Streaming Video

[Lori Holcomb]

After reviewing the examples of streaming video, share your thoughts and opinions here. How does streaming video tie in with the goals and missions of the 21st century?

[Erica Hanlon]

Streaming is altering education is wonderful ways. Streaming videos as a classroom teacher is intriguing because of the flexibility and easy access that video streaming provides. Before this class, I was not a tech. savvy teacher; however, I have been introduced and used Discovery Education where our school has a contract. This website allows us to upload videos easily, access on demand; I can choose which videos hit my curriculum the best. I have been able to pause a video to discuss the content and resume play when we are ready. We can view videos in segments, some as short as seconds long. Video streaming promotes higher interest from students and provides student engagement for after video discussions. Enrichment and remediation are tools that video streaming allows.
We are allowing our students to partake in a media center society. Streaming videos are helping teachers take our students beyond the classroom and providing enrichment and remediation activities. Teachers are always telling our students to connect their learning to the real world. Streaming videos allows teachers to provide the emotional and real life examples that we are always trying to promote.
Students need access to an Internet server that can hold videos and access to website that provides streamed videos.
Some drawback to streaming videos are you may not always have access to stream videos if you don't have internet, school servers may block video, and teachers need to feel comfortable with technology.

[Danielle Cusick]

The effectiveness of the streaming video:
Streaming videos are great! (As long as the school server does not block them) They are easy to upload and view. I've used them before to build prior knowledge on habitats with my first graders. The kids were excited about what we were going to be learing and engaged. As far as students creating their own that is just a successful. Easy to use, upload and edit. They can saved and viewed. Students have the opportunity to work cooperatively with peers, use their creativity and communication skills.
What are the streaming videos key benefits/features/strengths:
Can upload educational videos on all topics, can be viewed entirely or in small sections, students can create their own. For example my fifth graders use Flip camcorders to create their videos. It is easy for students to upload and edit as well as save.
What makes the streaming videos effective for learning?
It is more benefical when students create their own but are just as effective used to enrich a lesson. As long as the video correlates with the objective and will enrich questions, answers, ideas about the topic. Students creating their own are creating a product either individually or in a group. It involves many skills such as: organizing,researching and planning, ablility to be creative, and building communication skills.
What are some drawbacks to streaming video?
Servers blocked(my school blocks all videos) but we can create using Flip camera. Time it takes to upload all student created video, having access on school computers to access streamed videos, small computer screen to view- hopefully have a screen and projector

[Mariam Elsayed]

Streaming video is a crucial piece of 21st century learning where creating and complete understanding is the main objective because video is a great tool for demonstration, instuctions, in depth explanations, visualization, and telling of stories. Video also allows for differentiation in instruction as it appeals to both visual and auditory learners making it a great teaching tool for 21st century teachers as well. In addition to viewing streaming videos, making your own streaming videos is the perfect 21st century learning task because it emphasizes higher level thinking and critical thinking which is required in application and teaching excersizes utilized in making a video about any topic. Possible drawbacks of streaming video is the technology and equipment it requires, as well as access to different videoa and knowing how and where to find them. I imagine it is only a matter of time before these issues are resolved.

[Deanna Peck]

Streaming videos can save teachers and students from downloading and using memory by automatically linking through the internet video clips. Streaming video is best valued as a “narrative visualization”, “dynamic modeling”, and simulation of real life scenarios. To maximize learners’ concentration it is best to show short segments of video and to support class discuss or modeling. Also possible are ‘chat boxes” or threaded discussions boards allowing distant viewers to synchronously or asynchronously discuss the content and issues with the video. This allows distant students to receive “hands on experience” through the use of streaming videos as well as for teachers to bring more experience professionals into the regular classroom. Streaming video may also be played as part of the questions set by teachers in online tests, exams and quizzes. Streaming video could also be reasonably part of student online answers or assignments (Shepard, page 299).

Students should learn how to utilize all the Media Player controls to best view short or segmented clips on the internet. Streaming video could help learners acquire the procedural skills, first my viewing “real life” then practicing through simulation. Widespread use of streaming media will require staff and students to be resourceful users of learning technologies (Shepard, page 304).

Drawbacks can include a short delay, if viewed on a computer screen versus a television or projector screen the image is small and possibly more difficult to fully understand what is being shown. The user will need a fast broadband connection, headphones, speakers, and Media Player software to video viewing. Many staff and students experience problems in finding time, support and acquiring skills; many students experience problems in accessing reliable networked equipment (Shepard, page 303).

[Rachael Lundin]

I enjoyed the streaming video examples from this week's assignment. The funny thing is that I never really thought about streaming videos in the classroom even though I watch streaming videos every single day over the internet. Why not bring them into the classroom? Streaming videos are effective as a support learning tool ... as they can help to excite and motivate students as well as engage students through sound and picture. I think that the more resources that we bring into the classroom ... the deeper the level of understanding the student will have as well as the increase of the dimensions on knowledge that we are trying to portray will be shown. With streaming video I think it is important to make sure its used a support tool, as well as tried out for technical difficulties by the teacher beforehand (unless its a live video!) I also think it is important that teachers document their use of streaming video and perhaps make a blog etc to show how streaming video was either good or bad in their classroom. With so many new technologies ... we as the educators must be researchers as well. Its our obligation to let others know what we feel are strengths and weaknesses of each technology. If you use it in your classroom ... tell others about it!

