The Role of Video in Education

By Rhiannon Griffiths, Temps Consultant for Education & EdTech Recruitment, Inspired Selection

The way we consume information has changed drastically over the last few decades; with an ever-increasing focus on screens, video and photo which can often act as a replacement for the written word. This is seen heavily across social media, with pages of videos on Facebook, GIFs on Twitter and the creation of video on apps like TikTok and Snapchat. Naturally, this then lends itself to other areas and the Education sector has definitely incorporated elements, with a rise in Education Technology (EdTech) companies offering different types of learning resource to suit different styles of learning; a 2015 report by Kaltura stated that 93% of teachers believe that the use of educational videos improve the learning experience.

So what are the benefits? Max Bevan, at NextThought Studios notes that the digital nature of videos can often mean convenience and accessibility; allowing for distance learning, whilst engaging the student. Videos particularly work well for visual content where there might be step by step guides, and there is often opportunity for the student to give feedback, potentially anonymously.

Video does also come with its challenges though; the technology can be faulty which can leave people waiting; if it is distance learning this may have to be cancelled. Also, if the student is not a visual learner, it may not be as helpful. There is a concern that it can take over from the human teaching aspect, and is yet another screen for people to look at. What is great is to have the flexibility; the option there if it works for the student.

What does this mean for publishers? Publishers are constantly innovating and looking to produce material to meet teacher and learner requirements.  Therefore, alongside traditional print products, they are ever more producing digital material including video content for instance to help engage students and video also helps teachers to adapt to the different learning styles. The BETT conference is a great place to see first-hand the latest in EdTech and will showcase a range of products for all levels of education.

As discussed in an episode of the Inspired by Publishing Podcast, Jon White, at Makematic, notes how a certain amount of video is now expected from a consumer point of view, and publishers often use it for product enhancement; for example academic video abstracts in journal articles are being used to boost readership. Jon also notes that video can create new revenue streams, with consumers who may not usually buy print books but will purchase digital products. Video is there to compliment and expand, rather than replace.

If looking to hear more about the sort of roles we work on across EdTech, incorporating the various content types, including video, or if you’d like to arrange to meet with us this week at BETT, do not hesitate to get in touch.