Black Hawk College Teaching/Learning Center

Streaming Media: Audio/Video on the Internet

Why would you want to use Streaming Media for your classes?
In 2004, the SBC Foundation made it possible for Black Hawk College to purchase a streaming media server, a digital camcorder and lighting equipment (for recording video clips), and audio/video editing equipment and software. These items allow us to “stream” high-quality audio or video clips, over the Internet, to students who access the Internet from their home or office. Students can access the material on their own time; pause or replay the clips, as needed; and not have to store the streaming clip on their own computers. As the streaming file finishes, it goes away and is not stored on the receiving computer. Streamed clips are excellent for practice and review, and in online classes, they can enhance motivation and interest since they can extend static text into more engaging formats. The T/LC can assist you in scripting and producing the video clips, or capturing audio/video clips that you already have on VHS, CD or other formats.

Examples of Streamed Content
The most popular types of streamed clips for educational purposes include:

Audio only (e.g., music, foreign language pronunciation or quiz responses, storytelling, interviews or speeches, dramatic performances [excerpts from plays, poetry readings, radio shows], news reports or nonverbal sounds such as bird calls, heartbeat rhythms or any other application where audio is best and video is not needed.) Can be delivered to slow Internet connections (e.g., 56K). Sometimes called “ podcasting.”
Illustrated audio (e.g., audio lecture with still image illustrations in a PowerPoint slideshow, such as an art history presentation or one that includes photos or diagrams to illustrate the spoken words; illustrated storytelling; text or highlighting can be added to the clip). File sizes are larger than audio only, but still acceptable at most Internet connection speeds.
Motion video (e.g., field trip tours [for those unable to go], laboratory experiment demonstration, psychomotor or equipment operation demonstration, interpersonal relations [body language, tone of voice, dynamic responding to various conditions], film or documentary elements to review, scenario or case-study clips to analyze and diagnose or propose what should happen next, show the progress of something over time, model behavior). Due to the large file size of motion videos, it is best to limit their length to 3-5 minutes, although longer times are possible.
Animation (e.g., when text, images or shapes with synched audio narration can help to focus attention on specific animated elements, such as science, health, manufacturing, psychomotor skills, etc.)
Live Webcasts (e.g., Internet radio, desktop conferencing with chat available for interaction)

Streamed clips are often integrated into larger modules of learning activities. For example, if the learning module is about a particular form of poetry, the streaming file may be a poetry reading, but it might be surrounded with text that introduces the clip, explains its purpose and points out specific elements to listen for. Then the module may also include a task to complete after the clip (e.g., quiz, message board discussion, and reaction paper assignment), links to further information on the Web or in the library, or links to more clips, illustrations, or readings that you upload to the module.

How can you get involved in developing streaming media content for your classes?
Contact the T/LC Team at (796)-5045 or tlc@bhc.edu to ask questions or to schedule a consultation. We can explore your interests, your time line, the particular course you have in mind in which the streaming files would be used, and ideas for what types of streaming content would match your instructional goals best. We look forward to hearing from you!