Using video to improve teaching and learning

Improved teaching though reflection

Classroom teachers were given pointers on what to shoot, how to shoot, simple editing steps, and the ability to upload and tag their videos. Channel managers were given training on how to approve video, determine if the video is to be password-protected (or conversely, open to syndication), and set the basic parameters for the video. The goal of the GPAEA-TV internet television portal is to build capacity among users to continue to build the repository. GPAEA Communications Specialist Jennifer Woodley continues to provide consultation, assistance, and training of the system.

Within a short period of time, AEA consultants, coaches, and classroom teachers were able to use a simple Flip camera to film themselves teaching a lesson and interacting with students for their coaches to review. Posting the videos in a secure location, accessible only by a shared password, the mentor and mentee can discuss improvements either face-to-face or via a telephone call or even Skype. Teachers can seek immediate advice on curriculum and classroom management from an experienced teacher or AEA consultant showing a real and current situation. This type of self-reflection and opportunity for immediate improvement has been a great way for teachers to evaluate their own work—leading to increased student performance.

Likewise, professional teachers can record exemplary practices on core standards and post those videos on the GPAEA-TV portal for other teachers to review. Educators can view these videos in the various GPAEA-TV channels and model their own classroom practice based on selected criteria. By enhancing their own classroom practice, more teachers can then comfortably post video clips to increase the overall offerings. This online portal, with its various channels dedicated to different topics, becomes the repository for effective modeling of good teaching, leading to increased student learning. Other teachers watch the peer-reviewed videos done by their colleagues on topics such as differentiated instruction; math programs such as Every Student Counts, Meaningful Distributed Practice, and Problem-based Instructional Tasks; and reading programs such as Second Chance Reading. These programs are all related to the Iowa core curriculum standards.

Other uses for the GPAEA-TV portal

While originally set up as a way for educators to improve their teaching and classroom skills, and for exemplary practices to be modeled and shared with all teachers, GPAEA quickly realized other ways to use its online TV channels to reach out to the community—and especially parents, students, and officials at the state education agency and even the governor’s office.

For example, on the TV portal is a Parent Network channel. A series of videos were made for parents who have children with specific physical disabilities. Parents can access short videos to learn more about using specialty equipment, instructing them on exercises, and sharing other helpful information from the child’s physical therapists. Having a video site to go to, with helpful hints from the professionals they already interact with, has helped these parents to continue to work with their children outside of the school day. GPAEA has customized media release forms provided by EduVision for parents/guardians to sign before any taping of their children occurred, thus ensuring they were in compliance with all state and federal laws.

Likewise, the Student Channel offers a safe, secure online repository of short videos where teachers can film, edit, and upload videos for their students to view before coming to class. This “flipped learning” approach allows teachers to jump right into their lessons and problem solving, because the required lecture was viewed prior to class. On the GPAEA-TV portal, lectures such as anatomy, physiology, and biology are aligned to the Iowa core curriculum standards. Additionally, these videos may be used within teacher-designed online courses, such as Moodle.

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