Internet Learning Volume 5, Number 1, Fall 2016/Winter 2017 | Page 57

Internet Learning
and the video journalist has the practical
techniques at hand. The subject, in
the example of this article is academic
writing. For the student, it is a learning
journey from the spoken word to formal
written English. It is also an exploration
of brevity and clarity in language. The
medium of video delivers that language
in a high impact and engaging audio visual
form that the student deserves to
experience.
Video Journalist Tips for
Teaching Using Video
The section consists of two parts:
(1) tricks of the trade that can be
applied to make web page video
resources for internet learning; and (2)
for webcam video used live online or to
send a personal recorded video to an
individual student. Here are practical
ideas that work on two levels; and both
change the way the lecturer teaches and
makes video.
Making a Video Resource
for Students
There are two levels for making the
most of these practical ideas. Either
you review the ideas and try out those
that can enhance your normal teaching
practice, or you pick up a video camera,
switch on the webcam and apply the
methods for real. Personally, I believe
picking up the camera is essential as it
is a whole-body experience. It is a shift
from being in the head to moving into
the real world and being with the student.
And making learning materials is
an integral part of good teaching. It is
research-based learning and continuing
professional development (CPD) rolled
into one: a win–win scenario.
Creating an one-way webcam
for students results in an unexpected
humanizing, closer and enriched contact
with students. Students see the
lecturer as a human being. They really
do experience the lecturer as talking to
them personally even in a general resource
video. The use of personal feedback
sent to an individual student has
even greater impact. Why should this
be such a surprise, when we watch TV
and experience a similar sensation? The
answer is: a journalist is taught to use
informal speech, specific eye, and body
language, and it works. That is why trying
professional practice might be so
worthwhile if there is an impact on the
quality of learning.
Think video structure. A good idea is
to start using the software you know,
but make more of its potential. You
might already make video from PowerPoint
or Keynote. Set your software
frames to 16:9, the normal video screen
proportions. The default slide size is
4:3 and slides in that size have to be
individually stretched to fill the video
frame, which is very time consuming.
Export them at 16:9 .png files which is
extra sharp; and import into your video
software like iMovie. This method gives
you more control of your video. Add a
soundtrack using your smartphone as
a sound recorder. The iPhone is superb
if held in the right position close to the
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