Video-based learning materials come in various forms, but to start with a basic definition, they are video content—recorded visual and audio material—created for educational purposes, aimed at delivering, acquiring, and in some cases, practicing specific educational content.
There are several types of video-based learning materials, the simplest being lecture videos, where a live lecture is recorded. The advantage of this format is that it requires no special preparation from the instructor, who conducts the lecture in their usual, traditional manner. The role of the video here is merely to allow students to watch or rewatch the lecture at any time, even from home.
A bit more complex is the “talking head” type of video, where the presenter is visible in the lower right corner of the screen, while the rest of the screen is filled with a PowerPoint presentation or other visual aids, such as software or a whiteboard. This type of video-based learning material is very clear and informative, utilizing the possibilities offered by the video format while still preserving the essence of a live lecture. It requires more preparation from the instructor but is more comprehensible for students.
On-site recordings, while not forming a distinct category, are still significant. These are videos made at external locations (not in a classroom or studio) that demonstrate the practical aspects of certain educational content. Examples include recording an experiment, showing the operation of a laboratory, filming a factory tour, a museum visit, or even a personal interview. These serve to enrich the educational material, presenting it from different perspectives, capturing students’ interest, and demonstrating its practical application and usefulness outside the classroom environment. These types of educational videos make full use of the advantages of the video format, adding value to the content by making it more interactive, which couldn’t be achieved in traditional classroom settings.
Beyond these basic types, there are numerous possibilities in creating video-based learning materials. Some tools enhance videos, making them more engaging and visually stimulating, thereby better capturing students’ attention. An example is the use of animations in videos. Another group of tools makes the content interactive, involving students more actively, such as clickable buttons within the video that can lead to another video or even an exercise.
The most effective video-based learning materials are those that are short, visually stimulating, and interactive, as platforms like Instagram and TikTok have significantly accelerated the process of information intake, building on short attention spans. This has become the norm for students today. While it could be debated at length whether this has a positive or negative impact on society and the individual, it’s clear that students’ behavior is adapting to changes in the digital environment. Therefore, education and video-based learning materials must also adapt to this.
Video-based learning materials thus complement and sometimes replace classroom teaching. Moreover, by leveraging the possibilities offered by the video format, we can more easily motivate students who are familiar with today’s digital space and achieve more effective knowledge transfer. Additional advantages include geographical flexibility, allowing these materials to be shared worldwide, reaching a much wider audience than a classroom could accommodate. They hold vast potential as they can keep up with technological advancements, ensuring they remain relevant.
