We know.

When you read the title of this week’s post, you may have felt adamant, immediate disagreement. If you are not making already making videos, it is probably because it seems like another too-difficult technology to learn, or because you don’t think it comes with enough advantages to you and your students to make the learning curve worth it.

Here’s why we’re asking you to consider recording your direct instruction if you are not already doing so: it’s better for your students.

If a video exists, students can:

a. Pause. Rewind. Play back confusing parts. They can watch entire lessons again. An aide or parent can help them learn from it. They can interact with the content in a variety of ways, on a variety of timelines. This means more ability levels have more access to your lessons.

b. Avoid being left behind. If the internet blinked out during your lesson, or a major disruption happened at home, your students have an easy way to catch up. And they don’t have to feel embarrassed about missing out.

Videos also come with benefits for you. If videos exist, you can

a. Direct absent students to the videos to catch up instead of finding ways to re-create the missed content.

b. If students are failing, you can direct them to the video, even if they are missing assignments from several weeks ago. Students have a way to access the missing content that is easier for you to manage, and that builds a stronger pathway forward.

Also, and finally, videos are EASY to make. You already have your lecture notes and your PowerPoints. Now just hit record. But remember one key tip: don’t try to make them perfect. You are not a filmmaker – you’re a teacher. Forgive yourself the mistakes; don’t even re-watch. Make videos because it will make your students’ lives easier and, by doing that, yours might get a little better too. That’s what we’re hoping for.

Have we convinced you to give it a try? WE HOPE SO! To show you how possible this can be, Joel Clements (MVHS) recorded two guide videos to help: part 1 is for beginners; part 2 for those wanting to learn more.

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TECH TRAINING OPPORTUNITY: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18:

2:00-2:30: There’s No Place Like Home! Best Practice for your Canvas Home Page – Learn how to build a home page that is consistent and easily navigable for students. Location: Christie McCormick’s WebEx room

2:30-3:00: Tech Tuesday (The Wednesday Edition) – Come with your questions! We can help! Please consider using this form if you have something specific you would like to discuss with the group. Location: Scott McDonald’s WebEx room

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