(Photo by: Fisher, 2020)
Teachers commonly use videos to enhance lessons, providing visual and auditory learning opportunities, variety in teaching methods, and flipped learning (Earp, 2016). However, determining student engagement and the continued effectiveness of videos can be difficult. Interactive lessons that foster creativity and higher-order thinking skills are needed to make school more relevant (Goode & Flint, 2021; Mayang et al., 2021).
One tool that allows teachers to take educational videos to the next step is EdPuzzle (available mostly free* on their website as well as on iOS and Android). EdPuzzle is a video lesson-making tool where teachers can embed questions at a particular time in the video that allows students to reflect on their learning as they are progressing through its content. Teachers can then through formative assessment see if students have comprehended the content and adjust how to allocate the time during the lesson. This allows teachers to spend more time creating more differentiated and interactive lessons compared to a traditional classroom.
As an example for a homework task, a teacher could assign a short EdPuzzle for their students in a stage 4 science classroom to build an understanding of Earth’s movement in space (example HERE) (ACSSU115, SC4-12ES) (Australian Curriculum, 2023; NESA, 2018). Students can watch the video and answer revision questions at their own pace. The teacher can check the results before class and adjust the lesson as needed. This allows for more time in class to perform experiments, discuss, and engage in higher-order thinking activities, creating a more active learning environment. Differentiated and creative lessons can be developed as a consequence (Mayang et al., 2021). However, EdPuzzle doesn't stop there.
(Original Author content from EdPuzzle - an example of how to set up a new student project. The example is for a Biology Stage 6, Module 1 assessment using EdPuzzle (BIOL11/12-7 & BIO11-8)(NESA, 2017))
EdPuzzle has a creative assessment tool called 'Student Projects' (EdPuzzle Staff, 2022). Here, teachers can instead assign students an assessment where they get to be the video and questions creator. Teachers can assign students to either find a current video or for more advanced tasks, even for students to create their videos based on learning criteria and syllabus outcomes (please see the photo above for an example) (NESA, 2018).
One similar website tool is Khan Academy, and although Khan Academy is also a great video learning tool with a vast range of educational videos, it does not allow teachers to create, edit, and embed questions throughout the video to check for understanding. Furthermore, it does not have a student projects tool, making EdPuzzle more diverse and a great tool to be used to enhance student understanding and allow for more creativity in the classroom.
Although there are many advantages to EdPuzzle, the main negative is that it heavily relies on students to have access to digital media. As such, students may not be able to participate in such tasks and teachers have to be mindful of this.
References
Earp, J. (2016, February 03). Homework culture key to flipped learning success. Teacher Magazine. https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/homework-culture-key-to-flipped-learning-success
EdPuzzle Staff. (2022, June 14). 7 Ways to Use Student Projects With EdPuzzle. EdPuzzle. https://blog.edpuzzle.com/edtech/7-ways-student-projects-edpuzzle/
Fisher, M. (2020, August 21). Photo by Max Fischer from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-two-girls-using-laptop-with-classmates-5212695/
Goode, J. & Flint, R. (2021). Leveraging STEM and digital technologies to teach 21st century skills in the primary and secondary classroom. Teaching Science (Deakin West, A.C.T.), 67(4), 18–25. https://search-informit-org.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au/doi/10.3316/informit.254557985765846
Mayang, G. C., Efendi, A., & Taufik Prakisya, N. P. (2021). The Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning Assisted by EdPuzzle on Students’ Critical Thinking Skills. IJIE (Indonesian Journal of Informatics Education), 5(1), 9–15. https://doi.org/10.20961/ijie.v5i1.47264
NESA. (2017). Module 1: Cells as the basis of life. New South Wales education standards authority. https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/stage-6-learning-areas/stage-6-science/biology-2017/content/2102
NESA. (2018). Outcomes (linked to course content) science years 7-10 syllabus (2018). New South Wales education standards authority. https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/learning-areas/science/science-7-10-2018
Hi Pia,
Thanks for introducing me to EdPuzzle! This would be great for teachers to create lessons use in classrooms as it is interactive and can be motivating for students. It would be wonderful if you were able to add a YouTube video showing how you used the app! Just on top of my mind it would be fun to integrate Kahoot quiz game with EdPuzzle as a recap or summary to also assess students!
Best,
Dianne
Hi Pia,
I have never heard of EdPuzzle before but you have described it really well and it seems really cool! Other than using it for homework, would it be beneficial to also use it during class? Also, is it easy to use and to set up questions? Overall, really good post and great example!
Sarah Hattam