For instance, videos and interactive technology can:
- Take students on virtual field trips
- Show the process of answering a math problem, not just the solution
- Nurture creativity through story telling
- Help schools go paperless
- Enhance teacher presentations with text and images
EXAMPLES OF VIDEO CONTENT IN SCHOOLS
Since video and mobile devices are so integrated into our lives and the lives of our children, it only makes sense to reach them in a medium that is comfortable and familiar to them. Such was the vision of Salman Khan, whose educational YouTube videos have even caught the attention of Bill Gates. Khan’s YouTube channel, Khan Academy, provides countless tutorials ranging from math to science to reading. The videos span a wide range of levels so that students of any grade can use them.
With the increase of mobile devices, many schools have taken advantage of the Khan Academy and use Khan’s educational videos in their classrooms. In Franklin Elementary School in Connecticut, for instance, sixth, seventh, and eighth grades began using the videos to study math, which was a weak subject for the school. Not only were teachers impressed with the results, but students performed at higher levels and improved their academic test scores.
In the Minola School District, students all have an iPad each. Since the Khan Academy released an iPad app, students of Minola Schools in New York were able to use and study the program. Because of the online educational videos, several students have even skipped 1 or 2 grades ahead in subjects (as difficult as algebra), since the videos allows them to internalize and comprehend the concepts so quickly.
In Summit Preparatory School in California, the majority of students don’t have a computer at home and qualify for free lunches at the school. Despite being a less affluent community, the Khan Academy videos are just as effective, and teachers are noticing test scores rising to new highs.
MOBILITY IN EDUCATION
Aside from the Khan Academy videos, schools are beginning to allow students to use smartphones and computers to record lectures. This allows students to listen to lectures again for studying or to catch something that they might have missed in class. For those taking music courses, digital metronomes can now be carried in your pocket as part of a smartphone.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR BUSINESS?
As videos and technology continue to integrate into our school systems, this provides many opportunities for businesses focusing on education and educational videos, allowing them to reach out to schools struggling. As children are exposed more and more to technology, technology becomes the most effective way to reach and educate them. Professionals such as Salman Khan who are passionate about video and education, have many opportunities to grow their brand.