Creating Instructional Videos

Creating a video can be a lot of work. Especially for those who are uncomfortable with speaking. It took me at least 10 tries until I finally decided I was just going to accept the result. I get stumped or feel pressured at times so I add in words (like, um) when they aren’t necessary.  But of course, the end result was worth it. It was intriguing that I could create a video explaining something that I am showing you on my screen. Instead of having to relay the text or words to a person, you can use a visual with words, expression, details and easy navigation that allows the other person to understand and see what is being explained. If you are unable to promote one on one instruction, this is definitely a handy tool to be able to use. I know many of the online courses I have taken thus far, have required me to make videos, so fortunately for me, I was able to navigate this time without having to teach myself.

I have so far used Jing and screen cast. Both of which are great free resources. I recommend Jing because it allows you to save all the videos you have created and it just seems easier to navigate through for me. Maybe that is because I am familiar with it.  YouTube is great for many purposes, including to store your own videos you have created.

So the website I choose was http://www.wufoo.com/. I liked this website because it allows you to create different types of forms. I think it can become useful not only for business purposes, but for educational purposes as well (online quizzes/recaps). For instance, you can create multiple choice and other types of quizzes for students. You can also have students reply with text or in written paragraph forms. English teachers could use this site to create webs or help students write and organize essays. You can also create web forms/websites and have students navigate their way through online homework assignments. There are also ways to create interactive graphs.

Here is the website video from YouTube:

Once I had the website I was going to use and the reasons to use it, I started recording my navigation and explanations. This was the portion I disliked. I can’t stand to hear myself talk, so I am constantly re-recording hoping for a better alternative. Unfortunately, I had to make way with what I recorded or I would be going at it all day. The important thing to remember when making a video is just try and relax and be normal. Speak as if you were explaining something to your grandmother. I say my grandmother because I am completely comfortable talking to her. Also, remember that mistakes are going to happen, that is also included in normalcy. Do not delete or start over again, just because you took two breaths, or you said “um” like I did every 30 seconds. If you get stuck on re-recording till perfection, take a break. It becomes un-natural and awkward and sometimes you just need a break. Also, I would recommend to record in different sections/number breaks. By that I mean, depending on the length of your video, you may want to save it in portions so you do not have to go back and record the whole thing over again.  My video was less than 4:00 minutes, but if you were recording a 15 minute lesson instruction, you should make sure you can save and continue recording from different points.

I also made a quick recap quiz to help you remember the valuable resources for this site.

Please take the time to recap of why I believe this website could be a great technological resource to use in the classroom.

https://docs.google.com/a/laverne.edu/forms/d/1fOc1SeYZ0WrIzlYBkwIh_9eAANEyt0kD16VH0Mt6Pik/edit

 

Thanks for reading!

Shift Happens

To me, there are numerous reasons to become a teacher. Having the ability to reach and help guide each child towards a positive future is probably my biggest. This video is completely relevant to the future of our economy. As I have mentioned previously in another of my blogs, teachers have first hand (besides parents, and we can’t be a parent to every child) at guiding students to a successful path. I truly value education and believe it is important, especially starting with the young. I have always said, it really doesn’t matter to me what grade level I teach (K-6) because just having the opportunity to be a part of every child is rewarding enough. Of course, the grade level definitely determines the behavior and complexity level, but that is beside the point. I think the idea is in order to become a successful teacher, they must be looking towards the future, not only of our children, but our economy. Our economy is constantly changing and we are preparing our children for things that don’t currently exist. (So they are able to create new inventions or become talented on a whole other level. Becoming a teacher, for me is to help not only my own child, but being that extra/external guidance (beyond the parent level) in assisting children towards a positive, greener, innovated future and for their lives. I believe any great teacher will be adaptable, creative, knowledgeable, fun, and interactive with the community. They would also understand the importance for guiding our children towards an unknown future. Preparing them for what is to come, or rather, what it is they make of it.

As a future teacher, I find it really frustrating the amount of value we have towards education in America. I think that Americans sometimes take advantage of free education so a lot of children or even un-supportive parents take advantage of it. Then we have third world countries that so thirsty for the knowledge and truly have interest, yet they lack resources to build up their economy. I believe that Americans tend to value business or money, or even materialistic items. My step mother just visited Norway a few months back. She mentioned that they provide a completely free education to international students. If Americans are no longer looking for factory workers, we need to support our children to “think outside the box.” Shift our way of thinking and promoting education. I am not able to change the future, although I would love to, but I am able to change my own way of thinking and possibly touch the lives of children. I can guarantee that it would make me just as proud as their mother. And if it is not enough to inspire a student, than wait till a student inspires YOU!

I think students also have something to teach us.