eight Social Studies.  To help my students create a study guide, I had them create their own rap songs.  The raps were to include everything part of Ancient Egypt we had studied.  They were allowed to choose their own music.  The example I showed was from YouTube.  Here is the link to this video: Walk Like an Egyptian.

2.  In my third placement we were looking at photo editing in English.  To help my students see and understand photo editing we looked at many videos.  Some were found on YouTube and there was a TEDx Talk.  What I loved about the YouTube videos was how the clip showed the process of editing a photo from the beginning to the final product.  I was able to find videos for both a female and male photo edit.  Here is the link to the female photo editing video: Dove - Evolution Commercial.  Having more males than females in that class I wanted to make find a male version of a photo being edited. Both the genders were taken by surprise about how a male photo could be edited.



These videos provided my class with a visual to the information we were talking about in class.  They were able to provide more insightful answers and contribute to conversation.

So it must be obvious that I like finding videos on YouTube.  One other site I mentioned I liked was TEDx Talks.  I was able to find a model talking about her career.  What stuck with me the most was how she talked about her life, her job, and how they are separate.  She showed some powerful images of her before a shoot and her after the photo had been edited.  She was so honest in her answers.  I would suggest this TEDx Talk for teachers who need to address body image and photo editing with their students: Cameron Russell: Looks aren't everything. Believe me I'm a model.

 Ok, so now you must be wondering, would I consider having my students create their own videos/multimedia.  My answer: Absolutely!  Most students learn best when they are able to learn by doing.  Creating videos would allow students with all different strengths to work collaboratively in groups.  Each student would be able to contribute their own strengths.  I like the idea of creating a video or a project to demonstrate their learning, rather than having the students sit in the desks and answer questions.  Questions limit how they can demonstrate their knowledge.  If my school allowed it, yes I would post my students work.  Posting their work would give them a sense of pride in what they have accomplished.  It also provides other students a chance to learn from my students.

If anyone knows of good video/multimedia sites to share, please let me know!!!

~ Miss Laing