E-Learning Development Team
Technology-Enhanced Learning Guidance, News, Research and Support – University of York
Intervention : Expanding the lecture with video explanations / screen-casts
Video clips can be used as learning resources to address skills or threshold concepts. They can used to introduce a concept before a lecture, as well as to reinforce understanding after a class-based discussion. In an introductory mode, clips can be used to encourage students to formulate questions and issues for discussion in class, or to shape a debate.
Video explanations can be of particular use in supporting students to study at their own pace and in their own time and can help contribute to them becoming independent learners.
Accompanying this text you should see an embedded (48 seconds long) video that provides an example of a screen-cast developed by Dr Jacco Thijssen of the Department of Economics and Related Studies. Dr Thijssen developed a series of videos, both pre-recorded and in response to student requests/questions raised in lectures. These videos tackled underpinning subject matter for the 'Statistics 1' module. The cohort numbered approx 270 1st year students.
A number of other staff have developed similar videos including Cathy Dantec (Language and Linguistic Science) covering academic writing and Dr Martin Smalley (Physics) covering mathematical skills.
It is worth considering combining use of video resources with formative (automatically marked) tests for students to self-check their understanding of the material.
When making your video resources available to students be sure to appropriately contextualise them within the module and also explain exactly what the video reource is supporting.
When recording video try and make sure your environment is controlled as much as is possible. This is particularly critical where the audio is concerned if you are narrating your materials. Try and make sure you capture the audio as clearly and cleanly as possible. Use as good a microphone as you can get hold of and try and make your recording in an environment where you are less likely to be disturbed and with as little ambient sound as possible. Don't hesitate to contact the E-Learning Development Team for advice about effecting a screen-cast.
Useful Tips
Make sure you choose the best method for 'publsihing' your video resources. if you don't mind your videos potentially being seen by people outside of the Institution then you could use YouTube to publish your material. This will maximise your videos reach allowing it to play back on most platforms. If you intend to embed YouTube videos directly in the VLE you can embed an 'Unlisted' YouTube video if you are prepared to make it public temporarily. You can effect the embed while it is public and then re-set the video to 'Unlisted'. The embedded video will still play.
If you don't wish your video to be accessed from outside the Institution then you should consider using the York Streaming item within the VLE. This allows you to embed your video, as securely as is possible, within the VLE for access by only those students enrolled on the VLE site. This is a 'true' streaming solution.
Avoid directly embedding video files (i.e. videos that aren't streamed/don't use YouTube or an equivalent) as this not only creates a heavy initial download footprint for your students but can also inhibit their ability to play the video back. A student's computer may not have the media-player installed that your computer has used to effect the embed.
| Case Study Title | Department |
| Extend the lecture with video resources | Economics and Related Studies |
| Worked examples to support core skills | Physics |
| Data Analysis (supporting SPSS use) (PDF) | Psychology |