[Eric18]

Do you video your English language learners? When? Where?

How do you show students the video? Do you replay in class? Do you post it on a course website? What kind of feedback do you provide?

I've been very impressed with the power of video as an educational tool. Students seem to take the presentation assignments more seriously, and put in significant amounts of preparation. The ability to post the video for self-evaluation and peer evaluations adds to their self-awareness. It also allows them to watch themselves several times, note their errors, and observe their gestures. My comments often echo and deepen their own self-criticisms. A pleasant benefit is less arguing over grades. Few people they have given a great presentation.

Some colleagues also require students to write transcripts of their entire presentations. I usually require that they transcribe just a minute of their second presentation.

Perhaps this is just a rare benefit available only at wealthy schools, but videocameras have come down in price and gone up in quality. The digital cards cost relatively little. The practice seems very useful. But how widespread is it?

Please share any of your experiences with recording students. I'm looking to expand the use of video, and not sure how to do it. Any suggestions? Tips? Advice?