Interactive Video (IV)

Interactive Video is an individualized instructional system providing a multi-media learning environment. It combines the features of instructional television and computer assisted instruction. Pre-recorded video materials, arranged sequentially are presented to viewers in steps at a particular speed under the control of a computer. Student views each of the video materials recorded with background sound, animation and virtual environment, easily understands the content and interacts with the computer by answering the questions (usually in the form of multiple choice questions) accompanying each frame of the content material. The responses of the viewers affects the pace and sequence of the video presentation. For the student to respond to the questions asked or to raise questions in order to get his doubts clarified there will be a provision from among the following:

1.    A keyboard to type the responses.

2.    Using a mouse, move around on the flat surface of the screen with the cursor and double click at the appropriate spot.

3.    If a touch screen is provided, the learner has to only touch the cues on the screen.

4.    If a voice recognition system is provided, then the learner has to speak to the computer. This system is not yet commercially available.

With the provision of interaction with computer, interactive video could be used for individualized tutorials, practice and drill, testing and simulation so that student's learning becomes complete. Every one can proceed at his/her own pace by getting the video materials more sequentially.

This type of facility is not available in the ordinary instructional television programmes. In video films too students could learn by seeing and listening but there is no provision for interaction with the learning material to get clarifications, practice and drill or to get one's proficiency tested. That is in these two methods (TV and Video Films), students remain passive receivers of information only; but in interactive video system, they not only view the video materials but also interact with them with the help of the computers so as to get the learning experience almost as in a classroom instruction. In fact the learning experience received in IV is richer than that of conventional classroom instruction. In the regular classroom learning, it is not possible to get a particular learning experience repeatedly but in IV video contents could be moved slowly, in steps or repeatedly. Thus interactive video promotes individualiseed learning. In interactive video, even the assignment can be done on the computer floppy and returned for assessment. Interactive video motivates the learner to study, test his knowledge and tutors him on hiss weak points. As the instructional materials are presented in the form of visual texts with audio and animation, learner's interest is sustained.

Components of an Interactive Video System

In any IV system the following three components find place.

i.                   Micro Computer

ii.                Video Disc

iii.             T.V. Monitor

This new technology makes use of the application of a Video Disc which could store and retrieve visual information and a computer which could create the textual matter blended with pictures and animation. Further the computer also controls the speed, sequencing and selection of the video material depending on the nature of learner's responses. The functional system of an IV is given below:

Learning from Interactive Video

The programme is presented in the television screen in steps through carefully structured sequences. Now and then, the learner is tested by stopping the pictures and offering multiple choice questions. Correct responses allow the programme to proceed on its natural path. Incorrect responses result in remedial measures by providing more information for clarity.

Interactive Facilities:

An interactive Video has the following provisions :

1.    Search for a particular segment or still frame.

2.    Freeze a particular still frame for a fixed period of time.

3.    Examine the response of the learner and process it as an instruction for further play in the forward direction or replay.

4.    Play in either normal or slow step by step mode in the forward direction.

5.    Keep record on how many times a particular action has occurred.

Instructional Uses of Interactive Video

Interactive Video has the following two instructional uses.

1.    It evaluates each response of the student to judge whether he has understood the content viewed. If it indicates lack of comprehension, then through a branch loop containing supplementary or remedial materials will be presented. If the student's comprehension is confirmed, subsequent video content materials will be presented in the normal mode in the forward direction.

2.    It enables the student to select the desired video disc segment and desired contents for learning.