Making video lessons

Today, I would like to summarise the webinar about making video lessons. The presenter suggests how to plan a video lesson including the following structure: introduction, warm up, repetition, new game, repetition II and goodbye. It is important to remember about proper lighting, background, positive attitude, introducing yourself and saying what the video is about. Then, warm up could involve a game or a song and it's good if students already know it. Warm ups should be changed and varied from time to time. Repetition is about doing something you've done last time. You may try to transform the material so it would be more engaging. It could be a game, song or quiz. The next stage is aimed at introducing new words, concepts and problems. It is important to present it in an intriguing way and the rules of an activity should be explained clearly with examples. Consider giving your students time for their answers so that they are more involved. Remember also to react to their responses. The second repetition is for repeating the material and summarising it. It may be useful to support it with movies, presentations or pictures. Children do not need to see you all the time, but they need to hear you. Then, it is time for a goodbye and a well-know song or game will work perfectly there. 

Apart from those stages of the video lesson, there are also some other things to consider. Video should be well-planned, but at the same time, it needs to be a little bit spontaneous. You should decide on the style of your video and how long would you like it to be. Besides, while editing film, all redundant parts must go, you should make transitions from one stage of the lesson to another and it may be better to edit it partially. For editing, you could consider using Viva Video app. Moreover, there should be a mixture of different shots including medium close ups, medium long or medium shots. Take advantage of special effects and music, but remember about legal sources, you can use, for example, Royalty Free Music by Bensound. Music plays an important role as it can emphasise the action or style of the shot, intentionally contrast with the action and make your video more attractive. Furthermore, think about publishing your video lesson including the level of publicity of your work and the website. Maybe you could set your own YouTube channel? Remember it is a public event; therefore, be neat, self-confident and honest. Be responsible for what you're doing and don't be afraid.

What do you think about creating your own video lessons? Would you like to give it a try?

Angelika