Multimedia Seeds: Video: Videotape/DVD Collections: Instructional Video

Instructional videos are developed to teach specific skills and concepts. They're generally shorter in length than entertainment programming and have a very narrow focus. For example, an instructional video may contain a number of short, ten to twenty minute segments.

Whether you want to use Microsoft Office, operate wood working equipment, or become a kick boxing expert, you're likely to find an instructional video to help. People enjoy learning outside the traditional classroom setting. For example, many immigrants learn English as a second language through video programs.

Couples may feel more comfortable learning to ballroom dance with a video rather than in front of strangers in a formal class. Couples can watch the Wedding Dance and learn the basics they'll need for their big day. Many videos are produced by small companies that have companion websites like Now You're Dancing.

Have you ever wanted to learn Chinese cooking or flower arranging? Videos are a great way to start.

Exercise. From Jane Fonda to Richard Simmons, exercise videos started the "how to" video craze. Although kickboxing, pilates, tai chi, hula, belly dancing, and yoga are the current rage, another set of exercise gurus are just around the corner. For example, Denise Austin's videos and DVDs include pilates, yoga, aerobics, and country dancing.

Instructional videos have many advantages over face-to-face classes or other learning methods such as books or audios. You see and hear the instructions as you perform the task. Your personal instructor takes you step-by-step through each skill. Learners set their own pace and can repeat the video over and over as needed. For these reasons, people like golf videos where they can practice before heading to the golf course.

Music. Learn to play the drums, guitar, piano, or other instruments using step-by-step instructions on video. These videos often come with companion materials such as books and posters.

Self-Help. Wayne Dyer and Andrew Weil are just a couple of the popular self-help gurus who have produced videos. Meditation, healing, and massage videos are all great for relaxation. How about a video on aromatherapy?

Crafts and Hobbies. Do you want to design your living space using the Feng Shui philosophy? Maybe you want to learn to draw comic strips or paint watercolor. Have you ever considered learning to sail a boat, deep sea dive, or mountain climb? Some people just like to watch these videos for entertainment rather than taking them seriously. For example, the Dorf series highlights silly approaches to sports. On the other hand, serious fishermen, hunters, and skiers often use videos to brush up on skills. There are many great videos to get you started.

Cooking. Many video productions provide step-by-step instructions for baking and cooking. Topics include chocolate, healthful living, and cooking with children. You can even learn to make beer and cooking wine. Although Cooking with Porn Stars might not be your thing, you can probably find a cooking video that's right for you.

Video in the Classroom
Some videos are designed specifically for classrooms and teachers. These materials often contain teacher's guides, lesson plans, discussion questions, and other using materials to help integrate the program into the classroom.

Instructional television (ITV) is a subset of educational television. It is programming that has been specifically designed and developed for use in schools. Programs are produced for a certain curricula area or areas, aimed at a specific level of student, and developed to meet specific classroom needs. They have definite instructional objectives. In addition, instructional television is likely to be accompanied by teacher guides, student materials, and other printed resources.

Many local public broadcasting affiliates (PBS stations) broadcast instructional television programming during the weekday school hours. They often set up a regional ITV consortium and employ a school liaison staff-member. These groups promote and facilitate the license and purchase of ITV programming and materials for member schools.

Between the Lions is an example of a PBS reading program for kids. Materials are broadcast on television, can be recorded, and some video is streamed on the web.