Thing 14 - Online video & audio resources

I already use a ton of online audio and video in my class. Most of my teacher led presentations have links to YouTube or TeacherTube videos or animations. This is a great resource for science teachers as it allows us to show things in our classroom that the students can see in a textbook or in the lab. I think utilizing video & audio is the easiest starting step for educators to begin integrating technology into their classroom.

I stumbled upon TeacherTube a year ago and like using that one whenever possible as I know there are not as many licensing and/or copyright risks involved in it. I like the idea of having small clips and being able to use those as they fit, rather than the old method of having to watch a 30 minute VHS video all at once (or being the person who fast forwarded through pieces).

Audio is nice, when the video isn't available. Audio at least stimulates the auditory modalities and helps students learn, but video stimulates the visual and auditory modalities, thus making it more effective. Its easier to learn content when you have visual evidence in addition to auditory information. Even if the video is just of a person talking, much can be learned from the mannerisms of the presenter that would otherwise be lost if the video was available.