New Directions: Video

The technology landscape in higher ed is constantly evolving--and nowhere is this more apparent than in the use of video. Whether for teaching and learning or for collaboration, video content is playing an increasingly prominent role. It’s also putting new demands on institutions. As instructors move to incorporate video—and video production—into courses, many schools are struggling to provide adequate support.

In working with clients, the rSmart team has had firsthand experience with this emerging trend in higher ed, as well as the limitations that exist for using video in the CLE. Typically, instructors must upload all their video files into Resources with WebDAV; then they must link to those files from within other tools, such as Lessons—and repeat the whole process when they duplicate a course.

How can we better integrate video in the CLE? There’s no single answer to this question, and every solution will depend on an institution’s specific needs and resources. But we’ve identified some key areas for support:

• Tools. Schools want easy-to-use tools that let instructors and students edit, manage, and access video content without relying on complicated, professional-level applications.
   
• Production. Video production can involve several different codecs and formats, which pose another set of support challenges. A lot of institutions would prefer to use a central video server with web-based applications, so they can avoid these issues altogether.
   
• Data storage and management. The sheer size and complexity of video files can present a problem. Many schools would like to see a storage and server solution for the CLE. They want a repository for video files, so users can link to video content quickly from within sites, and they want strong streaming capabilities to help manage their network traffic.

Before rSmart can expand video support, we’ll have to more thoroughly evaluate the needs and priorities of our clients, as well as possible options. We may integrate video tools from a third-party provider, such as Kaltura or OpenCast, who could offer hosted support as well. We might also help address the network and processing demands of video through some kind of “cloud” service that could more effectively share computing resources. For now, video support is still on the horizon—but we’re taking steps to meet the growing need for it.