Should we use video technology for giving feedback?

Abstract

This study explored the use of video screencasts to supplement written feedback with a small cohort of early-career academics (n = 29) undertaking a postgraduate programme aligned to the UK Professional Standards Framework for teaching in higher education. The aims were to support the academics’ professional development following their summative assessment as well as introducing the technology to inform their own feedback practice. Whilst staff, as learners, were positive about the video feedback, only 50% would consider providing it to their students. They would, however, consider other ways to incorporate video screencasts into their teaching. In addition, the differences between the marks awarded for the first and second assessment were analysed and compared to those of a previous cohort (n = 32) that received written feedback only. The findings would suggest that in spite of positive perceptions about video feedback, there were no differences in performance between the two groups.