Video is an agent of change. It’s revolutionized how we communicate, entertain ourselves, consume information, and learn. Video plays a key role in the classroom, aiding students and teachers. It fits perfectly with the current paradigm shift in education, called Education 3.0, where traditional lectures are being put aside in favor of interactive and/or project-based learning supported by multiple types of technology.
Video is an agent of change. It’s revolutionized how we communicate, entertain ourselves, consume information, and learn. Video plays a key role in the classroom, aiding students and teachers. It fits perfectly with the current paradigm shift in education, called Education 3.0, where traditional lectures are being put aside in favor of interactive and/or project-based learning supported by multiple types of technology.
Education 3.0 and the “flipped classroom”
Education 3.0 focuses on blended learning, using multiple methods to create a flexible, customizable learning system based on the dynamic interaction between students, teachers, and the curriculum. Interactive and project-based learning is based on Q&A sessions, quizzes, discussions, labs, and real-life examples. This allows for a high level of customization where the content can be tailored to fit the class and even the needs of specific students. One might also take it a step further, turning traditional classroom learning on its head into what is called a flipped classroom. Here, students consume new learning material at home (online) and spend classroom time working together on assignments. Such a paradigm shift requires a variety of infrastructure components, such as stable internet access, personal devices, presentation technology, video conferencing technology, software, content management systems, wireless sharing, creative tools, and more.
Trends
This revolutionary teaching style comes from many years of research and a greater understanding of how people learn. The one-size-fits-all approach has long been rejected as a proper teaching method, and the focus shifting toward flexibility and personalization.
This development in education unfolded alongside job market developments. The world is a global village, and more than ever, its focus is on competitiveness and adaptability. Soft skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration are necessities. Education models, therefore, are also adapting to help prepare young people for the future.
The modern classroom has changed. It has transformed from a place where students passively receive content to a place where they are active designers of and participants in their learning experience. The classroom has opened up to rich media formats such as video, which is used to communicate with subject experts and peers from anywhere.
As video production tools and distribution platforms became more broadly accessible, many higher education institutions began to offer distance/online learning that is heavily video based. Private companies have followed suit, creating peer-to-peer online learning communities and platforms. Examples are Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Skillshare. Learning through online videos has become normal, even desirable – making education accessible regardless of location or finances.
Advantages of video in education
The positive effects of video use in education have created many well-documented advantages for all stakeholders.
Benefits for students:
- Supports multisensory learning (images, text, audio, interactivity)
- Improves comprehension
- Improves retention of information
- Stimulates students’ ability to recall information
- Can bring a subject to life, making the topic more engaging
- Realistic experiences that enhance cross-cultural understanding
- Visualization strengthens the links between abstract ideas and practical applications
- Supports the communication of complex topics
- Develops digital literacy
- Enhances creative and collaboration skills
- Creates an authentic learning experience when interacting with experts
- Provides flexibility for busy schedules with on-demand streaming
- Provides access to knowledge regardless of distance
Benefits for teachers
- Increases student engagement
- Acts as excellent supplementary material for traditional teaching methods
- Helps create a blended learning environment
- Facilitates innovative teaching methods
- Provides an opportunity for professional development through partnering with other teachers online
Benefits for institutions
- Improves student outcomes and achievement levels
- Increases marketing opportunities by reaching a wider audience
- Makes staff training more flexible
- Increases online course offerings
- Provides students with a more diverse and accessible teaching style
- Increases education accessibility
Tools for the successful use of video in education
Connections
Classroom users (teachers and students) may have different devices with different input options that may or may not be compatible with the AV equipment in the classroom. The classroom must, therefore, be equipped with the necessary cables and adapters to match different devices. Alternatively, the school or institution might opt for wireless classrooms, in which case students and teachers need to be trained in using the wireless sharing application. With wireless sharing, a stable, fast internet connection is a must.
Multimedia
To use video as supplementary material in the physical classroom, the room must be equipped with the right audio and video equipment to support this goal. Depending on the size of the classroom and the type of institution, it could be a display, projector and screen, or interactive whiteboards. Audio solutions can range from a simple set of speakers or a conferencing audio bar to a more complex audio solution including microphones, mixers, and amplifiers.
Connecting the classroom to the outside world
It has become quite popular to pair schools and classrooms in different regions or countries. And effective peer-to-peer education requires rooms that are equipped with video conferencing hardware (and software/applications) to create a live, “face-to-face” experience for the students. Video conferencing tools are also necessary when having guest speakers participating remotely.
Software
Of course, the right equipment is only part of the equation when successfully integrating video in education. The right digital infrastructure is also a key element. This includes:
- Learning management systems
- Streaming and video sharing platforms
- Unified communication platforms
- Video conferencing applications
- E-learning platforms
Biamp’s education solutions
Biamp is your provider for every communication tool the modern learning environment requires. Designed to be easy to setup and easier to use, our products enable campus-wide solutions built for the specific needs of your educational institution.