'Streaming' Best Practices: Using Digital Video-Teaching Segments in the FL/ESL Methods Course

ABSTRACT: Using technology in the form of “streaming” Internet video segments to provide additional instruction in an already overloaded foreign language/English as a Second Language (FL/ESL) methods course is the focus of this article. Using a digital camcorder, the course instructors videotaped the teaching of listening, speaking, reading, writing, culture, and essential course principles and converted the footage to QuickTime/RealPlayer movies that highlight best practices for students in the FL/ESL methods course. Students view the videos via the Internet and work through a series of reflective case studies aimed at improving their teaching skills. Students can watch peers' and professors' videos housed on the course Web page at any time. An explanation of the technology required and how to produce such material is discussed.