Apr 05 2009
Educational Videos
In the last few days I have watched tons of videos on YouTube and found several that I liked and disliked. The first is an old favorite Schoolhouse Rock video called Dry Bones.
I love all of these videos because 1. they teach a lesson, 2. they are in terms that can be easily understood 3. they cover a wide range of topics across all content area and 4. they are all set to music which kids really seem to enjoy. If you work with kids 12 and under, these videos are a definite must (most of my high school students enjoyed them as well).
Another video that I found interesting is called Education Today and Tomorrow.
This video goes through the changes in the classroom through the last century and it is filled with some startling facts (I checked of course) that should open a few american eyes. It is also set to music that will catch that attention of young people.
The videos that I did not think were useful included the following problems: incorrect content, no music or music that most young people would find boring, small or illegible font, lessons that spoke above the intended audience, or made light of difficult tasks. Instructional videos are meant to be just that…instructional. They should catch the students’ attention, be up to date, and contain content that is used to enhance your lesson. If these guidelines are met, then personally, I choose not to use the video in my class.
3 responses so far
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I really enjoyed the video you attached that was labeled “Education Today and Tomorrow”. It was very interesting and very true. Our world has changed and we must change in order to meet the needs of our students and the future.
I enjoyed the education video. It is so true. I also had no idea that School House Rock was on You Tube. Thanks for the memories. I still use those in my classroom today.
I am a huge fan of schoolhouse rock–and use it in my classroom whenever I can. My students love it! To them it is new–even though it was made in the 70s. It is a shame they have taken it off Saturday Morning Cartoons.
The educational video you found is very good and is so true! I really enjoyed your selections.