Teachers Talk Tech #3: Using short-form video

Teachers Talk Tech is a podcast series about the role of technology in language learning and teaching. In conversations with leading experts from around the world, along with members of the Cambridge University Press and Assessment Team, we discuss the latest developments in the field and offer suggestions for teachers on how best to use technology to support learning inside and outside the classroom.

Short videos like those that are so popular these days on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and many other platforms, can potentially be harnessed for use inside and outside of the classroom. In this episode we talked to Maria González Durán, author, content creator and director of Pikingli, and Katie La Storia from Cambridge University Press and Assessment, about ways in which teachers can introduce short form videos to support the pedagogical aims of their course. We discussed how learners can be guided in selecting or creating videos for discussion and follow-up activities in class. We also looked at ways teachers can create their own short-form videos.

After listening

Once you have listened to the podcast, the following reflective questions can act as prompts to consider the potential role of short form videos in your context.

1) Do you consume short-form videos? If so, for entertainment or to learn things? What do you find appealing about them?

2) Many students spend a great deal of time passively scrolling through videos for entertainment purposes. What strategies can teachers use to help them watch videos in more active ways that support their learning?

3)In the video we discuss some of the ways teachers can use short-form videos such as:

Improving listening comprehension

Improving pronunciation and presentation skills

Encouraging sharing and storytelling

Which of these approaches do you think would work best for your students? What others might work? Why?

4) The use of short form videos can pose some risks with regards to privacy, security and the appropriateness of the materials. What particular risks do you see for your students and how can you prevent these?

5) What, if any, new skills do you think you may need to develop to make the most use of short form videos? You could think of technical skills such as the ability to find and select appropriate resources, as well as pedagogical skills, for example to ensure that videos are appropriately aligned with the curriculum.