Videosharing

Video sharing refers to the online delivery of video on demand video clip content whereby video files can be downloaded automatically to a computer, mobile MP3 device or mobile phone for viewing at anytime.

Samples

Movie Maker Tutorial

Online Video at Google Video that can be embedded into a webpage, Learning Management System or Blog and Wiki.

Source Google Video
URL http://video.google.com.au/videoplay?docid=2708293864876338693&q=movie+maker&total=66168&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=6
Use Support video editing using Movie Maker
Delivery Online Video at Google Video that can be embedded into a webpage, Learning Management System or Blog and Wiki.
Customisation Digital Video can be produced using the same techniques used here or via the use of some easy-to-use software tools, such as Windows Movie Maker (PC) or i-Movie (Mac).
Requires: digital video or still camera, digital video editing software.
Availabilty NA

Video: Creating “How to” do task videos

A demonstration of why instructional videos of "how to" do tasks e.g. how to tie knots, braid hair, use equipment

Source NA
URL http://aquaculturepda.podomatic.com/entry/2007-05-05T16_33_35-07_00 with supporting documentation at http://aquaculturepda.wikispaces.com/podcast5
Use These sequences have been designed and produced by a number of VET teaching staff in the trade-based areas. They are designed to meet the needs of the particular curriculum.
Delivery A demonstration of why instructional videos of "how to" do tasks (e.g. how to tie knots, braid hair, use equipment) are beneficial to both learners and lecturers.  Features how to film these videos using digital cameras, digital video cameras and spyglasses.  Also demonstrates how to transfer the video footage onto a computer and edit using Windows Movie Maker.
Customisation Digital Video can be produced using the same techniques used here or via the use of some easy-to-use software tools, such as Windows Movie Maker (PC) or i-Movie (Mac).
Requires: digital video or still camera, digital video editing software.
Availabilty NA

Fraynework Digital Video – Desert Healing

This video is an excellent resource for any group interested in issues of reconciliation and the healing of painful memories…

Source Fraynework Video production
URL http://www.fraynework.com.au/02_productions/video/desert.html
Use Desert Healing tells the story of what took place when the people of the Kutjungka Region, South East Kimberley, gathered to recognise the deaths of their relatives in a massacre that occurred at Purrkuji (Sturt Creek Station) circa 1922. The community wanted to recognise this painful event that had burdened them for more than seventy years. National Sorry Day presented an opportune time for this to take place.
Delivery Digital Video can be produced using the same techniques used here or via the use of some easy-to-use software tools, such as Windows Movie Maker (PC) or i-Movie (Mac).
Requires: digital video or still camera, digital video editing software.
Customisation NA
Availabilty Publically available website

Basic Food Safety - Part 5: Adulterated Food

Online Video at YouTube that can be embedded into a webpage, Learning Management System or Blog and Wiki.

Source YouTube
URL http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=vX74QnHefe8
Use Part of food safety series aimed at food outlets and restaurant workers.
Delivery Online Video at YouTube that can be embedded into a webpage, Learning Management System or Blog and Wiki.
Customisation Digital Video can be produced using the same techniques used here or via the use of some easy-to-use software tools, such as Windows Movie Maker (PC) or i-Movie (Mac).
Requires: digital video or still camera, digital video editing software.
Availabilty NA

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Why include the use of video sharing?

The use of video files by trainers can provide a wide range of applications in the training environment and augment existing content delivery strategies. Video files can be downloaded and played by learners from their computer, on portable mp3 players and mobile phones.

Video podcasts (sometimes shortened to vidcasts or vidcasts) enable learners to engage with content in a familiar format at times for which access to other online learning content is difficult (for example, during lunch breaks, travelling to work, while undertaking domestic duties).

Features

Video podcasting allows users to subscribe (generally free of charge) to a video podcast, and then as new video files become available (episodes), they are automatically downloaded to their computer. These podcasts can then be viewed either on a computer (without going to the internet) and/or loaded onto some form of mobile media including mobile phones, iPod, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) or MP3 players. The video podcast can then be viewed anywhere and anytime.

Video podcasting extends the use of video files by enabling the learner to subscribe to learning content provided in video form through the use of RSS feeds. Video files can be uploaded to free sites such as YouTube or GoogleVideo for ease of distribution to users who can then either subscribe to the RSS feed or view directly from the site from an embedded media player.

These feeds can be subscribed to either in an internet browsers (such as Internet Explorer or Firefox) or podcatching software. RSS feeds can also be used to subscribe to blogs, wikis, websites with a news delivery function and social bookmarking sites. Trainers can selectively release podcasts and blog materials to learners by encouraging learners to use RSS feeds.

Video without the RSS is called video streaming because the videos cannot be subscribed to. These videos must either be manually downloaded or streamed live over the internet.

