Video-based teaching and learning has become increasingly popular in schools around the globe. It’s not hard to guess why! Not only do videos enhance student engagement, making learning more enjoyable and fun, but research has shown that they also increase information retention compared to lectures.
Of the many benefits of using video as a teaching tool, let’s discuss five that pack a big learning punch!
1. An Excellent Visual Learning Aid
Unlike two-dimensional text books and flat lectures, videos provide a visual representation of concepts that can be difficult to explain in words. For example, climate science concepts like extreme weather or pollution can be more powerfully understood when students see them and their effects in real life. Videos can include animations, audio, and step-by-step simulations, and can also help students with learning disabilities better understand key concepts. Research shows that visual aids such as videos can enhance learning outcomes for students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.
“It’s so intuitive. It’s nice to have something all web-based, not having to lug around books. I could access it remotely if I needed to. Kids also had access to it. All of those components are so important now, especially as we rely more heavily on technology in our classrooms.”
– Jessica Seminelli, New York City Elementary Teacher on using One Step
2. Improved Engagement
Video content can engage students by providing an entertaining and interactive learning experience. In today’s plug-and-play culture, educational video platforms are becoming the norm, and studies show that teachers believe the use of educational videos improves the learning experience. Engaging students in important concepts early on allows them to become invested in the subject-matter long-term.
3. Accessibility for All Learners
Does video-based teaching equal equity? Videos can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making learning more accessible for students who may not have access to physical classrooms. For example, students in remote or underprivileged areas can access video content online, allowing them to learn in a more accessible and convenient way. Video tools like captions and translations are also incredibly important for equitable learning.
“I really appreciated that I could put closed captioning on in Spanish because I have EL students in my classroom with no support. Being able to have a video that translates was really cool.”
– Katherine Nelson, New Jersey High School Teacher on using One Step
4. Enhanced Collaboration
Video-based learning as a teaching tool can enhance collaboration among students by allowing them the opportunity to work together on projects, even if they are not physically in the same location. For example, students can collaborate on a video project and share ideas, feedback, and information with each other in real-time regardless of where they live. Video enables students to participate in shared experiences with peers from diverse backgrounds around the world, bridging differences and creating a valuable equalizing effect.
“It was almost as if they could finally really put their fingers on it, and see how much waste could be removed. They actually saw it work, in real life!”
– Craig Manges, California High School Teacher on using One Step videos in his AP science class
5. Increased Proficiency in Digital Literacy & Communication
Video can increase students’ proficiency in digital literacy and communication, which are important 21st-century skills. By providing a more engaging and interactive learning experience, video-based teaching allows for the development of skills such as effective visual communication and media literacy, both of which are essential to success in the modern world.
As we’ve shared, video-based teaching and learning has a bunch of perks that make it a total game-changer for educators. With video-based teaching, educators can crank up the fun and create a learning environment that rocks! It’s a surefire way to engage and meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
Empower Your Students to #StompOutCarbon with One Step’s Video-Based Climate Science Curriculum
Are you ready to elevate your teaching techniques? One-Step’s comprehensive video-based climate science curriculum for grades 4–12 is engaging, informative, and appealing to students of all ages, but most importantly, it ensures active learning, making it a powerful tool for schools and classrooms that are committed to creating future change-makers and inspiring solution-oriented education!
One Step videos are also aligned to the this National Center for Biotechnology Information study: Effective Educational Videos: Principles and Guidelines for Maximizing Student Learning from Video Content.
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and it’s crucial that students understand its causes and impacts, as well as the actions that can be taken to mitigate its effects. One Step videos take students around the world to experience human’s effects on the environment along with the dedicated change-makers who are working to combat the negative effects of climate change.
In addition to providing students with the knowledge they need to become effective change-makers, the One Step curriculum also helps to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The videos and accompanying materials are designed to challenge students to think creatively about solutions to climate change, and to encourage them to consider the social, economic, and political factors that underpin the problem. By engaging with these complex issues, students develop a deeper understanding of the interconnected nature of the climate crisis, and are better equipped to come up with innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.
“I think [One Step is] a home run.”
– Craig Manges, California High School Teacher
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Want a closer look at how One Step videos can make learning about climate science engaging and accessible for students in your school or district? Schedule a quick demo.
