What are knowledge clips?

A knowledge clip is a short video providing knowledge. For instance, a short clip where the teacher explains some small part of the theory. Students can watch the video when it is convenient.

How do they work?

The teacher prepares a short lecture. A bit of theory, the solution to an assignment, an explanation of a method, an example of an application, a case, etc. He or she records the lecture in the professional studio in Metaforum or another suitable space. The knowledge clip is edited and made available on Mediasite. You can then also include this video in Canvas.

A knowledge clip can serve as an introduction, as homework for a meeting, as reference material or as addition to the in-person meeting. If knowledge clips are used to present theory, the meetings can be used more effectively. Students can watch the knowledge clips ahead of time and be more prepared for the meeting itself. During the meeting, students can actively work with the lecturer and each other (flipping the classroom), which will help them make the subject their own. In addition, knowledge clips offer students the opportunity to independently study up when they fall behind or to study the theory at their own pace.

A knowledge clip usually shows the lecturer, which keeps it from being impersonal. The teacher can ‘personally’ speak to and inspire the student.

Why would I want to use knowledge clips?

Do any or several of the following points apply? Then knowledge clips may be an interesting solution for you!

• I want to allow students to learn whenever and wherever they want to
• I want to find more time to actively engage with my students
• I want students to be able to independently make up gaps in their knowledge
• I want students to be able to review my explanations as often as they want to
• I want my students to be able to study the theory at their own pace

How to I effectively employ knowledge clips?

Of course, you want your knowledge clips to help you achieve your goal. Below, you will find some tips to use knowledge clips effectively.

1. Make your knowledge clips short: students have a short attention span. Research shows that 5 to 7 minutes is the perfect video length to keep their attention. With a short video, students are also more in control. They can pause, rewind, review and replay the video and return to the course materials that the video discusses.
2. Discuss a single topic per video: by letting each video tell a complete story, it is easier for the students to flexibly navigate the material.
3. Prepare well: teaching in front of a camera is very different than teaching in front of a full classroom. The interaction a teacher normally has with students is missing. Where a teacher usually has a lot of freedom, for instance to improvise during the lecture, for a knowledge clip it is important to determine the content beforehand. Make a rough script and practice well, so you can tell the story naturally.
4. Be enthusiastic. As we all know, the camera adds five pounds. What not everyone knows is that it also takes away 20% of your enthusiasm. It is important to be extra enthusiastic in front of a camera.
5. Change your slides: for a knowledge clip, it is important to have your slides in 16:9 format. In addition, there are different criteria for good knowledge clips slides than for classroom slides. Consider the font, the amount of text on the slide and the way text and image support your story. Use the PowerPoint animation tool to make your text appear just in time.
6. Start with a teaser: the start of the knowledge clip is very important. The viewer needs to be enticed to finish watching. You can do this by showing an experiment, discussing practical applications in the lecture, giving a real demonstration, etc.
7. Go for a strong start and finish: it is important that the content of the lecture is a complete story. Start with the goal of the lecture and finish with a clear summary. End with a ‘call to action’ to stimulate the student to take action after finishing the knowledge clip. For instance, to look at the next lecture or to do the assignments.