Please see the link below for my video!
The purpose of my learning video
My video aimed to teach an aspect of road safety by demonstrating the hand signals that can be used if a vehicle’s turn signals are not in service.
On the road drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists heavily rely on turn signals to indicate the direction vehicles are heading. However, turn signals can break or go out unexpectedly. As a driver, this can be very stressful because not being able to indicate your direction of movement can easily result in a collision. Therefore, my video showed the proper hand signals that can be used instead of turn signals are crucial to ensure road safety for all!
Why a video was a good choice for my demonstration
Rather than describing using text how to bend one’s arm, being able to physically see the motions can help demonstrate how the signals are performed. This ensures that the hand signals are used accurately and correctly by the viewer.
Moreover, a video was a good choice from my tutorial as the viewer can see the hand signals in use in their real-life setting. I am a visual learner, therefore, being able to see the hand signals physically via video in the setting they will be used in real life (ie. a vehicle) can help them stick in my head. Thus, if I ever need to use them in the future I can visualize how they were performed by putting myself in the shoes of the presenter based on the video’s teachings.
Additionally, a video demonstration is much more accessible than just explaining how to use the hand signal via text or image description. Recording a video allowed me to include audio, video, and text features in my demonisation. For instance, I was able to verbally describe the movements, physically move my arm, and include text descriptions. Including multiple formats of teaching can accommodate the viewer’s learning abilities- such as dyslexia, or hearing issues.
Learning Princinciples Used
Mayer’s learning principles I used while making my video redundancy, contiguity, and coherency.
I practised redundancy by repeating each hand signal demonstration twice in a row. I did this because I imagined the viewer would be following along and performing the actions while watching the video. Performing each hand signal twice in a row prevents the viewer from having to rewind the video in case they missed the previous action. I always find this helpful when personally viewing videos, because trying to find the precise location of the part I missed can be frustrating and time-consuming. Moreover, I chose to show each hand signal twice in a row, rather than, twice randomly throughout the video to help engage the viewers’ minds and bodies. For instance, when I am watching workout tutorials- I prefer to listen to the instructor act out and describe the action first, and then try it out myself. So I thought this would be helpful for others too! For example, demonstrating the right-hand signal the first time allows the viewer to process in their head the motion and the purpose of the movement. And seeing it a second time right after gives them a chance to try the action out for themselves. This allows for a stronger mind-body connection between the action- resulting in the viewer being more likely to remember the motions. As they can process what each motion means and how it’s done linearly.
Next, I practised contiguity by placing the text on my screen directly underneath each hand signal. I included this principle because I thought it would be helpful for people with accessibility issues, for instance, those hard of hearing. If a viewer is unable to listen to my audio their eyes are cued on the screen where to direct their attention (ie. my arm) by the text.
Lastly, I incorporated coherency in my video keeping my video to one topic and text on screen minimal. I did this because I thought it would be important to keep the video concise- to prevent cognitive load on the viewer. Since my topic itself was simple I tried to avoid making my video longer than necessary by rambling or adding unnecessary edits. I find if a video goes off topic I can zone out and become disengaged. So I kept the video short and simple to ensure the viewer would be attentive the entire duration of the lesson. Additionally, I tried to keep the text on the screen to a minimum. I thought this would help those with trouble reading as they can understand the purpose of my actions in just a few words, rather than big chunks or text.
Challenges I faced while making my video
This was my first time filming and editing a video that being said I ran into lots of unexpected roadblocks and challenges. For instance, I was shooting my video outside and on my older iPhone I found the speaker picked up a lot of background noise. This resulted in me having to do a voiceover for the majority of my video rather than speaking directly to the speaker in real time. That being said I had to shoot my video multiple times as I found that my clips were too short for my audio script. I found this a bit frustrating as it took me much longer than expected to shoot the video, and having to continually go back and do this step was tedious. I also struggled with meditating on my video. More specially, I found it difficult to make smooth and clear visual transitions between scenes. At times, I thought my video was a bit choppy. However, since this was my first time exploring the video-making and editing process I think I did pretty well.
What I found the easiest during my video-making process
I found that applying Mayer’s learning principles to my lesson and making the video script came easily to me. Being a student I have watched many videos and tutorials teaching various concepts. Therefore, I think I have a good understanding of what makes a good and poor instructional video. Earlier exposure to Mayer’s learning principles in previous modules has stuck with me and I feel capable of readily applying the concepts I think are necessary and helpful to portray an effective lesson. Also, having done many in-class presentations before so- I have had lots of experience making and memorising scripts. After I decided on the topic of my video I found I was easily able to draw up a script to bring my ideas to life.
How I would approach things differently next time
Making the video I found it challenging to edit smooth transitions and include real-time audio. Next time I go about things I will focus more on my editing by working on including smooth transitions between scenes. I think this will help aid my visual signalling. Providing seamless transitions between scenes allowed me to visually cue the viewer I was moving on to the next topic. Therefore, those in a loud environment would understand the flow of my thoughts just by watching the visual component of my video. Rather than being distracted by awkward cuts mid-scene. Also, next time I will try and utilise additional filming equipment to help aid with my audio. This being my first time filming a video I was not comfortable utilizing special equipment. I think next time I will try using a wind block to prevent the camera speaker from picking up additional background noise- so I can include more real-time audio instead of a voiceover. I felt very intimidated and overwhelmed initially starting this project. This was because video making and editing is a new experience for me. Therefore, I was not comfortable in my abilities to execute a good final product. I don’t think my video itself was perfect- which was expected. But, I think I was able to effectively work with the equipment and resources I had to produce an effective lesson. I feel confident in the future that I can fact make a good video, and I am excited to work on some of the challenges I faced the first time around.
My simple script
My Storyboard
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