Video in the Classroom

Domine quotes Thomas Edison with saying that, “books would one day be obsolete and that it would soon be possible to teach every branch of human knowledge with a motion picture” (Domine, 33). I disagree with this statement, but it is interesting to see the advancement of video in education. For example, when I think about this quote I think about films like Romeo+ Juliet being filmed in English classrooms.Videos enhance teaching with the use of superior visual aids and first-hand accounts. I feel that the use of films in the classroom is one of the most important innovations in education. I believe instructional films/ documentaries have a big impact especially when utilized in a Social Studies classroom environment.  Literacy is now one of the primary goals of education, and has moved from the past objective of enhancing “spoken word”.  The use of instructional films, and other videos, in the classroom is very important. This specific technology can be used to supplement educational goals, not replace them. As we have been learning in the other co-requisite courses, visual aids are a good way to convey themes/objectives.
  Although instructional film technology has a huge impact on the classroom community, there are some benefits and controversies surrounding this form of media. In Social Studies, videos and documentaries can be shown to enhance the learning experience and revolutionize teaching. I think that YouTube is a great new way to find informative videos. I know that when I was in high school we watched many videos and clips found on the Internet. For example, we learned how to memorize the Preamble of the Constitution through a Schoolhouse Rock clip a teacher showed us.The school library also provided informational/relevant videos that teachers would check out. I like how the use of video, as Domine noted, moves from individual to group learning. Some suggest that using this technology moves away from literacy.