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Video Killed the Radio Star⭐

Samantha Wilkinson, OIT Elementary Teacher Specialist

On August 1st, 1981 MTV used this song, by The Buggles, as it's first ever track to be shown on the channel. Beware, it's catchy:



Now that the tune is stuck in your head, I think we can agree that The Buggles were onto something. Video DID kill the radio star. In fact YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and other video based applications prove video is king by consistently ranking in the top 5 of most active users. Here are some reasons why video reigns supreme:

  • Video displays nonverbal communication cues.

  • Video encompasses all other mediums- audio, visuals, text, etc.

  • Video communicates ideas quickly and succinctly.

  • Video betters social communication and prompts dialogue.

  • Video allows for multiple takes, combining various clips, and allows for faster expression than most other mediums.

  • It’s engaging!

In terms of the classroom, video creation by teachers allows them to have recordings for students to refer back to when they need reteaching. Video creation also allows the teacher to be sure the message they are projecting is accurate, succinct, and gets across the big idea. For students, allowing video creation for responding to exit tickets, writing prompts, etc. allows them to focus on the content rather than stressing over how to spell every word correctly, or spend a lot of time using images to decorate a slideshow instead of having quality responses. It’s also really fun, requires focus and knowledge of the content to be able to create, and is a great way to work on those verbal and social communication skills.

So it’s a no-brainer that since video culture is so ingrained in our daily lives, we should be incorporating it into the classroom as well. Below are three applications that can allow students to respond by video. All three can be found on the Classlinks page!

  1. Wixie: Did you know that students can record video on any Wixie project just by using the video recording icon? It embeds the video right on their project page.  On the home screen, Wixie also has a folder called TEMPLATES, and a subfolder called Video with 20 video templates. A few of my favorites are “Weather Report”, “Big Debate”, and “Expert Interview”.

  2. Brightspace VideoNote: In any text box where students or teachers have the HTML editor tools, whether it is a text submission assignment, discussion board, or something else, they can record a video. For teachers that means you can post your directions for your struggling readers, who will still be able to understand. Students can play it back, pause, and rewind to hear instructions again and again. This also gives students an alternative and creative way to respond. To use this tool, simply click on the “INSERT STUFF” icon on the toolbar. Scroll to the icon of a camcorder “Add Video Note”. Record your video and it will embed the video in your text box editing area. Even cooler, those video notes save so you can reuse them later on or in different courses!

  3. WeVideo: The ultimate video editor app that will help students add more than just a video recording of themselves. Students can add music, sound effects, images, and text on top of or in between video clips. With the WeVideo Classroom version, teachers can assign the class a video project and even can provide a media gallery with preloaded content for student use or make it a group project after pre-loading your class. With the option for full feature or simplified video editor modes, students of all levels can experience editing and creating video content.


Imagine the fun students can have making these videos all while demonstrating mastery of content, and building critical tech skills. If you decide to try video as a mode of expression in your classroom, let us know in the comments below. Or consider reaching out to your teacher specialist to support you in creating a lesson experience involving video!

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