The average length of a video on TikTok is between 15-60 seconds, which is a far cry from the 70+ minute productions available to watch on Digital Theatre+. But these longer resources are the difference between a surface-level understanding and a unique, creative perspective on the text.
So, how do you keep your students focused and engaged?
Here are three ways Digital Theatre+ can help you incorporate short form content that energizes your classroom (without replacing full-length shows)...
Have you noticed that film trailers begin with a 5-second 'mini-trailer' nowadays, intended to 'hook' the viewer and hold their attention for the next three minutes?
When it comes to showing productions that bring the text to life, why not do the same for your students? Start your lesson with eye-catching clips of the most exciting or interesting moments. Show them an intense action scene that leaves them needing to know what happens next.
This is a great way to incorporate short form content because it doesn't replace full productions. Instead, it tees them up, supporting your lesson objectives and appealing to modern students.
Digital Theatre+ makes this even easier with ready-to-go chaptered productions, helping you jump to specific scenes or key moments in each play.
Here are some of our favorite short clips to engage your students:
This 2016 RSC production starring Paapa Essiedu is one of five versions of Hamlet available on DT+
Earlier this year, we discussed ways to connect modern students with Shakespeare. One of the most important tips was to acknowledge that Shakespeare can be very overwhelming.
Not only are students trying to understand an unfamiliar language, but they are also trying to analyze and find a personal connection to a story set in the 16th century.
This is where short form e-learning videos can help.
By focusing on just a few interlinked concepts at a time, they can help reduce the cognitive load for students, thereby improving their comprehension and retention of new ideas.
And Digital Theatre+ has hundreds of resources that suit this criteria, including...
Looking for bite-sized videos that break down character, theme, language, and other theatre topics?
Start with our Unlocked series, where each short episode is accompanied by Teacher Notes and a Student Workbook full of engaging activities and assessments.
Similar to the Unlocked series, Spotlight On shares short, digestible insights into key theatre topics, aimed at supporting younger learners.
Topics include Shakespeare, World Theatre, Theatre Foundations, Plays and Musicals, and The Production Team.
Explore our Spotlight On series in this short trailer...
Finally, short form videos can provide an added level of flexibility to your lessons. Their bitesized format is perfect for filling a couple extra minutes of class time, and the use of closed captions or subtitles can help you to adjust your lessons to suit any learner.
Did you know? 96% of all educational content on Digital Theatre+ is captioned!
And e-learning resources also support learning outside of the classroom, too. Short form videos are more easily accessible via mobile, therefore supporting students who may not have access to a home or local computer.
Plus, if students can access these resources on their phone, they can begin to fill small pockets of time throughout their day with engaging educational materials!
Book a demo today to explore the full catalogue of short clips available on Digital Theatre+ (including tailored content recommendations for your next lesson).