Video and Online Learning: Critical Reflections and Findings from the Field

34 Pages Posted: 15 Mar 2015 Last revised: 26 Mar 2015

See all articles by Anna Hansch

Anna Hansch

Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society

Lisa Hillers

Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society

Katherine McConachie

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - MIT Media Laboratory

Christopher Newman

Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society

Thomas Schildhauer

Berlin University of the Arts; Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society

J. Philipp Schmidt

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - MIT Media Laboratory

Date Written: March 13, 2015

Abstract

Video is an essential component of most Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and other forms of online learning. This exploratory study examines video as an instructional medium and investigates the following research questions: • How is video designed, produced, and used in online learning contexts, specifically with regard to pedagogy and cost? • What are the benefits and limitations of standardizing the video production process?

This report presents an overview of current video practice: the widespread use of video and its costs, the relevance of production value for learning, the pedagogical considerations of teaching online, and the challenges of standardizing production. Findings are based on a literature review, our observation of online courses, and the results of 12 semi-structured interviews with practitioners in the field of educational video production.

Based on these findings, we have developed a set of recommendations designed to raise awareness and stimulate critical reflection on video’s role in online learning. Additionally, we discuss some need for further research on the effectiveness of video as a pedagogical tool and highlight under-explored uses of the medium, such as live video.

Keywords: MOOC, online learning, video production, video styles

Suggested Citation

Hansch, Anna and Hillers, Lisa and McConachie, Katherine and Newman, Christopher and Schildhauer, Thomas and Schmidt, J. Philipp, Video and Online Learning: Critical Reflections and Findings from the Field (March 13, 2015). HIIG Discussion Paper Series No. 2015-02, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2577882 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2577882

Anna Hansch (Contact Author)

Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society ( email )

Bebelplatz 1 | 10099
Berlin
Germany

Lisa Hillers

Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society ( email )

Bebelplatz 1 | 10099
Berlin
Germany

Katherine McConachie

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - MIT Media Laboratory ( email )

20 Ames St.
Cambridge, MA 02139-4307
United States

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.media.mit.edu

Christopher Newman

Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society ( email )

Bebelplatz 1 | 10099
Berlin
Germany

Thomas Schildhauer

Berlin University of the Arts ( email )

10623 Berlin - Charlottenburg
Germany

Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society ( email )

Bebelplatz 1 | 10099
Berlin
Germany

J. Philipp Schmidt

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - MIT Media Laboratory ( email )

20 Ames St.
Cambridge, MA 02139-4307
United States

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