How does it work?
Video is captured using digital cameras, Webcams,and much more. While it is still currently acceptable to simply post raw video footage, many videoblog sites are starting to incorporate titles, edited clips, sound, music, and other film effects to enhance their message. An ideal clip is 1–3 minutes in length and the resulting video clip is compressed and placed on a Web server. The content is also placed in an RSS feed and the URL shared with the videoblogging community.
Why is it significant?
Adding video capabilities to Web sites exemplifies the old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words. The ability of videoblogs to deliver richer content than sites using just text and still images positions vlogs is unique. Individuals are finding that video allows them to express themselves more naturally and with greater facility than text sites. Thanks to reduced barriers to entry for content creation, bloggers, podcasters, and now videobloggers are able to publicly express themselves using their media of choice. Videoblogging has the potential to expand communication options andindividual expression with personal video posts.
What are the downsides?
The greatest downsides to videoblogging are the bandwidth requirements and the resources required to capture, store, and distribute video. Although the barriers to creating video content have come down, a significant investment of time and money may still be required. Videoblogs also depend on the availability and affordability of broadband connections.
Where is it going?
The tools to create videoblogs are becoming more common,
less expensive, and better known to students, professionals and individuals alike. Camera-capable cell phones and digital cameras that can record short videosequences make it relatively easy to acquire and post video to the Internet.
What are the implications for teaching and learning?
Based on the popularity of blogs and podcasts, as well as the growth in video tools, videoblogging is likely to grow in popularity, among both faculty and students. The ability to easily create video segments and quickly post them to a Web site makes videoblogs a likely tool for recording lectures, special events, and so forth. Subscription is enabled by RSS and couples creation and distribution. The ease and speed of authoring promotes a community that is willing and capable of critiquing the work of peers, which often results in dual communication between videoblog authors.
SeoSkye has put together a list of our recommended top 20 video sharing sites. These are obviously not all right for every client, so some picking and choosing is required on a case by case basis.
