The Power of Video in the Classroom

As I rounded the week at TCEA, I reflected on the power of video in the classroom.  Video is engaging to our students; it is a format they are comfortable with; and there is little room for misunderstanding a concept when they can literally 'see' it on the screen.  A blog post by Dr. Nathan Lang (also a former co-worker of mine at NASA DLN) called Student Video Creation: 5 ways to ensure it aligns with district-tier goals addresses how this can use Marzano's instructional strategy of identifying similarities and differences more clear. The post has great insight into how student created videos can lead students to effectively communicate their own learning in the classroom.   I think it goes without saying that video can help students understanding of concepts in the classroom, as well as for teachers to use effectively to communicate their own ideas and lessons in a 'flipped' classroom.  When I started working with video over 20 years ago, I knew then that it was going to be a powerful force in education.  Today it is even more present.  Being in an area hit by Hurricane Harvey, video helped convey the devastation, helped get the word our about heroes, and helped raised funds because we could hear and see from those affected. No matter who uses video and whatever the purpose, it can have a huge impact.  Make it a part of your classroom and make a change for the better! #wevideo