By Matt Gilooly (Learning Technology Media Advisor)
The landscape of Higher Education is constantly evolving, demanding innovative approaches to engage students and foster deeper understanding. One powerful tool increasingly embraced by educators is the strategic incorporation of media creation and analysis into curriculum and assessments. This article explores practical strategies and resources for effectively integrating media into your teaching practices, with a focus on empowering students and promoting a more dynamic and engaging learning experience.
Beyond Traditional Lectures: A Shift Towards Active Learning
Traditional lecture formats, while valuable, can sometimes lead to passive absorption of information. By integrating media, educators can transform the classroom into a vibrant space for active learning and collaboration.
Consider Flipping the Classroom with Video: Break away from traditional lecture delivery by assigning students to create short videos on specific topics or concepts. This approach can transform lengthy lectures into more dynamic, interactive workshops. The act of creating the video encourages deeper understanding as students actively engage with the material, research, and condense information. This method also enhances digital literacy, as students gain practical experience with media creation tools, and can build a stronger cohort community through collaborative video projects and shared learning. Instead of passively receiving information, students become active participants, improving knowledge retention and fostering critical thinking.
Video Essays: Bridging Theory and Practice: Media-based assessments, such as video essays, encourage students to connect theoretical concepts with real-world examples. A compelling example is an ecology module where students create five-minute videos detailing animal surveys. This approach allows them to showcase their understanding of the survey process whilst honing crucial communication and presentation skills.
Tools and Strategies for Media Integration:
Several user-friendly tools can facilitate the creation and integration of media into your teaching:
- Adobe Express and Canva: These platforms offer intuitive interfaces for creating videos, graphics, and presentations. They provide templates, stock media libraries, and editing tools, making it easy for students to produce professional-looking content, even with limited technical expertise. (Note: Whilst premium accounts offer more features, free versions are available and can still be effectively utilised.)
- Clipchamp: This video editor, integrated into the Microsoft 365 suite, provides easy access and familiar workflows for students. Features like screen recording and text-to-speech accessibility options enhance its versatility for various learning activities.
- Pexels: This free stock photo and video library offers a wealth of resources for students to use in their projects. Its extensive collection and copyright-free licence make it an invaluable tool for enriching media-based assignments.
- Box of Broadcasts (BoB): This platform provides access to a vast archive of television and radio broadcasts dating back to 2009. Students can search for specific programmes, create clips, and build playlists, making it a valuable resource for research and analysis. (Note: Access is restricted to users within the UK due to licensing agreements.)
Key Principles for Effective Media Integration:
- Focus on Principles, Not Just Tools: Equip students with foundational media creation principles that transcend specific software. This ensures adaptability and prepares them for the evolving technological landscape.
- Streamline the Technical, Emphasise Knowledge: Prioritise the learning of core concepts over technical proficiency. Choose user-friendly tools and provide clear guidelines to minimise technical barriers and maximise focus on subject matter.
- Storyboarding and Visual Storytelling: Encourage students to storyboard their video essays, planning visuals before recording voiceovers. This helps to structure their narratives and communicate ideas effectively.
- Peer Review and Reflection: Facilitate peer review sessions where students provide feedback on each other’s work. This encourages collaboration, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of the creation process.
- Connect Skills to Real-World Applications: Explicitly connect media creation skills to potential career paths and professional development. Highlight how these skills can enhance communication, presentation, and portfolio building.
- Explain the “Why”: Clearly articulate the pedagogical reasons behind incorporating media into the curriculum. Help students understand how these activities promote deeper learning, skill development, and career readiness.
Addressing Potential Challenges and Concerns:
- Accessibility: Consider accessibility when incorporating media. Offer text alternatives for audio and video content and ensure that videos are properly captioned.
- Group Work: Acknowledge and address potential anxieties associated with group work. Clearly define roles, expectations, and learning objectives to foster collaboration and ensure equitable participation.
- Student Equity: Recognise that access to technology and resources may vary amongst students. Provide support and accommodations to ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate effectively.
Integrating media into teaching practices offers a powerful means of engaging students, fostering creativity, and promoting deeper learning. By embracing the strategies and resources outlined in this article, educators can empower students to become active learners, effective communicators, and confident creators in a rapidly evolving world. Remember, the journey of media integration is an ongoing process of exploration and experimentation. Don’t hesitate to seek support, collaborate with colleagues, and adapt your approach to meet the unique needs of your students and your discipline.
For more additional help and support, University of Derby colleagues can contact our Learning Technology Media Advisor, Matt Gilooly via m.gilooly@derby.ac.uk.