We were given some example websites that have streaming video ... I enjoyed attempting to tap into all of them! I use cnn streaming videos as well as abc.com streaming videos on a daily basis so I am rather immune to the ins and outs of matching the video up with your pc/mac etc. Usually the streaming video's will lead you through any extra programs you might need to run the video ... on a whole I do not think streaming video's presents teachers with too much technical difficulties.

I would like to know more about what people think of live streaming videos? Are educators nervous or apprehensive I should say about bringing live TV into the classroom? Is that too much of a risk? There is a sense of excitement that comes from learning from real-time feeds ... does this overpower the risk of having a live feed? I find this idea exciting and would love to know other people's opinions on the subject.

Thats it for tonight ... have a good day all!

[Michael Cook]

This was a really cool assignment, and I enjoyed playing around on these sites, seeing everything they offered, and watching videos. AS I mentioned in my forum, in the past I haven't given much thought to really using streaming video in all my classes, but after viewing these, I really believe this is an excellent teaching tool.
Teachers of any content area can find a video to supplement basically anything they try to teach. I've already shared several of these sites with the Science and Social Studies teachers I work with. I think both of these content areas would have been more enjoyable, interactive, and educational for me if we had these sites available to us and our teachers in school. I absolutely loved the national acrchives. I'm going to use it to provide some background and context to the material we read in class.
Teachers can use streaming video in multiple ways. They can scaffold classroom learning, share their own videos with students, make ideas more tangible for students, and teach students valuable 21st century skills. Streaming video can be added to online tests to help create more interactivity and to assess students' use of technology. These can also enhance peer-to-peer online interaction by attaching a text box or blog to the assignment.
Overall, students can develop better skills in using technology and in digital communication. These videos also give students access to the entire world, past and present, allowing them to become global citizens and learners. Streaming can help students masater their core subject areas through thought, discussion, and use of supplemental technology. Communication, both face-to-face and digital, can be enhanced with streaming videos as the center-piece. Technological ability, students' skills in finding, creating, and working with these videos, will be developed and increased.
I'm excited to learn more about streaming video and the possibilities that go with it. I actually showed one in class today, and I plan to continue using them to supplement my students' learning and help them develoop stronger 21st century skills.

[Tawnee Bounds]

• The effectiveness of the streaming video
• What the streaming videos key benefits/features/strengths are
• What is makes the streaming videos effective for learning?
• What are some of the drawbacks of streaming video?

Streaming video is effective in the learning process today, because so many students need to be entertained in order to learn and they consider the computer to be one source of entertainment for them. Also, they love to watch movies and video streaming is one way to tie the two together. While discussing the different trees in physical science, they could take a walk outdoors and identify local trees. With video streaming, they can expand that knowledge while taking a ‘virtual walk’ in other areas of this country as well as other countries (opportunity to include globalization).

Streaming video strengths would be that student learning is not limited to written or audio of local news and information, but is expanded to visual exposure. It will enhance the opportunities for visual learners to more completely understand the material being taught. With video streaming, teachers have the option to show only the segments that would be most effective in enhancing the current objective in the lesson. Also, it is available whenever it is convenient for the teacher. It is not something that has to be ordered or scheduled in advance.

Learning is enhanced by streaming video, due to the interaction and the exposure to alternative sources of information available. There are so many videos available, you are certain to find one for the majority of topics you cover. I have used lectures on technology from professors at MIT to begin technology discussions with my class. This has been a personal success in using streaming videos.

As Kerry Shephard mentioned in his article, being able to assess student learning based on the video streaming, is difficult. Knowing how to successfully present subject matter via video streaming requires additional research – as there has been much success and failure reported.

Often a teacher is unable to display the passion needed in presenting a subject matter to the students – but if there is a video available, it would enhance the knowledge presented by the teacher in a format the majority of students would be willing to accept. In my opinion, there is much to be gained by complementing the current teaching structure with video streaming (just look at the success of YouTube).

[Tawnee Bounds]

I forgot to mention my comments on viewing the streaming videos resources that Dr. H shared. NASA’s website had some great video’s available from numerous launches. I have always been fascinated with the space landings and the possibility (or probability) of living in space. I have viewed for my personal use clips from the History Channel, National Geographic and CNN sites. However, I had not previously heard of the Best Tech Videos. I viewed some of the ones on BrainPop and am going to investigate more to see if I can include these on my Moodle page as “Things To Do When You Finish Early”. They are fun, yet very informative and use cartoon type characters to present the information. At the end, there are also simple activities and questions about the video to help reinforce the main concepts.
Also at this site, I found a Mr. Excel who has multiple short clips sharing tips on using Excel - what my students are currently learning. The Best Tech Videos site completely sold me on using this technology in the classroom.

