The Advantages of Using Swimming Videos

Why video?

Swimming Videos - whether they’re on tape or DVD, streaming video or on-demand - can reach beginners with a wide range of learning styles and skill levels. There are virtually an endless amount of ways to take advantage of the power of video in order to create motivating, fun and inclusive learning experiences. However, watching a freestyle swimming video or underwater swimming video can also be a passive experience and so effective teaching and learning methods should be used, thus turning it into a springboard for pure learning action and interaction. Before deciding to use swimming videos for teaching or learning purposes, it is very important to watch all the material to be learned beforehand, just in case there are any unnecessary or unrelated parts. Looking through lesson plans or programs from other institutions, for ideas on how a swimming video has been used objectively to demonstrate specific strokes and techniques, can also be very helpful. If you are planning to use swimming videos, be sure that they are effective and, at least, sufficient. Let each medium do what it is intended to do. Swimming videos introduce concepts, hone techniques and motivates beginners. The Internet, on the other hand, provides instant reflection, extension, and follow-up. It’s ideal to use video with small groups. Learning alone or with a small group is a perfect way for learners with similar needs to share an unforgettable experience and then work on follow-up drills together. Try not going over 10 learners per video screen for optimal learning. Videos offer convenient, self-paced learning, like catching up on a missed or difficult lesson or studying at one’s own pace. However, you may need coaching on how to integrate printed media with a video program. Some learners may not feel comfortable about working or practicing on their own. Swimming videos are most effective in a lighted environment. Viewing in a darkened room leads to snoozing and inattention. To begin your swimming program, preview the video so you’ll have an idea which parts you want to concentrate on later, as you go further. Always practice the skills you’ve learned with follow-up activities, like those advised. The learner is the key to effective and practical use of video in any setting. One should learn how to take in new concepts, review and reinforce a skill, or return-demonstrate a technique. It’s very important to decide how you’re going to use the material and know how it will help you. Identify your needs to be worked on and incorporate them with the objectives of your program. Always plan ahead for effective use. Beginners will need to understand what they should be working on when they watch the swimming video. Make sure you are prepared. Swimming videos usually present a great deal of information in both skill and complexity. A good video lesson will typically be broken into two or three manageable segments to be covered one at a time, using several times of the day for review and reinforcement activities.