HOW You Use Video Makes ALL of the Difference

Do you have students watch videos for class? Are you flipping your classroom? I love using the power of video, but have you ever thought about the potential barriers students might face when watching videos?

Here are a few things to think about:

  • How would a student with hearing difficulties listen to your video? 
  • How will non-visual learners access information? 
  • How will students without Internet access or devices access your videos outside of school? 
If we don't think about these things, we create unintentional learning barriers for our students. Here are a few tips for utilizing an important medium like video, while still providing access to all learners:

1. Where you post makes all of the difference. Are you using YouTube to post your videos? If not, you may want to consider using this powerful tool. Why? The automatic Closed-Captioning feature provides access to students with hearing difficulties or who need to see the words.


2. If you cannot use YouTube, have you considered putting together an outline with key ideas or a transcript of what was said? 


3. How will students access your videos if they do not have Internet access? In the technology era, it is often a requirement that students have access to the Internet; however, many families still cannot afford devices or access. 
  • It may be helpful to help students come up with a gameplan on where they can go if an assignment requires a device and Internet access, such as computer labs, public libraries, or a friend's house.  Even if students have access to WiFi, what happens if it goes out? I would recommend having a backup plan in place for ALL students!
  • Students may have a device, but no access to Internet. In this case, are you able to put your video on a flash drive that the student can borrow? 
  • Is there a way for students to borrow devices? Do you have access to old iPods, cell phones, or laptops that students could use for the night?  
Conclusion:

It is important to think about these high-probability barriers before they happen so that you have a gameplan in place for students to spend more time on learning.

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