Originally published 2021/06/20

Currently, I use instructional video daily. I just bought a new house and whenever I need to know how to fix something, I pull up YouTube first thing. I will watch several videos just to find the one that pertains to my specific need, and then watch a few more after that to make sure I really have a grasp on the subject. And when all that fails me, I FaceTime my dad so he can show me what to do next.

Video is absolutely here to stay, and I only see technology advancing and becoming more accessible. Already, we are experimenting with augmented and virtual realities. What better way to teach a hands-on task than to use virtual hands in a practice setting! Even with those technologies, I think video will become the new baseline. Whereas now we still depend heavily on text and images, I think videos will be the new go-to media. Even pictures taken on our phones are getting a video-like treatment with the "Live" setting.

In the future, I think videos will be tailored to the individual, with a "choose-your-own-adventure" like feeling hosted by a virtual assistant. If you thought YouTube holes were dangerous now, just wait until the technology that delivers you recommended content advances. There is a danger to such unregulated technology, but also an opportunity. Easily spreading information is important to uplift society, but only if that information is factual and helpful. Historically, regulation has not kept pace with technology, so I truly hope that the learning sciences has a way to authenticate and disseminate factual information.