Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Article 2: Practical Aspects of Using Video in the Foreign Language Classroom

Practical Aspects of Using Video in the Foreign Language Classroom


I think that video is effective if we use it correctly like all tools. Any tool can be effective if we can implement it and use its potential. On the flip side, video can be a distraction or "filler" if not used in a meaningful way to motivate students. I don't think the question is whether video is enhancing learning but rather how can video enhance learning. The article talks about the reasons behind using video and suggests things to think about before using video but there is nothing new being said that I did not consider before. Moreover, the suggestions did not come with solutions...


However, I did notice that it mentioned that "[i]ssues of the value of video as a teaching tool are often questioned" I wonder if this is still an issue? With the movement towards the 21st Century technology and all the tools that go beyond just video, I don't think teaching with video is an issue anymore. This article was written in the year 2000. To imagine that these were the issues teachers faced a little over ten years ago. I do remember my teachers using video in class quite often showing us french movies. Video clips were a little harder to do back in the day but it is a common addition to lessons now.

If anything, this article has got me thinking...There is always some tool that is always questioned for its uses in the classroom. Currently the BYOD is a big issue. Do we or do we not allow students to bring their own devices into the classroom? How can those devices make the class lesson more meaningful? How will it help in learning? And in this sense, an article showing the positive support of the BYOD will help change our thinking and reconsider its use in the classroom - such as how this article did back in 2000.

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