Instructional Videos

Video Examples

The following are three video demonstrations available on the PracticeQuest platform. These videos are provided solely for illustrative purposes to showcase specific design decisions. Design decisions will be further elaborated upon after the videos.

C Major Scale - Introduction

Song - Bar by Bar

Song - Full

Video Design Decisions

CTML and Video Design

The Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML) serves as the foundation for effective instructional video design. CTML principles such as coherence, segmenting, and learner control have proven to enhance the learning experience when it comes to instructional videos (Fyfield et al., 2022). In line with these principles, we've made deliberate design choices to create videos that align with effective learning strategies.

Visuals and Animations

We acknowledge that visuals play a vital role in making videos engaging and informative (Fyfield et al., 2022). In our videos, we've utilised visuals when necessary, primarily to maintain clarity for our young target audience. Visuals are included to directly relate to the task at hand. The use of colour is done sparingly to ensure that focus is drawn correctly. This is luckily quite achievable as the piano itself is black and white.

While not prominent in the examples, animations are planned to be integrated into the videos, specifically for conveying complex musical concepts like the circle of fifths and intervals.

Interactivity and Feedback

Engaging learners is essential, and we've embraced the importance of interactivity as it can motivate students and activate their prior knowledge (Fyfield et al., 2022; Mayer et al., 2020). Our videos are designed with pauses to allow students to interact. For instance, in our interval videos, multiple-choice questions are presented during these breaks. Additionally, the platform provides real-time feedback to aid students in identifying and correcting their mistakes.

Multimedia Use

We recognise that a blend of media elements like text, images, and audio can significantly enhance the learning experience (Noetel, 2020). In our videos, we've thoughtfully incorporated a mix of these elements while being mindful not to overwhelm students, as they also engage with their own pianos and sheet music.

Video Length and Segmentation

Studies suggest that instructional videos are most effective when they are 6 minutes or less in length and segmented where possible (Henderson, 2023b). Our videos are intentionally short to suit our young audience, some are as short as 30 seconds. Key sections are segmented, focusing on gradual learning, akin to the way we encourage students to approach new music - one bar at a time.

Instructor Face and Demeanor

Decisions regarding the inclusion of an instructor's face are based on the learners' needs (Kizilcec et al., 2015). For these videos, the instructor's face is omitted to reduce distractions for young learners.

However, research has indicated that the instructor's demeanour in videos can influence learners' motivation and mood (Horovitz & Mayer, 2021). Although these example videos do not show an instructor's face, they are designed to mimic a happy and motivated teacher to ensure a sense of familiarity and support for the student.

Dynamic Drawing and First Person Perspective

Filming the video from a learner's perspective can help increase their sense of immersion and engagement (Mayer et al., 2020). To maintain student engagement and foster familiarity, our videos incorporate dynamic drawing and a first-person perspective. This approach ensures that students are focused on the visual changes on screen and the accompanying voice and sound.

Conclusion

This structured approach to video design ensures that our content is both pedagogically effective and attuned to the specific learning requirements of our students.