How Video Makes Learning Engaging and Personal in Higher Ed

Using video in higher ed isn’t a new phenomenon. Remember the tangible excitement you felt when a TV and VCR were wheeled into the classroom? You knew it was going to be a good day.

That’s the level of excitement higher education should still be striving for when using video in the classroom—but more. Over the past decades, video-based learning has evolved from a mere cause for excitement into a powerful teaching tool

By understanding and effectively using video when teaching, educators can make learning more engaging and personal.

Uses of Video in Higher Education

There are no set rules on how video should be used in higher ed. Here are several ways to incorporate video into the classroom:

• Sharing existing video: YouTube is one of the most popular video platforms on the web, expecting to hit 210 million U.S. viewers by the end of 2022.
• Video lectures: Screen recording accompanied by audio voiceover provides an easy way to show examples and explain theories while teaching online. Take these recordings to the next level by including an image of yourself by using your camera in tandem with the screen recording.
• Camera recordings: Instructors and students can record themselves explaining a quick fact, providing virtual feedback or sharing a message.
• Live video: Students can engage in real-time discussion groups or do presentations through live video streaming.

Key Takeaway

Start trying different ways to feature video in your courses and see what resonates with your students. Ask for feedback to make the most out of how you’re using video.

Increase Student Engagement With Video

One of the perks associated with using video in higher ed is its ability to keep students engaged. Research shows that when producing videos to boost student engagement:

• shorter (ideally less than six minutes) is better
• no fancy editing is required—a personal touch is more valued
• you should try to show your face with a recording of slides
• showing enthusiasm helps capture the viewer’s attention

Recent research has also found that, by actively engaging viewers, video was able to improve exam results and help students better retain information up to four months after watching.

Videos are also able to engage more of the senses and more ways of learning than a simple lecture recording, audio file or slides can. By combining these features, video can appeal to visual and audio learners at the same time.

In addition to captivating students, video can also help make learning more personal.

How Video Makes Learning More Personal

In a 2019 global survey of those working in the field of education—the majority of whom were at the postsecondary level—results showed 98% of respondents thought video would play a part in making learning more personal.

Research has found that by actively engaging viewers, video was able to improve exam results and help students better retain information up to four months after watching.

However, with the rise of learning including more online elements, it’s important to maintain the human element that’s present during in-person learning. This can be accomplished through both faculty and students taking advantage of video tools.

A high-functioning LMS can use video to make courses more personal in the following ways:

• Feedback: Use short videos to connect with students or send quick encouraging messages on a common discussion board.
• Tone and expression: Video allows faculty and students to see the real person behind the computer and provides the personal touch of being able to hear tone of voice and see facial expressions.
• Human connection: Research shows video lectures that include an image of the professor speaking tend to be more engaging. Showing who’s speaking can add the personal touch students feel during in-person lectures.
• Inclusion: Videos can help address the needs of your students on an individual level. With elements like closed captioning and asynchronous learning, students can learn on their time, when and in the way that’s most convenient for them.

Next Steps to Incorporate Video-Based Learning

If you’re interested in using more video in your teaching, check in with your peers and colleagues. Find out if they have any advice or best practices for getting started.

You can also look at the functionality of your LMS. If you haven’t already, check out the video features your LMS offers and see how you can start using them in your lectures.

Interested in adding more video to your courses? Learn more about how Brightspace Creator+ integrates with CaptureApp to provide users with camera and screen recording to make engaging, personalized videos.

Written by

Kari Clarkson

Kari is a Content Marketing Specialist at D2L who focuses on the world of higher education. She enjoys using her research, reporting, writing and multimedia skills to tell impactful stories.