Teaching and learning opportunities

Videos are good for demonstrations and illustrating concepts, ideas and examples. They can be supported by text, captions, diagrams, still images, descriptions, interviews and interactions.

You can use Video to support learners to think out and present workplace processes and work flows using video.  When you create your our own videos as a group with learners as opposed to viewing 'others films', it enhances interactions and personalizes within the groups. Learners of varying age groups enjoy and sustain their enthusiasm for learning with computers by first learning about using digital cameras, working as a team and planning a short video using video footage or still images to develop a story that would have impact in their community or work place

Videos can be used to highlight, freeze-frame or slow motion an event can be of incredible benefit e.g. playing a musical instrument or performing a work task or sequence.

Videos place emphasis on the visual, hence clear subtitles; on-screen labels or voice-overs can benefit the language learner - and ESL learners

Videos can be stored on-line allowing learners (especially those who are slow learners) to re-view a topic several times. Videos can be shared in blogs, wikis, Learner Management Systems and websites using embedding code from video sharing websites
Video files and video podcasts can be used to provide learning content in training as follows:

  1. to record face to face sessions or specific summaries of sessions for absent learners and for learners to review later
  2. to provide extra material for self-paced learning
  3. to share video recordings of guest speakers from remote locations
  4. to provide interviews with subject experts or industry figures
  5. to support learners with literacy and/or other learning difficulties
  6. multi-lingual education
  7. to enhance language learning in, for example ESOL (pronunciation guides), foreign language lessons, or indigenous languages storytelling and oral culture
  8. as instructional training material for trades
  9. as an assessment tool through learner-created video files uploaded to a shared class blog or wiki
  10. to provide third party content on relevant subject areas
  11. as a support to walking tours of workplaces for training induction or specific instruction.

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Integrating the use of video sharing

There are so many videos available online, on so many different topics that it is often more effective use of your time to use ‘others videos’ than create your own video. Explore Google Video, YouTube and VideoJug for videos you can use with your learners.
Video podcasts can be used for a variety of purposes including sharing content and an alternative approach to the submission of assessment material.

Videos can be shared with learners by “embedding” the video into web page content or providing the link or by posting the embedded video to a blog or wiki. They can be easily updated and new video files can be shared with learners if used in conjunction with a blog that has an RSS feed.

For information on creating your own videos with learners, visit the Digital video strategy from the Gallery.

Design steps

Video Podcasts need to be prepared in accordance with your training objectives.

Planning

While you may not need a script, it is helpful to have an outline of what you're going to say and do.

  1. 3 to 5 minutes maximum.
  2. Consider using a variety of presenters
  3. Don’t just film a talking head, cut away to show a wider scene or environment.
  4. Plan material/topic you are going to record (consider what would make an interesting podcast)
  5. Consider mixing up the video presentation through the use of narrative, question and answer, interviews and guest speakers

Production

A variety of video editing software is available. These include Windows MovieMaker (Windows only, free) and Apple iMovie (MAC only, free with a new MAC).

Publishing

Once you've created your first vidcast, you need to prepare it for publishing and post it to the internet.
You can publish yourself either to a web host or learning management system.

  1. Save the file in WMV or MOV or MP4 (for iPod) format.
  2. Upload the file to a web host
  3. Create a link to the file in a blog post.
  4. Creating a special podcast RSS feed either a) by hand, b) by using a third party service (e.g. FeedBurner) or c) by using blogging software that creates podcast feeds automatically (for example WordPress)

You can also publish to Web-based Podcast Service and Host

  1. Save the file in WMV or MOV or MP4 format.
  2. Select an online podcast service (for example YouTube or GoogleVideo)
  3. Upload the file and create a blog there
  4. Share the podcast through an RSS feed or blog post
  5. Copy and paste the html code for your podcast to embed it into a media player on any website
For more information on creating RSS feeds, visit the RSS strategy from this gallery.

Assessment

One opportunity to use video sharing for assessment is for the learners to record their own presentations or demonstrations and upload them to video sharing websites such as YouTube and Google Video.

Be considerate of the technical component of digital video production. It may be unreasonable to expect learners to master these skills as part of their delivery. Demonstrate the process of uploading and sharing Videos and the process of making these available through either embedding the video in a blog or wiki with the code provided or encouraging users to subscribe to this and other videos through the use of RSS feeds.

A simple way of facilitating this might be to provide learners with access to a digital still camera that records video sequences. The learners could then submit this file without having to develop any production skills.

Generic skills

Vidcasts can be used to share a variety of information and learning materials with a learning group. With support, podcasts can be used as an assessment tool given direction on the form and content of the video file required. Learners will be developing their written and oral communication skills and capacity to order their thoughts for a viewing audience through the scripting and production of a podcast. The use of technology is embedded in each stage of the video production and sharing process.

