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I remember learning the English language by watching videos online. I had a coach who would make videos explaining the correct pronunciation of words and letters. Also, when studying for my teacher certification exam, I remember watching videos to understand better a concept I was trying to comprehend. As education is rapidly evolving, videos have become an integral part of e-learning and online education. Whether short explainer videos, animated lessons, or recorded lectures,
these recordings engage learners and help dynamically convey information. In the past, videos were only for entertainment. However, now, videos have become an essential tool for educators.
The Power of Visuals
One of the main benefits of video is that it provides a visual element that can bring lessons and concepts to life. Animations, diagrams, footage, and other visuals embedded in videos can illustrate complex ideas and processes better than plain text. Videos also add variety to online courses and keep learners engaged. In order to create these engaging clips, educators should familiarize themselves with the different software tools that can be used to create and edit the videos. As Janica Solis (2023) stated, "Video editing software is a tool to enhance, edit, and manipulate video and audio clips to create visually appealing videos.” Having the skills to edit videos empowers educators to enhance, organize, and improve their educational videos.
Solis (2023) provides 7 Must-Have Features to look for in video editing software:
1. Easy to use - Look for an intuitive, user-friendly interface optimized for content creation.
2. No watermark - Choose software that will not have its logo on the videos.
3. Best for beginners - If new to editing, pick a platform with simplified tools ideal for beginners.
4. Compatibility - Confirm the software works with your PC/OS before downloading.
5. Free version - Find free video imports and editing options.
6. Embedding feature - Platforms that enable seamless video embedding into an LMS can save you time.
7. Advanced editing tools - Look for features like audio editing, multiple export formats, and design capabilities to take videos up a notch.
The 8 Best Video Creation Tools Teachers Need To Use
Ekbote (2021) provides a list that may help educators select video creation tools according to their needs.
1. VideoForm facilitates e-learning by giving students and teachers a real classroom experience. The students can respond to teachers via video, audio, or text.
2. Vidyard GoVideo- This tool's Chrome extension is quite simple. All you need to do is install the extension and then use it to record your screen, face, or both directly through your web browser. You do not even need a webcam to utilize it.
3. Renderforest- This online video and animation creator includes cloud storage. The software has over 300 pre-made templates covering various categories.
4. Loom- A screencasting tool designed for students and teachers, allowing users to record their screen, face, or both simultaneously.
5. WeVideo- An excellent software option for educators to effortlessly create educational videos or lessons. It is particularly beneficial for teachers who utilize various devices at home and in school, as there is no need to download the software.
6. Animoto- Similar to Renderforest, this tool enables you to produce engaging slideshows quickly. It offers a wide selection of copyrighted music, images, and templates.
7. Zoom- An excellent tool that can replicate the students' live classroom experience.
8. EzVid- This tool allows educators to upload their videos directly to YouTube, and once uploaded, they can easily be shared on social networking sites. Teachers can effortlessly record their screens and edit videos using this tool.
While having many choices is excellent, it can also be overwhelming. With so many available tools, teachers must pick the ones that work best for them and their students. Ekbote's list is an excellent place to start, but educators still need to explore and test to find the right tool for the classroom.
Capturing Attention and Interest
Videos capture learner attention and interest more effectively than other mediums. Motion, sound, and visuals elicit more robust responses and emotional connections from viewers. Videos also feel more dynamic and modern, catering to today's digital learners. This results in higher motivation and engagement with course content delivered through videos. Videos provide visual information and use auditory and audiovisual techniques to boost understanding and knowledge retention. Narrative explanations and corresponding images can reinforce learning and help students grasp concepts better. Videos also allow students to replay information to pick up details they may have missed. This results in improved learning outcomes and higher retention of course material.
Pappas (2013) argues that “screen casting is a very helpful technique in eLearning. It can be used by teachers or instructors who want to create video tutorials or presentations.” As explained by Pappas, if someone wants to share something on the screen. They could simply put screenshots or photos of it, but if they want to go beyond that and make learning more fun and efficient, they should try screen casting. He created a list of the best free video tools for educators.
1. Ezvid
2. BlueBerry Flashback Express Recorder
3. Screenr
4. Rylstim Screen Recorder
5. Krut
6. CamStudio
7. Webineria
8. Screen-O-Matic
What is SCORM?
