CREATING EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS FOR CHILDREN

Author: ANGELA M. ESPIRITU

Teacher II - M Delos Reyes Mem. Elementary School

Date posted: August 5, 2020

I believe that children need something interactive for them to express their emotion as they are learning. With this sudden shift from the classroom in many parts of the world, the use of technology ,videos seem to be one of the solutions and basic tool to augment remote or online learning.

Videos are an engaging, entertaining, and it is an easy educational tool to incorporate into the classroom. It is one of the most effective medium to connect with today's generation. I believe that through the videos, children can improve their learning experiences, especially during the pandemic time when schools are virtual. Watching the videos may result in a higher level of engagement which leads to more efficient processing, retention of new information and memory recall. They can view it at any time, in any place and can watch it repeatedly at their own pace. Traditionally, producing a broadcast-quality interactive video used to require expensive equipment and a team of professionals, but nowadays, making educational videos seem to be easy-peasy. There are tons of available free computer application. There is an easy video maker that enables teacher to record a video, edit clips, and add dynamic, interactive features like soundtracks, graphics, and web pages directly from my iPad. Children are able to watch the story for the day and can be able to understand the activities they will be exploring.

In making the videos, teacher can start by preparing the content. Trying to make a sort of "storyboard", where she can integrate the lessons or activity for the day. Prioritize the information that you think will increase their engagement. Identifying the most important information from each screen including captions and subtitles to it. It is better to put a little personality on video. Keep the language conversational to let them be connected and freely answer questions. Inject some humor to hold their attention. Even wearing costumes, props and both auditory and visual elements throughout the videos. Lastly, make the video short and appropriate for the age of the students. Also it can be added with some interactive features in between or at the end of the segment to promote reflection and retention.

At this time situation is uncertain. As the COVID-19 pandemic has spread across the globe and schools are now shifting to online learning, teachers can help by keeping the children’s learning continues through the teacher-made videos.