Craft videos are the very best way to learn any craft skill
. Hands down. Ive tried teaching people by giving them just instructions (when Im not there) and it only does part of the job. For the best solution you need a moving image and hard text.
Most of us learn by seeing. That is grasping what we both read, and what we watch. Pop a craft video or DVD into the PC and youve a sure fire recipe for success.
Its a winner for everyone.
For the person who created the video, because it catches them hopefully at their very best.
Video for them means being able to reach so many more that those in a standard classroom. And it means they can reproduce themselves as often as they like.
Camcorders these days are easy to operate and as long as the project is recorded in close up you will be able to see each and every step of what you need to do.
As a publisher I love videos for their learning power. If I have done my job right in explaining things, and getting the steps, and instructions right then it is a no-brainer. The video wins over written instructions every time.
How many times have you been thwarted by something that did not pan out on the page. Things missed out. Garbled instructions. Dead ends?
Well there is no such hiding place for the crafter demonstrating. Chances are they have made the project hundreds of time and hopefully using everyday language. There is something about writing instructions that turns our normal speech into something that hard to fathom.
Explaining things to a flashing camcorder forces you to be honest and clear. Any stuff ups are there for ever. And trust me, they will come back and remind you.
So for my part, every craft video is re-run, replayed, re-shot, saved and rendered to my level of perfection. I would hate it if one of my craft videos went out with me feeling it did a less than proper job.
I want everyone watching to feel not only that I can do the project (what is the point in that)? As a craft teacher I want you to be feel that YOU can. My expertise is only important in as much as being able to explain and share it with YOU.