To say the COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly brought with a lot of challenges would be an understatement. However, in the opinion of statistics homework help writers, as necessity has historically been a mother to invention, we also have to acknowledge the pandemic has been the catalyst for some positive change as well, like the ones we’ve seen in education.
Yes, the current situation has made the popularization of educational video content a priority and prompted us to step forward and improve education systems in almost every possible way as noted by educational experts from SolidEssay.com. From expanding knowledge accessibility to the masses to even changing how we go about conveying information.
But you may wonder why, if video is so great for education, there are so many naysayers of the new virtual learning modality? More often than not, it is a problem that stems from a lack of knowledge and understanding of how it can help, which helps smooth over its implementation!
So, today, we are going to discuss some of the key ways in which educational videos are improving teaching already and the many benefits that come with it.
Ready to begin?
Why Video Benefits Education
There’s a lot to be said as far as video content benefits in education. But to make matters easier, I’ve divided them into two major groups: One revolves around why video improves the quality of education, and the other, around why it makes it accessible to a broader range of people.
Let’s explore each category in detail.
Why It Enhances the Quality of Education
Students can arguably learn better through video than through most other learning methods. Here’s why!
• Because It’s Engaging.
Contrary to traditional learning methods, video content offers students a multisensory experience, making it a highly stimulating medium. Put simply, videos manage to convey information in an enticing and compelling way. As a result, students are more likely to interest in the topic in question.
• Because It Simplifies Complex & Abstract Topics.
Well-crafted educational videos offer clear explanations, especially when animated.
First off, educational video companies create a simple script that often includes real-life examples and a good dose of storytelling. On top of that, they reinforce the script’s information by incorporating visual cues and metaphors.
There isn’t a more comprehensive way of breaking down a topic, so video is a natural choice for tackling complicated or abstract subjects.
• Because It Can Stimulate Retention & Higher-Order Thinking Skills.
Did you know people learn a lesson better when they enjoy it? Well, since video is one of the most exciting ways to learn something new, it stands to reason that it helps retain information.
But that’s not all. With video, students can go beyond merely remembering information – they can actually assimilate it. Paired with stimulating activities, this could lead to the development of critical thinking skills.
Why It Makes Education More Accessible
Centuries ago, education was meant for only a privileged few. And although we have come a long way in that regard, there’s still a long road ahead of us – a road that can be paved with educational video content.
Let’s take a look at why video makes education accessible to an unprecedented number of people:
• Because It Can Reach Thousands of Students.
Unlike a classroom lesson, there’s no limit to the number of students who can tune in to a live stream, or watch and learn from a video – especially if uploaded to a free video hosting site. As a result, a lesson can reach anyone who has an internet connection.
This translates into thousands and thousands of people across the globe gaining skills and knowledge they would have never been able to learn without video content. We see people who can’t afford a high education accessing Harvard lectures, and grandparents “going back to school” after so many years, among many other wonders. In short, education has never been more massive.
• Because It’s Flexible.
While growing up, many of us have heard our parents saying education should be our priority. But the truth is, that’s not the case for many young students. Athletes and musicians with intense training schedules, young parents, and workers often can’t get around to attend class or read assignments. Not to mention adults with hectic lifestyles who wish to further their education.
Video comes as a perfect solution for them all. Since it is usually short and can be watched from anywhere with an internet connection, video adapts easily to almost any kind of lifestyle. Students can decide when and where to learn without compromising their education because of their lives’ choices.
• Because It’s Better-suited to Short Attention Spans and Different Learning Curves
Let’s face it: in this time and age, we all suffer from short attention spans. But many students seem to particularly struggle with long texts and lectures. For them, educational videos are like a breath of fresh air since they are usually entertaining and short (or they should be).
Moreover, students can watch, pause, and rewatch any video as many times as they want. That way, they can go through any topic they couldn’t grasp until they feel ready to move on to a more advanced module. This is a big difference from the classroom environment, where students are forced to learn new subjects according to their peers’ learning curve.
How to Include Video Content in an Educational Setting
After reading so many great things about video, you have probably figured out it can enrich any curriculum. What you may not know is how.
But don’t worry: I’m about to show you some possible ways of incorporating video content into a curricular program.
• As an Introduction to a New Topic.
Teachers tend to struggle with piquing students’ interest in a particular topic. In that sense, video can come incredibly handy.
As said earlier, video is a highly engaging type of content. So, using it to introduce a new topic can spark students’ interest in the subject matter. When the video is over, students will be ready, or even willing, to learn more about the topic and more disposed to listen to the teacher or read their assignments.
• As Supplementary Material.
Today, you’ve learned that video is a fantastic educational tool. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only one you should use! In fact, it’s proven that students learn best when the curriculum includes different kinds of resources.
Video works like a charm as a complement to lectures or texts. Even more so when paired with interactive material, such as games or quizzes, to help students solidify what they’ve learned.
• As Replacement of Classroom Lessons.
I know this heading sounds controversial, but you’ll see how beneficial it can be once you learn more about it.
If students learn through videos at home, classroom time can be used to discuss the video’s topic or put it into practice. I can’t stress enough how important that is.
It can stimulate Higher-Order Thinking Skills, such as problem-solving or analytical abilities, and Soft Skills, in the case of team-work activities. Needless to say, both these types of skills are highly demanded in the job market and really useful for our daily lives.
Parting Words
Video brings about so many benefits to the education system that it’s hard to know which one is the most important.
Thanks to video, our current and future generations will be more inclined to learning experiences and more likely to develop Higher-Order Thinking Skills. But videos not only deepen the quality of education; it also expands it to new horizons.
Videos, especially those hosted online, provide quality educational material, such as Best Performing Arts Degree Programs from Collegerank.net, to an unprecedented number of people with very distinct lifestyles.
So, far from being a lost year for education, 2020 has brought positive changes in the way we teach and learn. Although I must admit, these changes may be better appreciated in the long run.
