ideas
march 2010
CENTRE FOR INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY’S
EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
In this issue..
Find out about CIT’s latest initiative, the ConceptCast project. This new thrust
encourages faculty staff to develop - with CIT’s assistance - short explanatory videos
covering oft-repeated, highly-specific topics.
ConceptCast
If a picture paints a thousand
words, how many does a moving
picture paint?
While we cannot give an absolute
figure, a well-crafted video probably
paints much more. It is with this in mind
that CIT launched the ConceptCast
project.
As the name alludes, ConceptCasts
are videos - screencasts, multimedia
presentations or similar items - which
are aimed at addressing specific
concepts. These are short, easy to
understand videos lasting not more
than five minutes.
Creating videos sounds like a lot of
work. While there is a fair amount of
planning and production even for a
short clip, CIT will provide all the
support required, particularly for more
difficult tasks like filming a scenario or
creating an animation/simulation. You
need not worry about spending time
producing the video or learning the
skills required to produce the video.
That said, you may attempt to produce
a simple ConceptCast on your own too.
Associate Professor Lee Kim Seng
provides an example of a self-made
presentation which illustrates the
ConceptCast idea. In this short Breeze
presentation*, Assoc Prof Lee
introduces his students to the topic of
Couplings. Note that a basic concept is
discussed, with some simple animation.
ConceptCast FAQs
The total running time is less than three
minutes.
While the preceding example is
from t he wor ld of Mec hanical
Engineering, ConceptCasts can be
adapted to any subject area. For
example:
‣ a Philosophy ConceptCast can
illustrate a specific logical fallacy,
such as False Dilemma;
‣ a Biology ConceptCast may
contrast the types of eukaryotic life
cycles;
‣ an Architecture ConceptCast may
show the distinguishing features/
characteristics of Art Deco design.
ConceptCasts are handy in cases
where particular concepts cannot be
easily explained though text or a still
image. For example, if you use
particular software for your subject, it
may be easier for students to follow a
ConceptCast explaining the steps
involved in performing a certain task,
rather than writing instructions for it.
ConceptCasts are also useful in
answering and clarifying questions
about a topic which you face every
semester. You can use the video in your
lecture, post it to Multimedia in IVLE or
even on the NUS YouTube Channel for
the benefit of a wider audience.
Contact Mr NARAYANAN Shyam
at citns@nus.edu.sg to find out more
about ConceptCast.
* http://breeze.nus.edu.sg/p28562376/
1. Why create ConceptCasts?
• Videos can incorporate multimedia
elements which can better illustrate
certain concepts
• Videos can be reused
• Save time explaining basic
concepts repeatedly
2. What are ConceptCasts ideal for?
• Demonstrating specific tasks
• Explaining basic concepts/tenets/
principles with the help of visuals
• Answer ing frequently asked
questions, particularly those which
are best shown, not written
• Getting basics out of the way to
free up lecture time for more
complex topics
3. What can you put in the videos?
• Scenario-based videos
• Diagrams
• Animation
• Software demonstration
• Text (but not too much)
4. Who creates the ConceptCasts?
CIT will work with you to develop
ConceptCast videos. If you have an
idea, please discuss it with us. We will
advise you on the best way to
proceed. In some cases, you will be
able to create ConceptCasts yourself.
Other ConceptCasts may require our
assistance e.g. filming, editing etc.
5. Can I do this on my own?
Yes, you definitely can. In fact, we
encourage you to do so. You can use
our ser vices, such as Screen
Recording or Breeze to create your
own ConceptCasts. Do contact us so
that we can advise you on how best
to proceed.
Contact
ConceptCast
Mr NARAYANAN Shyam
citns@nus.edu.sg
ideas newsletter
Mr Kenneth PINTO
citpkg@nus.edu.sg
Website
http://cit.nus.edu.sg/