In blended learning, videos can be sorted into two categories: "burner" and "reusable." Burner videos are quick and easy, like module introductions or wrap-ups, essentially creating a channel for you to create "teaching presence" or a humanizing element in the online environment. They can often be made using video tools in Canvas. Reusable videos take more effort, need planning, and likely involve other video tools and are often used to deliver your course content in the form of microlectures. Understanding this difference can help educators to make decisions on which tools to use depending on what the purpose of the video is, within the context of your course.

Burner vs reusable video

Not all videos are made equal. Some videos will require extensive planning and scripting. Some videos will be more spontaneous. In this module we have opted to use Chris Tuffnel's (BLADE 2023) two categories "burner" videos and "reusable" videos to distinguish between the videos that you will create for blended learning courses. The video on this page goes into more detail.

"Burner" videos are spontaneous and personal, perfect for tasks like check-ins or feedback. Burner videos allow educators to convey their personalities, enthusiasm, and care for their students. This is a vital part of humanising the online learning experience. (Pacansky-Brock 2017). These videos serve as a means of bridging the physical distance between teachers and students, fostering a sense of connection, trust, and belonging crucial for effective blended learning. By incorporating such videos into your courses, you can strengthen your "teaching" presence and create more meaningful learning experiences for your students. These videos can be recorded directly into the Canvas page and will allow you to talk to your students through the video.

In contrast, reusable videos, are intended for larger audiences and aim at being re-used in several courses. They reinforce your role as a guide and facilitator in the learning process. They are often used to deliver core course content. They provide a structured and consistent delivery for your instructional material. While these videos may be more scripted and less personal, they will still reflect your expertise and your commitment to facilitating student learning. Many educators at KI will use tools like Screenpal or Kaltura Capture to record lectures to include in their blended learning course.

Two categories for educational videos

In this video (4.44 min) Carina Bois presents two types of educational videos: burner videos and reusable videos. Burner videos are spontaneous and personal, perfect for tasks like check-ins or feedback. Reusable videos, reach larger audiences and aim at being re-used in several courses. This video is a shortened version of Chris Tuffnell's micro lecture called How to Create Education Videos (8:00 min)

Your choice

If you prefer to read the transcript for this video you can open it in preview mode or download the Word file below.

Transcript m4.2 Burner vs reusable videos.docx

Tip: If you open the ReadSpeaker TextAid link in the "Module" view you will be able to Annotate the file as well as download an audio version of the file to listen to on-the-go (one page at the time)!

Reflect: Ask yourself

Have you recorded any videos for your own courses. Have recorded burner or re-usable videos? Which tools have you used?

Write you reflections in your reflection log.

References

Tuffnell, Chris, BLADE. (2023, February). How to Create Education Videos | Micro-Lecture.
Anderson, T., Rourke, L., Garrison, D. R., & Archer, W. (2001). Assessing teaching presence in a computer conferencing context. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 5(2), 1-17. Retrieved from https://coi.athabascau.ca/coi-model/
Pacansky-Brock, M. (2017). Best Practices for Teaching with Emerging Technologies (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Brocansky, M. (n.d.). Humanizing online learning. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://brocansky.com/humanizing-online-learning

On this page:

Burner vs reusable video

Two categories for educational videos

Your choice

Reflect: Ask yourself

References