[Kristy Meyrickk]

Streaming video will enhance education. Instead of merely reading about facts, events, animals, and other things that are not within the daily view of our students, students will have the video opportunity to witness events up close and personal. It is almost like being there, except the point of view is the camera angel.

Streaming video is sometimes 'in your face' reality. I watched one that was our military in Afghanistan. I heard gunfire, saw soldiers firing their weapons, and heard language and shouting that was realism. It was undoctored and uncensored. Just like the introduction of CNN had a huge impact on motivating people to want to help other people, streaming video will impact the 21st Century.

The most important skills students will be required to gain from the use of video in learning is that of a critic. Students will need to take notice of their sources and not believe everything they see. Just like the man who wanted Americans to think he accidentally launched his son in a weather balloon, streaming video can be staged to look real.

Some drawbacks are the amount of time someone must spend watching the video first, and then deciding how and when to use it. The before mentioned video I watched with our military contained a prolific amount of profanity and would not be appropriate for a public school setting. Also, I would not want to show a video that involves the taking of another's life.

Monitoring the appropriateness of streaming video could become a full time job. Not every educator understands what is appropriate and what is not. Sadly, a few years ago, some educators allowed the streaming video of US hostages being decapitated to be aired in their classrooms. Those teachers were fired, but those students will never be able to erase what they saw from their memories.

Appropriate use is a major concern - when using video in the classroom - in my opinion!

[Donia Winslow]

Streaming video should only be used to enhance education, not replace a lesson within the curriculum. Streaming video can engage students, which we strive for as educators. More interactivty and student engagement is what we are looking for. Shephard's article noted that streaming videos are much more interactive than the traditional VCR/DVD.
Streaming video can actually replace the traditional VCR and DVD players in the classroom and provide somewhat of a "live feed." Conventional video does not produce the interactivity results that streaming video does. I particularly am interested in using streaming video during our current events discussions. If monitored closely and and the student has knowledge of digital literacy, students can create and produce their own videos, which in turns promotes collaboration. This will encourage students to use a higher level of thinking, which is critical in the 21st Century.
Students need knowledge of computers and digital literacy, such as media players and be able to create videos. Students also need to be able to use critical thinking skills to facilitate discussion when the streaming video is connected to the lesson being taught.
In order to access streaming video, one must have connectivity to a computer and internet. This is where the digital divide will come into play. Also, the content of the streaming video must be appropriate and tailored to the lesson. Streaming video should be used as a supplement to enhance instruction, not to actually replace the instruction. There can be many educational possibilities with the use of streaming video, but it should be closely monitored.

[Destiney Ross]

Streaming videos effectiveness comes from the fact that they are specific to the learners needs. Because streaming videos are becoming abundant in various topics and fields, the learner can seek out specific information that only addresses their individual needs. Teachers can use this to their advantage by finding videos that supplement a given lesson in manners not offered by their textbooks or primary resources. For instance, many of the videos provided on the History Channel and the National Archives websites offer a combination of actual footage and reenacted happenings of the past that creates a much greater impact on the students’ learning of the matter opposed to just reading a text.

Although the videos on the CNN Video Almanac did not play on my PC, it prompted me to search for many of the coverage on those past happenings. Being able to see the nation’s initial reaction to several historic incidents ignited emotions within me almost as if I was there in that time. Therefore, in those few minutes that it took to watch those videos, I experienced some of our nation’s most infamous troubles and joys just as citizens did when it occurred – very powerful!!!

One drawback of using video in the classroom is that some students may not be able to handle the speed at which the information is being delivered especially if they are accustomed to asking questions throughout the lectures. Teachers of students as such will have to occasionally pause the video to address any uncertainties or allow the students to write key facts from the video. A minor drawback may be the sporadic stops that occur mainly from streaming videos when the video hasn’t fully loaded; this really annoys me but can be solved by allowing the video to load completely before viewing it.

[Katrina Benton Donham]

After reviewing each of the streaming video clips, I was opened to a world of possibilities in the classroom. I went carefully through each link to seek out the strengths and weaknesses of the videos/sites. It seems that all the videos could potentially be really useful in the classroom for certain content areas, but not necessarily for any given one. As a co-worker, I would pass along the WGBH video to my fellow teachers as encouragement to explore streaming video. But, as an English teacher, I would most likely use the PBS, National Geographic, or History (to help with background information on social contexts and authors of different texts). Some of the video sites were not helpful because the videos didn't work for me (NARA, CNN). But, most had educational value and could work well in several classes. The main drawbacks I saw dealt with time; some videos were very long and others were very short...not much of a middle ground. Short ones were probably 3-5 minutes and long ones were almost an hour. I was impressed by the video quality of all the streaming videos, too.

Streaming video absolutely pertains to the 21st century and the skills required. Young folks need to know how to navigate the Internet and use it for the educational good. Creating streaming videos would be a great project assessment idea for the upper grades because students would then be using a higher order of thinking. However, teachers would need to undergo some training (most likely) and then also teach their students how to create a video, which all takes up valuable time. But, if students could both watch and create streaming videos, they would be on their way to becoming successful, driven 21st century denizens.