Technical notes

If you aim to use Vidcasts in assessment:

  • Keep the required length of the podcast submitted to between 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Be clear on the competencies, generic skills, and performance criteria that need to be demonstrated.
  • Provide clear guidance on the type of content required in the Vidcast.
  • Give tips on making the vidcast engaging through using a variety of voices, narrative, question and answers and interviews.
  • Consider opening a class-based account at a podcast service so learners can easily upload and share their podcasts together. This will enable learners and the trainer to provide direct feedback.
  • Remind learners that podcasts on podcast services are publicly accessible although some sites enable private shared areas. Learners do not need logins to view the material so discretion should be exercised when publishing personal materials (for example digital stories, workplace case studies, etc).
  • Encourage the group to subscribe to the group podcast through an RSS feed

Digital video production has a reputation for being difficult to learn and time consuming to produce. This need not be the case. The advent of affordable digital cameras (digital video cameras and digital still cameras capable of recording short video clips), coupled with increasingly easy to use video editing software, has seen video production become much more accessible. Many home users are now using digital video technologies to edit and produce their own home movies.

Cameras can record video on mini DV tapes (requiring a capture or “recording” to be transferred to your computer via a connecting USB or firewire connection) or straight onto onboard hard drives (enabling quick transfer to your computer through a USB or firewire connection)

Start small. Begin by producing very short targetted sequences.
Initially, consider recording single sequences using a digital still camera capable of recording short video clips. The files produced can then be distributed without the need to learn any video editing techniques.

Choose a video editing tool that matches your level of experience. There are many very sophisticated tools available, such as Adobe Premier, but they are often very difficult to learn to use. Windows Movie Maker (PC) or i-Movie (Mac) are a good starting point for beginners.

Similar educational results can often be achieved by synchronising still images with audio. There are a number of tools that facilitate this, including Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Photo Story .

Skills

A basic knowledge and understanding of vidcasting and podcasting will involve the following:

  1. File management skills including “capturing” video files from a digital video player to your computer
  2. A basic understanding of video recording and shot composition.
  3. An understanding of video file formats including the correct format for a variety of uses. (Windows Media Video format [created through Windows Movie Maker], MP4 [for Video Ipod], MOV [created through QuickTime Video])
  4. Ability to use headphones/microphones or headsets.
  5. If you decide to have learners develop vidcasts for assessment you will need to provide a high level of support in developing skills in recording, exporting and uploading.
  6. Video camera or other video playing device (eg, MP3 player, mobile phone, certain car/home stereos, computer, PDA)
  7. Podcast fetching skills. (either through the use of internet browsers or pod-catching software)

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See also

From the Framework

More resources from the Australian Flexible Learning Framework

Tools and resources

  • How to create video podcasts
    Fantastic guide to creating Video podcasts using a range of (mostly free)different devices and software.
    http://aquaculturepda.wikispaces.com/Podcast5
  • i-Movie (Mac)
    i-Movie is part of the Macintosh OSX operating system. It is a very elegant software package and is designed for both the home user and the more experienced video producer. Part of the i-Life software suite, it can also be used to author professional DVDs.
    http://www.apple.com/ilife/imovie/
  • Microsoft Photo Story (for Windows XP)
    Photo Story is free and very easy to use. It allows you to create a slideshow of still images, synchronised with an audio narration that you record with the application. You can configure the transitions between images and add background music if desired. It has a wizard that guides you through the production process.
    http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/photostory/default.mspx
  • Windows Movie Maker (PC)
    Windows Media Maker is part of the Windows XP and Vista operating system (OS)and is also available for download to older operating systems. It is designed for the home user and is relatively easy to use. It is well supported with wizards, tutorials and help files. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/moviemaker/default.mspx
  • Creating Digital Video clips for teaching purposes
    Complex processes that would be very difficult to describe with the printed text can be elegantly conveyed with a short video sequence. Video is being presented to an audience using digital technologies, such as DVD, VCD, across a computer network or via the Web. Excellent "how to" resource for trainers considering the use of video.
    http://www.vetonline.swin.edu.au/digitalvideo/index.htm
  • Centre for Learning and Performance Technologies
    An extensive directory of tools for subscribing to and listening to podcasts as well as creating and delivering podcasts.
    http://www.c4lpt.co.uk/Directory/Tools/podcasting.html
  • Desktop Video Guide
    Lots of useful information about desktop video
    http://www.desktop-video-guide.com/share-video.html
  • Life Goggles
    A comprehensive online video comparison matrix.
    http://www.lifegoggles.com/video_ebook/video_comparison_matrix.htm
  • TubeMogul
    A free service that provides a single point for deploying uploads to the top video sharing sites, and powerful analytics on who, what, and how videos are being viewed.
    http://www.tubemogul.com/
  • YouTube
    The home for video online:
    • Watch millions of videos
    • Share favorites with friends and family
    • Connect with other users who share your interests
    • Upload your videos to a worldwide audience
      http://www.youtube.com

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Last modified: 15/9/08