Videos in the Classroom

I really like the idea of using videos in the classroom. Videos can enhance a student's learning by engaging them, re-enforcing what they have already learning, getting their attention, and getting them interested in ideas/topics. Videos are also great for reaching students with a variety of learning styles. Students get the visual as well as the audio. Videos are also great for staying connected with the world. You can view different parts of the world at anytime. Not only that but you can also skype with people from all over the place and have them talk to students about what they are learning. Video can also help explain concepts in such a way that makes it easier for students to understand.

I haven't used videos very much in my student teaching placements but that is something that I want to start doing because I think that it makes learning more engaging for students. The first video is a Bill Nye the Science Guy video on Electricity. I would show this either at the beginning of the unit to get students interested in the topic or I would show it at the end to reinforce students' learning.

The second video is on the quadratic formula and it is a song! I would use this in high school pre-calculus. I remember my teacher showing us this video and I remembered the quadratic formula for a long long time because it was a tune that was stuck in my brain! Watch it if you get a chance, its a catchy tune and funny.

I would also have my students create videos. I think creating videos would be a great way for students to show their learning and it is also a fun and engaging way to do it! If the school allowed it, I would have students upload their videos on Youtube because that is where their work will get noticed and not only that, they are able to share with the world the work that they are proud of. Students can also get positive feedback from people they don't know. I think that this is a good way to boost student confidence in school.