[Sigia-l] Online Video Learnings Summary

[Tom Donehower]

SUMMARY OF RESPONSES: RE: ONLINE VIDEO LEARNING

Below is a summary of responses re: online video learnings. Thanks to all
who responded. Your input was very helpful.

-Tom

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RECOMMENDED LINK FOR GENERAL REFERENCE OF VIDEO SITES
Here's a great link for other video examples:
http://mashable.com/2007/06/27/video-toolbox/

Thanks,
Jenni

===

STREAMING VS. DOWNLOADING AND FORMATS
Just a comment about streaming vs downloading
There may be cases where either is preferred.
Streaming is nice for immediate access--click the link and video starts.
Downloading is nice for uninterrupted view of video--no delays during video
because of internet speed. Downloading is nice for keeping video. Streaming
may be better for owner protecting copyright though there are technologies
to copy whatever can be viewed. Downloading may allow viewing of higher
definition (because internet speed doesn't allow streaming at that
definition). Downloading can be folded in to other use of internet (browse
in one window, download in another window).
Have a nice day
John Paul Fullerton

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FUTURE OF FORMATS
> 2.  What factors into the decision for format? I see a lot of sites using
> Flash, but was wondering if anyone could share any insight into the pros
and
> cons of the various formats and players available.

To mention just the more strategic ones, excluding P2P-popular codecs, there
used to be four 'general purpose' video platforms out there: Win, Real,
Flash and QuickTime.
In the future, there'll be two: Windows Media and H.264.
Real is really over and Flash is transitioning from On2 to H.264.
For web deployment, perhaps the biggest difference between the two camps is
DRM: Windows Media has it, neither Apple nor Adobe has really come up with a
comprehensive DRM layer on top of H.264. Yet.
If the destination of your videos does/will include iPods, iPhones, YouTube,
AppleTV, Flash/Flex/AIR devices, Macs or you want to enhance the videos with
scriptable interactivity (and you don't think Microsoft Silverlight will
really be cross-platform), you'll be using H.264.
Ziya
Nullius in Verba

===
PROS AND CONS OF FLASH STREAMING AND DOWNLOADING
> 1. What do you wish you had known or done prior to implementing online
> video?
I haven't implemented online video instruction, but have done
cdrom/lan deployment using captivate - kind of a hybrid screencasting
/ powerpoint learning system. Captivate uses swf (flash movies) as one
of it's deployment mediums.


> 2.  What factors into the decision for format? I see a lot of sites using
> Flash, but was wondering if anyone could share any insight into the pros
and
> cons of the various formats and players available.

PROS
- Flash has almost 100% deployment on desktop systems, and
alternatively can be deployed in a standalone player / application.
- Works consistently cross platform, and video can be embedded  as
part of a richer user experience.
- Can be integrated into a larger learning system and communicate with
back end technology.
CONS
- Can be hard to use depending on how the ui is designed.

> 3. What are the advantages/disadvantages of streaming video vs.
> downloading?

- Movies start earlier with streaming but can be problematic to save.
- Downloading means users do not have to be connected or download each time.
- Movies are a single linear experience vs. a richer possibly non
linear experience with flash.

> 4. Examples of great user experiences with online video beyond YouTube.

Youtube really raised the bar for viewing video online, and pretty
much lead the pack. I think there is not a significant competitor
offering vastly different experience - except maybe in the non-video
aspects of the product offering.
--
kind regards,
Terrence Wood

===
Once or twice per year I have the pleasure of teaching Information
Architecture Theory at Ryerson University. The course requires a group
project focusing on re-working the IA for an existing site, more accurately,
a main section of a site. Should note that this course is part of a
Knowledge Management and Database stream within the Ted Rogers School of
Information Technology Management. Students are overwhelmingly tech and
business oriented.
Over the years, I've noticed improving student work in IA. They clearly
demonstrate the ability to abstract and analyze the online world they grew
up in. Most interesting is their ability to apply video to their projects
and presentations. One from the past term was exceptionally well done.
This particular group of students looked at RAMSS, the student self-service
system operated by the University. Their video illustrates user difficulties
with the current system. This 2.5 min. clip was part of an excellent
analysis and presentation that won the overwhelming support of their peers
as well as an A.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE4356ecIX0
Enjoy and share.
A. Simon Mielniczuk, Solutions Architect, Toronto
Instructor, Ryerson University