What is Instructional Video?
Video used to illustrate a key point or provide another channel of information.
Video can be used to:
- Show realistic motion. For example, you may need to show how a pitcher throws a ball in slow motion.
- Provide an accurate recreation of something. For example, you may be training airplane pilots in a cockpit simulator or you may want to show sign language in action.
- Show human interaction. For example, group dynamics.
How Can I Use Instructional Video?
First, if the video adds no instructional value, consider not using it. Talking head videos - just a video of one or more people talking - add little instructional value. However, they may add an important aesthetic value. Course introductions and “Meet the Instructor” videos are often well received by students.
If the quality of the video is not that important, or it is a very short video without the need for extra effects, then you can probably do it yourself.
If you need high-quality video, or the addition of text overlays, etc., then seriously consider hiring a video specialist or company. Shooting quality video is a specialty that requires the right equipment and an experienced videographer to ensure success.
When incorporating video into a Web site, you must always balance the need for video with bandwidth considerations. Video can be difficult to transmit over the Web effectively, so you should choose to use video only when you absolutely need it. Always provide alternatives to students to gain the information contained in the video.
Knowing your goal and knowing your audience are perhaps the most critical factors associated with successful use of instructional video. With this in mind, it may be better to avoid using video anytime you must degrade the video to a very low resolution in order for your audience to view it. Another medium may be better at conveying the message.
You must caption instructional videos. Many video deployment and videoconferencing tools (e.g., Kaltura, Zoom) provide machine captioning with good accuracy that you can then edit as needed.
Keep in mind that many sites (e.g., YouTube) may contain existing videos you can use for instructional purposes.
How Can You Obtain Assistance Developing Instructional Video?
Check with your local instructional designer and also the Penn State Media Commons at http://mediacommons.psu.edu.
What References Are There About Instructional Video?
Teaching with Video – Available online at https://sites.psu.edu/pedagogicalpractices/teaching-with-video/
Best Practices for Teaching via Videoconferencing at Penn State - Available online at https://sites.psu.edu/vcguide/
Instructional Video Guide - Available online at https://instructionalvideoguide.psu.edu/
The handbook of instructional audio and video (2007). Retrieved December 1, 2020 from https://elbd.sites.uu.nl/wp-content/uploads/sites/108/2017/05/2184_9_VideoAktivHandbookfin.pdf