Using video in the classroom

As teachers we have to keep up with technology and be in constant use of visual aids in order to keep our students interested and awake during our class. The use of a video once and then still is a great tool. It has a lot of benefits, not only for the student, but also for the teacher to create a nice classroom atmosphere. The students appreciate (some to say the least) the effort of the teacher of bringing this material and showing them that he she is well prepared and that the class has a plan; there has a to be a reason for showing the video. It cannot be used for killing time. If the video is used in this way, then there is no plan and not a good reason for doing so.

The use of videos in class opens a new window for the students’ realia. We all Have to remember our main goal when being in front of our classroom, and this is to get our students energized and engaged in hands on learning activities and experiences, and using a video will definitely help us get to this goal in an exciting way for them to learn. With the use of a video they will be using their senses of sight and ear and also they will be in touch with their emotions, providing innovative and effective means for us teachers to address effectively the curricular concepts.

What is more meaningful to a student: A) to read or listen the teacher speaking about an specific tradition of a country or B) to watch how a family in a foreign country celebrates an specific holiday? Of course the correct answer is B. Nothing will be more meaningful to a student that be able to experience of understanding the diverse cultures of people who live in other areas of the world if you could encounter them in their own environments - hearing their songs, observing their rituals or listening to their silence. Video provides another sensory experience that allows concepts to actually be "experienced" and come to life while we guide your students on each adventure.

It is more than true that when we get the complete engaging of our students to what we are teaching the complete interaction of the class has been successfully achieved. They will probably be able to retain better what they had been taught, classes will be more active and as a result, more participation from them will be exposed.

The lesson plan that the article presents is well organized and easy to follow. It shows a well planning and, what is most important there is a reason or a motivation for every activity that is going to be taking place during the whole class. If we do not have a clear motive for doing something, then it is better not to do it.

Tan tan, the end J