LECTURE VIDEOS: A SEA CHANGE IN INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

We are excited to announce the availability of instructional videos that explain the content associated with every learning objective introduced throughout the text. These videos have been developed by a member of the author team and are available when assigned through McGraw-Hill Connect Accounting. They have the touch and feel of a live lecture as opposed to a canned PowerPoint presentation. The benefits are enormous. Videos allow students to pause for contemplation and note-taking. They permit students to repeat difficult concepts or fast-forward through content they have mastered. In other words, videos enable self-paced learning. No longer is the lecture too fast for some and too slow for others. Now the lecture satisfies the needs of each individual student.

Many accounting educators have taught in professional exam prep courses that make extensive use of video lectures. Now you can bring that prep course learning approach into your everyday classroom. You can use the videos we provide to transform the traditional classroom from a passive listening exercise into an active learning experience. Here are some examples of how you can use instructional videos to improve the classroom environment.

Flip Courses
Instructional videos enable instructors to flip the traditional teaching model. Specifically, instead of providing a lecture in class and then assigning homework, flip courses deliver the lecture at home and use the classroom as a place for students to work problems and ask questions. The teacher’s function moves from lecturer to coach and tutor. Without a requirement to deliver a lecture, the instructor is free to tutor students in small groups or individually. Instruction becomes more focused and individualized. Indeed, when coupled with Connect® technology instructors can obtain real-time feedback that allows them to identify and approach specific students who are having difficulty without disturbing those students who are able to digest the material independently.

Competency Based Learning Courses
Video instruction enables the implementation of a competency based grading system. Since learning is self-paced, grades can be assigned on the basis of how deep students go into the content as opposed to an averaging approach. For example, content could be divided into modules. Grades could be assigned based on the number of modules completed successfully. Weaker students could repeat lower level modules while stronger students move on to more advanced topics. When you are no longer forced to move students through your class in a lock-step fashion, the potential for improving the learning environment is virtually limitless.

There are many different competency based models that can be applied to introductory accounting. At this point our objective is to introduce the general possibilities for improving learning. If you are interested in developing a specific competency based approach for your classroom, you can speak directly with a member of the author team who has used videos in a variety of settings (contact information is provided on the following page). Standardized lesson plans that can be adapted for use in your individual classroom are available upon request.

Mass Section Courses
Many schools deliver live lectures to mass section classes. Students then break into small groups that are led by teaching assistants or adjunct faculty. While this approach is cost effective, it frequently results in dissatisfaction. Students often find it difficult to see and hear in large lecture halls. Also, the lecture must be set at an average pace which by its nature is too fast for many students and too slow for others. Prerecorded video lectures resolve these issues. They enable students to study the lecture before class. They can then bring questions about the lecture to the breakout sessions. Since videos eliminate the need for mass lectures, there is more time for students to meet in small groups where they are able to receive more individualized attention.

Distance Learning Courses
One of the fastest growing markets in higher education today is Internet based courses. Many students struggle with these courses. Generally, they would prefer to learn from a lecture but due to timing or location are unable to attend class. Prerecorded video lectures solve this problem by allowing students to access lectures on demand. Until now the only way to provide video coverage was for the instructor to make personal recordings. Anyone who has tried this knows it is a time-consuming activity. We offer a standardized turn-key course that is composed of prerecorded instructional videos, self-assessment quizzes, and instructor generated evaluative exams. The instructor simply selects the learning objectives to be covered. There is no simpler way to develop a distance learning course.

Supplement Your Traditional Lecture Based Course
You do not have to change the way you teach your class to reap many of the benefits available from video instruction. Students who have to miss class or who have trouble comprehending certain concepts can benefit from watching video lectures. Also, many students who attend class will be able to build confidence by watching videos that reinforce the concepts presented in class. Since the videos are tied directly to the learning objectives, you can develop a specific plan for students who are struggling with specific topics. Alternatively, you may offer video instruction to enable advanced students to cover additional topics. These are only a few opportunities made possible by video lectures. If you would like to discuss these or other possible applications please contact Chris Edmonds at cedmonds@gmail.com.

Tom Edmonds/Chris Edmonds/Bor-Yi Tsay/Phil Olds