Are Videos Distracting or Engaging in the Classroom?

     From the article, "Telling Stories with Video", I learned how educational videos can be useful when implemented in the classroom. This is because they are more interactive and engaging than simply displaying text on the board and expecting students to memorize. There can also be a more advanced and detailed meaning achieved through videos (Kajder & Young, 2009, pg. 38). Also in Burke, Mote, & Kafai's (2013) article titled "Epic Win", I learned that programming and creating videos can be beneficial through enhancing student skills and teaching new tools into the classroom. This also allows students to exercise critical thinking. Teachers can assist each student, rather than the standard, traditional technique of lecturing to a large classroom (pg. 17-18).

     I believe that integrating videos into class discussion, as well as encouraging students to create their own videos through programming, will improve education. For instance, a main argument is that when lessons are taught with videos, it "enhances and accelerates comprehension" (Kajder & Young, 2009, pg. 38). This is useful since students can recall information based on seeing text with an image. This creates more meaning, especially for visual learners, because students are able to make sense of information in a more interactive and creative fashion. I would use this in the classroom by lecturing with  Glogster. I would upload videos to connect the text with media, in order to make learning more interactive. Also, in the article "Epic Win", the authors discuss how at a middle school in Pennsylvania, students "created STEM video games with Scratch, an easy-to-use graphical programming language" (Burke, Mote, & Kafai, 2013, pg. 16). Although some may feel that programming is too sophisticated for the Middle School level, I agree with the authors that Scratch is beneficial and gives students an opportunity to "learn and practice new tools and skills" (Burke, Mote, & Kafai, 2013, pg. 16). This is beneficial for students since the more they push themselves with technology, the more competent they will become. Programming is a great skill that gives individuals an advantage in working world. I would implement this in the classroom by allowing students to program through Scratch, and I would walk around to assist students as they work on the project to answer questions, and allow students to work at their own pace.

Works Cited:

Burke, Q., Kafai, Y., & Mote, C. (2013). Epic Win. Learning and Leading with Technology, 41(#4),  
     16-17. Retrieved July 2015, from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learningandleading

Kajder, S. & Young, C. (2009). Telling Stories with Video. Learning and Leading with Technology,
     41 (6), 38-38. Retrieved July 2015, from http://www.learningandleading-
     digital.com/learningandleading