Love to Learn: Video-Based Learning in South Africa

Fuelled by digital technology and increasing connectivity, video-based learning is rapidly emerging as a transformative force in education. It’s reshaping how knowledge is accessed and shared and transcends the traditional boundaries of physical classrooms. This evolution holds particular promise for homeschooling families with unprecedented flexibility and access to a wealth of information.

Tebogo Moleta, founder and MD of Think Tank, notes that video-based learning in SA is a solution to challenges inherent in traditional educational models. For individuals in remote locations, access to quality educational resources and specialised teachers has often been a hurdle, sometimes necessitating relocation to urban educational hubs. Traditional learning methods have also historically assumed limited internet access and device availability which anchored education to fixed locations. Online video-based learning in homeschool environments is changing this paradigm.

Democratising Learning: Anytime, Anywhere Access

Video-based learning has the potential to democratise education by making it accessible regardless of time and place. Students can chart their own learning journey at their own pace, a significant advantage for homeschoolers who often thrive on personalized schedules.

This convenience is amplified by the ability to engage in micro-learning benefits, where educational content is delivered in short, manageable segments. “This creates a profound and meaningful educational experience. It makes it easier to consume learning materials and develop new skills,” says Moleta. For instance, a complex science concept can be broken down into several five-minute videos to make it less daunting and easier to digest than a lengthy textbook chapter.

The South African Child Gauge 2023, published by the Children’s Institute at the University of Cape Town, notes that while digital access is increasing, disparities remain. However, it also highlights that “digital technologies provide opportunities for children to learn, play, socialise and access information.” Video-based learning, often accessible via mobile devices, can play a major role in bridging some of these gaps, assuming data affordability is addressed.

Why Video-Based Learning Works: Engaging Multiple Senses

Video-based learning stands out from traditional methods by leveraging the power of visuals and audio to engage multiple senses simultaneously. Moleta quotes the saying, “Show me once, and I’ll remember; show me twice, and I’ll understand,” to encapsulate this. This multi-sensory approach goes beyond static text and images. It creates a more immersive and effective learning experience.

Key differences and advantages include:

• On-Demand Learning: Pre-recorded sessions allow students to access content whenever they need it. They can also re-watch segments as many times as necessary to grasp concepts. This is a stark contrast to text-based learning or live lectures where it’s harder to learn at one’s own pace.

• Catering to Modern Learners: This flexibility addresses the diminishing attention spans often noted in students accustomed to consuming bite-sized content on various platforms. Short, engaging videos can hold attention more effectively.

• Enhanced Comprehension & Retention: Visual demonstrations, animations and real-world examples in videos can clarify complex topics and improve information retention far more than text alone.

Affordability and Scalability: A New Educational Landscape

One of the significant benefits of educational videos and online platforms is their cost-effectiveness. “Once content is developed and published on an appropriate learning platform, it remains accessible online indefinitely. This eliminates the need for recurrent investments of time and money,” Moleta explains. The economies of scale associated with online platforms contribute to this affordability.

This not only benefits individual families seeking quality education but also opens doors for educational institutions and subject matter experts to reach a broader audience beyond physical campuses. For homeschoolers, this means access to a wider range of specialised teachers and courses that might have been geographically or financially out of reach previously. Platforms like Funda, mentioned by City Press as a South African-developed free online learning platform, demonstrate local innovation in making educational content accessible.

Choosing the Right E-learning Platform

When selecting from the growing number of e-learning platforms that South Africa has to offer for video-based content, it’s important to consider several factors. Moleta advises prioritising “reliability, impactful content, organisational structure and adequate support”.

Consider these aspects:

• Content Quality and Relevance: Is the content accurate, up-to-date, engaging and aligned with your homeschooling curriculum or learning goals? Look for content created by qualified educators or subject matter experts.

• User Experience: Is the platform easy to navigate for both parents and children? Is it accessible on various devices?

• Interactivity: Does the platform offer interactive elements like quizzes, assignments, or discussion forums to complement the video content and ensure active learning?

• Technical Support and Reliability: The platform should be stable and offer prompt technical assistance when needed.

• Cost and Value: Assess the subscription fees or content costs against the quality and breadth of resources offered. Some platforms may offer free trials or basic access.

Organisations like the Digital Education Institute​ often discuss best practices in online learning. They acknowledge learner engagement and well-structured content as key to successful e-learning experiences.

Integrating Video-Based Learning into Your Homeschool

For South African homeschooling parents, video-based learning can be a powerful tool, not a replacement for all other methods, but a valuable supplement.

• Blend with Other Activities: Balance screen time with hands-on projects, reading, and outdoor activities.

• Facilitate, Don’t Just Prescribe: Watch videos with your younger children, discuss the content, and help them connect it to other learning areas. Encourage older children to reflect on what they’ve learned.

• Check for Understanding: Use quizzes, discussions, or projects to ensure children are actively learning and not just passively watching.

• Address Data Constraints: Where possible, download videos for offline viewing to manage data costs, a significant consideration for many South African families.

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