In this webinar recording, our expert on classroom video Ben Goldstein discussed the added value of that video in the ELT classroom and how this relates specifically to teenage learners. For a generation brought up on screens, Goldstein looked at how video boosts motivation and engages students.
In the past, video in the classroom was used mostly for its audio component. It was seen as light entertainment, and it was not integrated into other skills or language work. It also frequently consisted of inauthentic, overly scripted material specially prepared for the learner. Goldstein stresses that we need to learn to exploit video as a visual medium, not just audio – that way, both we and our students can get much more out of it.
Why is video in the ELT classroom so popular?
These days, teachers like using video because it’s a great way to get learners engaged with a topic. They relate more easily to a situation presented in a video or an image format. It also has the ability to convey much more information in a shorter amount of time, as videos are processed more quickly by the brain than text.
Another proof that video is a great medium to use in the classroom is its popularity online. Teenage students frequently use video to communicate with friends, so they are already familiar with the medium and its use. YouTube is incredibly important for teenagers as well: 74% of people aged 14-18 and 68% of people aged 19-25 regularly use it. Teenagers are creating new YouTube genres, such as ‘haul’ (shopping), ‘draw my life’ and reaction videos (clips of people reacting to other clips). What’s more, many teenage vloggers (video bloggers) are remarkably successful and creative.
How can we harness the power of video in the ELT classroom?
It’s imperative that we tap into what teenagers are watching online. Ask students to create their own version of videos they like to watch online in their free time, or use video as a stimulus – a springboard to other tasks. Videos can help get students talking about topics they find interesting, and encourage learners to make personal and local connections. For example, the Discovery Education videos in courses such as Eyes Open from Cambridge University Press, focus on cultures around the world. Looking at cultures from around the world can help learners discuss their own culture.
For more ideas on how to use video in the ELT classroom and what to look out for when deciding on which video to use, watch the recording below:
You can read more about video from Ben here, and also on his own blog.