Suggestions for effective use of online videos in the early years of primary education

Abstract

Purpose: The use of ICT in schools in Malta is becoming increasingly popular highlighting the need to learn how to implement the use of online videos in lesson planning and if the use of online videos is superior to conventional teaching in terms of motivation and behaviour of students and teachers. This dissertation aims to provide suggestions as to how to successfully integrate use of online videos in a classroom. Design/methodology: Four early years classes were chosen from a randomly selected primary school. Two lessons, first with the use of online videos and secondly with the conventional teaching method were observed using a checklist to systematically record information gathered. Interviews were carried out with the class teachers after the lessons. Findings: When participating in the lesson with the online video integrated with other class activities it was noted that the students tended to reach the learning outcomes more than with conventional teaching and showed more willingness to learn, participation and collaboration. The students’ attention span and behaviour seemed to be higher with the use of online videos. Practical implications and suggestions: Online videos of sufficient duration need to be related to learning objectives with the aim to teach or revise a concept. Videos should be integrated with other classroom activities, to aid motivation, behaviour and collaboration. Teachers’ attitudes, outlook on use of videos, training and support are key on whether implementation of videos in education of early years is successful.