Using VideoIllustrate video use online
In addition to sound, we could use video, but we will need to be cautious about file size and download time for students with slow connections to the Internet. Currently, the best solution for providing digital video is to put it on CD's and, as I would say, "Frisbee" it to our students.
Video files are very large as compared to text. They are large compared to sound. They are large compared to graphics. Yes, they are large because they include sound and multiple images. In fact, videos usually include 30 images per second! Just imagine how large these files can become. So what is the solution, besides not using them?
Well, as a teacher, you recognize a rhetorical question when you see one! :-)
Anyway, to make a long story short: if you don't know much about online video, seek some assistance from MATC's ETLA (Herb, John, Joan, ...). They are here to support MATC instructor use of multimedia for educational purposes. If you know a slight bit about digital video, create your own videos and link to them from your web pages, or use "Link to File" in Blackboard. This is very easy and usually works, --assuming that your students' browsers and computers are updated and set up properly! If you have problems with your videos displaying, try packaging them first. Please see module 3 (Advanced Content Entry) for details on how to do this.
Just as with the use of audio, video requires the use of a plug-in program to run properly. In addition, the students' computers will all need to have the appropriate video "codecs" (compression/decompression) installed. If your video uses a brand new codec, chances are that most of your students will not be able to view it. Currently, it is probably best to use MPEG1 or Real Audio unless you give your students special instructions on how to display any other formats.
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