Anderson (2016) discusses how “the SCORM specification has worked to standardize learning content between the industry’s many developers and vendors. Yet SCORM remains poorly understood.” Because of this confusion, trainers and course creators struggle to make the best choices about using SCORM in their courses. SCORM (Shareable Content Object Reference Model) is a technical standard that makes online courses compatible with different learning management systems. SCORM-compliant courses can be easily uploaded to any LMS (Learning Management System) that supports the standard. This ensures the seamless integration and combined tracking of content no matter what system it is hosted on. SCORM controls how online learning content is presented, structured, and labeled online. For educators, having SCORM-conformant content is crucial for reusable content. It saves time and effort when uploading courses to an LMS or transferring to a new system. SCORM alignment also enables tracking of student progress and performance. Following these specifications can help eLearning professionals create content that has far greater flexibility, accessibility, and longevity. It is the formula for reusable, durable digital lessons.
Anytime, Anywhere Access
Videos have become an essential part of online education and for a good reason. They provide an immersive learning experience unmatched by other forms of content. One of the most significant advantages of videos is that they can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Students no longer have to worry about missing a lecture or being unable to attend a class due to time or location constraints. As stated in Juno (n.d.), "Videos can be accessed anytime, anywhere with just an internet connection and a computer or mobile device, making them much easier to access than other forms of content such as books or articles that may require physical copies in order to use them.” Students can log in and watch the video at their convenience. This flexibility allows students to create their learning schedule and take control of their education. Additionally, videos offer a visual and auditory experience that can help students better comprehend complex concepts and retain information for extended periods. Overall, videos are a valuable tool in online education that can enhance the learning experience, increase engagement, and improve student outcomes.
Key Video Production Tips
Pappas (2015) states, "Planning is fundamental before even starting your eLearning video production; the better prepared you are, the easier and less complicated the production process will be.” To leverage video's power for e-learning, producing high-quality videos is important. Here are some essential tips:
Plan Your Content: Before hitting the record button, outline the critical points in the video.
Use Simple Language: Avoid complex vocabulary that might confuse the audience. Speak in clear, concise language that is easy to understand.
Engage the Audience: It is crucial to make your videos interactive and engaging. Ask questions, encourage comments, and incorporate activities or quizzes to keep viewers actively involved.
Keep it Concise: Attention spans are short. It is important to keep the videos short and to the point.
Use Visual Aids: Incorporate visual aids such as slides, diagrams, or props to help illustrate key concepts. Visuals help reinforce learning and keep viewers engaged.
Pay Attention to Lighting and Audio: Good lighting and clear audio are essential for a professional video.
Choose the Right Background: Select an organized background that will not distract the audience.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse your content before recording.
Edit Carefully: Take the time to edit the videos carefully, removing any mistakes or unnecessary content.
Promote Your Videos: Once your videos are ready, promote them through your preferred channels to reach your target audience.
These video production tips can help educators create engaging and effective educational content for the students.
Conclusion
Videos have transformed modern e-learning by providing visual, engaging, and flexible learning experiences. I learned about SCORM and how courses must follow the standards. This is my first time hearing about the term, and I agree with what is stated. Online courses are better delivered if they follow these standards. As Pappas stated (2015), "Adding eLearning videos to your courses can boost learners' engagement and help you create a memorable and exciting eLearning experience for your audience." As a future instructional designer, I must develop strong video production skills; videos have become critical for engaging learners in online education. I need to take the time to learn video editing software, recording techniques, visual storytelling principles, and interactive video elements. I will gain valuable abilities to create meaningful e-learning experiences for the students.
Additional Resources
References
Anderson, D. V. (2016, April 18). What is SCORM? 5 essential scorm facts you should know. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/what-is-scorm-5-scorm-facts-know
Ekbote, A. (2021, January 23). The top video creation tools for teachers. VideoForm Blog. https://www.videoform.com/blog/teachers-video-creation-tools/
Juno. (n.d.). Why are videos good for learning? Juno Live. https://www.junolive.com/insights/10-benefits-why-are-videos-good-for-learning
Pappas, C. (2013, July 15). The 8 best free video tools for teachers. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/the-8-best-free-video-tools-for-teachers
Pappas, C. (2015, May 10). Producing high quality Elearning Videos: The ultimate guide. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/producing-high-quality-elearning- videos-ultimate-guide
Solis, J. (2023, September 7). 5 great video editing software solutions for educational content - teachfloor blog. RSS. https://www.teachfloor.com/blog/great-video- editing-software
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