Limelight in 2019 discovered that an individual internet user uses approximately 7 hours in a single week watching videos online. In the previous year, Statista had estimated around 85% of Americans watched online videos each month on their devices while playing free online pokies for relaxation. The support and growth in online videos have led to the introduction of the same videos into online learning courses. Research indicates that a single teacher out of two believes in using video content to stimulate creativity levels in a student. The support is mainly in the use of animated learning videos as they are motivating. However, each positive outcome has a negative result, and online video courses can either be advantageous or disadvantageous.
Should We Choose Video Training?
First of all visual learning is more powerful as students grasp information faster. The combination of sound and seeing objects or subjects makes internalizing information easier for the student. Forrester Research Professional Dr. James equates watching a single-minute video course with approximately 1.8 million words in written format. Online video courses are advised for complex subjects as they can help simplify some phenomenon. Videos can provide illustrations much quickly. For instance, if teaching about electrical current, using arrows pointing in various directions to indicate the flow of electricity makes the concept very difficult to comprehend. However, with an animation video, the temporal change inflow of current is easily visible, making it more vivid, highly engaging for a student, and easier to understand.
On the other hand, learning alone can result in an individualistic view of varying phenomena. Studies show that group learning supports communal problem-solving skills, better and more collaborative teams, which are essential skills to an individual’s life. If in a group, it is easier to ask for corrections, confirm specific details and garner more information than when watching an online course video alone. Therefore, online course videos can eliminate the individualistic tendency by including others in the discussion. It helps voice different opinions and challenges the thoughts of others on the subject.
Pros of online video courses
Fast but flexible learning
A video takes a lot of time to record and edit to fit the quality of a teaching video. However, even with the high costs, research provides evidence that 90% of the data that goes to the brain is what people see and hear. The brain processes visuals 60,000 times much faster than texts you read in a book or the screen. Online learning videos aid students in creating mental representations of the processes, phenomena, and concepts learned in the video. In other words, visuals replace complex cognitive functions such as imagination and abstraction, according to Vickie and Michal in the Journal of Research in Science Teaching. Plus, students can pause, play and rewind the video to review other concepts ensuring that they receive all data regarding a specific subject.
Highly Engaging
Online learning videos can be entertaining and liven up a teaching session. Students often lack the enthusiasm to grasp complex terms, especially if they have no interest in the subject. It can be hard to arouse their claims without a perfect motivator. The University of Adelaide in Australia researched medical student’s ability to grasp learning materials using 36 different animated videos. The study was successful as the outcomes were more engaged students in the learning process and a better understanding of the provided learning materials. The students also had a happier learning experience. Any fun and lively online video course experience motivates students while providing relief from a stressful situation. It ensures that students feel free to learn, concentrate throughout the lecture, and leave the session relaxed.
Motivating
The Buffalo slot machine: a free slot game to play is another way to engage and motivate students to learn more. Imagine placing a bet that a win results in an hour of online video courses for all students? Can you imagine the adrenaline pumping through the students? The students are more likely to enact the casino game once again to get a chance at watching the video once more. Having to balance the two is a learning process that emphasizes discipline and better self-learning skills. Self-learning allows an individual to develop critical problem-solving skills without assistance equipping them with quality survival skills.
Cons of online video courses
Definite distraction
Online video courses are indeed fun and powerful learning tool for students. However, it can also provide a definite distraction where students concentrate on your video course’s extra details than the content it’s trying to teach. Many teaching videos lack learning content, limiting the video’s targets to pass through to a student. Plus, the videos are complex and challenging to edit. If there are mistakes that require corrections, one cannot redo a specific area. However, online video courses provide small notes at the bottom of the video explaining more complex concepts and correcting a mistake made in the video. It becomes easier to correct errors eliminating the need to redo or edit the video.
Cost intensive
Online video courses require a student to have the right equipment to watch them. Most online learning videos come in different formats for use on other devices. For instance, a video can be compatible with the Microsoft online video player, but a student cannot use an Apple smartphone to view the same video. Therefore, one requires the right equipment, phone or laptop, to watch online video courses. People around the world without the essential equipment are left out if teachers continue using videos for teaching.
Also, some videos are expensive to access. There are platforms providing students with video-based learning materials but with a monthly or yearly subscription fee. The media can either be an app or a website requiring students to register and purchase a premium video watching and learning plan.
Require uninterruptible connectivity plus bandwidth
Students planning to watch online video courses require uninterruptible online network connectivity throughout the learning session. Otherwise, the students have to do away with the class. Furthermore, some online videos are of high quality and thus, take up a larger bandwidth than anticipated. It becomes challenging to stream the video, which disrupts the learning process.
Summary
Online video courses are incredible technological advancements for students and teachers alike. There are many advantages of using online video courses, including better visual learning, student motivation levels, and highly engaging and motivating learning sessions. However, online video courses have negative impacts, including being more costly to use than regular books, inducing individualism, and requiring a stable connection. In conclusion, online video courses are a positive addition as the benefits outweigh the negatives in importance. Therefore, you can go ahead and invest in an online video course.
I'm a published author and proud US Army veteran who happens to be a gamer, so I decided to combine the two and love every minute of it! Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments and I'll be sure to get back to you.
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