Reaching generation V

VIDEO EDUCA is back this year with a mix of discussion, practical Video Labs, a Masterclass and sessions covering a range of new ideas in video learning. Most of all, VIDEO EDUCA offers a unique opportunity for educators to connect with film and TV professionals with the aim of learning from each other. Adam Salkeld, the curator of VIDEO EDUCA, looks ahead to this year’s event.

As we consider the role of video in learning it is worth having a quick look at the revolution happening with video online. According to research, by 2017, the number of global online video users will have doubled to 2 billion, even overtaking the number of social network users. Put another way, in 2017 the amount of video moving around the internet in one month would take an individual viewer 5 million years to watch. These metrics can seem overwhelming, but the trend they illustrate is clear. More and more people are communicating with video.

The use of film and video in learning is nothing new. Walt Disney made educational cartoon films in the 1940s; schools TV has been part of the schedules since the beginning of broadcasting; and we have all been shown training films at some point in our careers. But the phenomenon is more than just the sheer volume and ubiquity of video in our digital lives; there are great shifts in the way that video is being used. The Video Generation – perhaps we can say “Generation V” – looks to video as a primary communications medium. Generation V members are not passive “viewers”; they create, share and assess video all the time. For educators this means a rethink if we want to use video to full effect.

Here are 5 Generation V rules that we need to consider when using video to connect with learners.

1. Your learners are sophisticated critics

They have consumed and created a lot of video so they know good from bad. They are fluent in different film-making genres from Hollywood blockbuster to YouTube video blogs. If you produce what they consider bad video they will not engage with your content.

At VIDEO EDUCA we will be running our popular Video Labs in camerawork (VID 30 and VID 75), sound recording (VID 45 and VID 90) and editing (VID 15 and VID 60). These practical sessions, led by Erik Schmitt and Johannes Louis, award-winning independent film-makers, will take you through the three core disciplines of video production. The LABS are suitable for video beginners or those with some experience looking to improve their skills. The Video Doctor (VID 74) offers all delegates the chance to bring their own video work along to a top TV executive for a free critique and suggestions for improvement.

2. They are film-makers themselves

The chances are that your learners are more experienced at making video than you are! Don’t let this put you off using video. Their skills and enthusiasm present a great learning opportunity. Allowing learners to make their own videos as part of the school, university or training curriculum is proving a great success in many sectors.

In our session “Moving Minds” (VID 59), Alistair Clark will explore some of the exciting new ways in which active video creation can be used in learning.

3. They are collectors and curators

Video clips are the lifeblood of the social networking universe. Our Generation V learners scour the internet to find unusual or interesting footage. They devote time to curating and sharing their own video collections. We should take a lead from this trend: there is a whole world of opportunities out there for us to use to bring our learning content to life.

At VIDEO EDUCA we will be taking a close look at the use of existing and archive footage in learning content. We have film archive specialist, Richard Philpott, leading a session on using archive in learning (VID 44). The session will also include an essential guide to copyright issues.

4. Grab their attention quickly

It has been estimated that an online video has only 5 seconds to engage a viewer. With the vast choice out there, how can we make an impact with our videos and get our learning messages across?

The session, “Making the Connection using Video” (VID 15) takes an in-depth look at what video viewers want. It will cover some of the latest research into online video viewing behaviour, with presentations from Martin Addison of Video Arts and Matthew Pierce from the TechSmith Corporation.

5. Video is not the answer to everything

Video is a wonderful medium to tell stories, to inspire and to create memorable moments of learning. It is not so strong at conveying large quantities of complex information. VIDEO EDUCA aims to open a dialogue about using video at its best, and developing a critical view of its strengths and weaknesses.

The VIDEO EDUCA Masterclass (VID 29) offers the chance to explore the world of film, using a range of examples from Hollywood to YouTube. The Masterclass aims to give delegates a deeper understanding about the techniques of film and video production and to discuss how the art and craft of film-making can be harnessed in learning.

Finally, as ever in VIDEO EDUCA we want to hear from you to find out how we can shape what we offer to your needs. You can tweet @OEBConference, #OEB13, follow our Facebook Page to contact us, or visit the ONLINE EDUCA BERLIN website.