Group 2 Tools - Video Reflection

Along with audio, video can play a big role in music education. In many ways, it can enhance audio with a visual display of the sounds – music videos are an excellent example of this. However, a study by Swisher (2007) has suggested that how the video is used is much more important that whether video is used at all. This suggestion has implications for us as teachers – the pedagogy of how we use videos in the classroom is critical, this is what Technological Pedagogy Knowledge is all about.

Not only is video and excellent way to present content and reinforce the learning experience, it can also prove an excellent tool to develop higher order thinking skills (HOTS) as well as developing students’ literacy ability (data organisation, communication and presentation) whilst making students review previous information – this is critical analysis.

Once again the issues of privacy, permission/licencing and student safety all need to be recognised within video content – on the Internet and on a community-sharing basis. For public videos, students should not be identifiable for their own safety. Videos created should also be of the best possible ethical standards.

There are so many ways students could use video to enhance their learning experiences. Here is a list of some of the few:

• Video displays of sheet music with the audio form of the music here is an example:

• Documentaries of musicians can be viewed to help the students make connections with the artist.
• Students could videotape their practice and upload it to a blog for discussion – potential for a video diary of their practice.
• Students could record performances and then edit the recording to make a DVD presentation for the class. They can enhance their video editing skills in this process, whilst reviewing their performance.

Here is PMI Analysis of videos as a educational tool:

Plus

• Engaging
• Induces higher order thinking skills
• Can be used as a content introducer or as a content reinforcer
• Both visually and aurally stimulating 

Minus

• Student safety, privacy and licencing concerns
• Can distract from content and pedagogy if used ineffectively

Interesting

• Very helpful in documenting student progress
• Video reviews are often the best way to rectify technical issues in music. 

References

Swisher, D.J. (2007). Does multimedia truly enhance learning? Moving beyond the visual media bandwagon toward instruction effectiveness. Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu/1046356/Does_Multimedia_Truly_Enhance_Learning_Moving_Beyond_The_Visual_Media_Bandwagon_Toward_Instructional_Effectiveness