VideoAnt: Simplified Video Note-Taking
As instructional videos are heavily used in virtual and hybrid environments, we often ask our students to open a Google Doc or take out a blank piece of paper to gather their notes. While these might be ideal options for some, another modality to support student note-taking while video viewing that allows for automatic pausing of the video while writing could be through the use of a video note-taking software, like VideoAnt. A few years ago, many fell in love with the tool VideoNote.es to take notes while watching a video in real time, but the tool was deprecated. Fans of VideoNote.s, rejoice! VideoAnt is a new alternative with more comprehensive, collaborative features!
Teachers can share their teacher-produced annotations with students to scaffold note-taking and video viewing or provide students with the tool to support independent student note-taking. The collaborative features in the tool allow for a whole class to contribute annotations to a video, in a matter of clicks.
What:
VideoAnt is a free note-taking tool from the University of Minnesota. After
creating a free account, the user is able to watch videos and take time
stamped notes off to the right of the video viewer. Video annotations (called
Ants) can be shared with others for viewing or for additional contributions.
Plus, the videos can be embedded on learning management systems and
websites.
Why:
VideoAnt can support students in many ways and aligns with the Universal
Design for Learning framework as well.
For example, the tool helps to provide learners with an all-in-one place for
videos and note-taking, supporting executive functioning and the management of
links, resources, and assignments. Furthermore, the tool also supports the
area of action and expression in the UDL guidelines by providing learners with
an additional option to take notes in a digital format.
VideoAnt can also support student engagement. The teacher can provide students
with a link to an Ant with teacher-created annotations. The teacher
annotations can provide guiding questions, clarification, and reminders for
students as they view, minimizing student distractions and supporting
self-regulation. The ability to collaborate on video notes may prove to be a
helpful option for students when working together.
Lastly, the tool can help support language and comprehension if the teacher
clarifies new or tricky vocabulary in the video annotations. Students have a
reference as they view the video.
How:
Set up your free VideoAnt account and get started in a matter of minutes! The
easy to use tool guides you through annotations and sharing your Ants upon the
first use of the tool. However, if you would like more guidance, check out our
tutorial resources.
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