MsBergin'sBlog: March 2015

Reflection on using youtube to enable my students to learn/revise at their own pace at home and in class.

I started with the ratios videos. The first time I showed a video one student said (before even seeing the video) "Its 11 minutes long!". I have read that 7 to 10 minutes is the ideal length before people lose interest. So perhaps I could have made this into 2 videos but its one exam question, so to ensure continuity I kept it in one. I am not sure whether my students just need to get used to this way of learning (after all they can pause and restart the video), or perhaps I should try to shorten the videos I make from now on.
Another option is to use edpuzzle, this would allow me to insert AFLs during the video.

I used the free version of http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/ but the volume seemed to be low. I then upgraded to the pro version for only $15 per annum, the volume is louder and I can do basic editing eg Highlight sections and use a freehand tool. However, it takes some practice to write with the freehand tool.

I noticed that I said "that gives us" instead of that equals when doing calculations.

Students Feedback: They say the videos are helpful but some do not have internet access at home.

1. Tax question duration: (duration 6.27 mins)
Contains explanation of 1 question, then 3 questions for students to work on just showing them the final answer.
Spreadsheet with Tax Question solutions..
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzoOi1a8Upiod2JWN0VBSEZ6QTA/view?usp=sharing

Youtube video

https://youtu.be/4lQdwcK7Rv4

2. Ratios part 1 (duration 11.14 mins)
Contains explanation of how to do exam questions, includes theory and calculations.
https://youtu.be/WZRLHKbsc-o