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The college video application is an interesting concept for college admissions. It is a great option for applicants to submit a unique piece outside of the normal application and essays. However, writing is an essential component in the learning process and unless there is a developmental issue in that area, I believe video should not completely take the place of some type of writing.

Coming from an artistic background, I had to utilize video for one of my theatre schools when applying for undergraduate admissions.  Granted, I was performing a piece but the fact that it was an option for me made it possible to apply, in addition to the other components of the application process.

In our technological savvy world, options are key for students and it is crucial to utilize these tools in effective ways.  Students who choose the video route, have the ability to give admission counselors a short summary of who they are through use of modern technological devices.  The Dean of admissions at Carnegie Mellon stated that video applications can, “Add to the strength of an application.” He goes on to say that, “A student is a lot more than a set of test scores and a GPA.” By utilizing video apps, the colleges are able to become better acquainted with the applicant in a personal way. Carnegie Mellon still utilizes traditional admissions components, but students have the option to submit the video as well.

By having this option available to students, it gives applicants another route to express who they are to the committee, in addition to scores and grade point averages.  I believe it is a tool that can be very effective, if utilized correctly in the admissions process for college applicants.

References

Calori, I. & Divitini, M. (2009). Reflections of the Role of Technology in City-Wide Collaborative Learning. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies. Vol 3 No. 2 http://online-journals.org/index.php/i-jim/article/view/746

Ree, C. H & Hiang, K.C (2015). Bring Your Own Device Learning Environment: A Platform for Enhancing Student’s Learning Ability and Innovativeness. International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning 2015, Vol 7 No. 2 pp. 178-193. http://www.inderscience.com/dev/search/index.php

WBZ Channel 4. (2017, October 16).  Video App Brings College Applications to Life.  Retrieved November 5, 2017 from CBS Boston https://www.youtube.com/user/CBSBostonWBZ

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College Application Video Essays--Opinion by K. Franta

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College Application Video Essays--Opinion by K. Franta

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Thinking beyond my first reaction of a video as a "shortcut" to the often painful writing process of an essay, I realize the video essay blends the modern goals of education with technology. As educators and parents, we focus today on mental health in terms of the stress induced by the goal of perfect grades and high test scores to achieve the college of choice. However, the video redirects the focus to achievements that highlight "do-ers", "risk -taking" and individuality. Current research leads educators to produce creative problem solvers with strong critical thinking skills, and the video application is most conducive to this goal. Personally, I think that the video needs to supplement the essay, and is a better replacement for the sometimes interview requirement.

References
Johnson, J. (2011, January 3). Video essays are a hot topic in college admissions as more schools allow them. The Washington Post. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/03/AR2011010302546.html.

Bereiter, C. & Scardamalia, M. (2014). Smart technology for self-organizing processes, 1(1). Retrieved from Smart Learning Environments20141:1

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-014-0001-8

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Through researching college video applications, I have mixed thoughts on the idea of applying for college through a video. On the positive side, this can be a great option for students who struggle with writing, did not have good grades in high school and/or want to major in something related to video, performing arts, etc. However, college is meant to be a place for higher learning and a concentrated time for career/job training. College should be for education and therefore accept individuals who are serious about learning. A video only showcases what the individual wants to show about themselves. They can be edited and faked like anything on the internet. Using a traditional method of application displays the consistency of the student throughout four years of high school. Teacher and mentor recommendations aid to the character of the student to assure the college that the individual is who they say they are and are serious about education. There are a plethora of uneducated individuals in society today and lowering the standard for college admission will only add to this number, not decrease the number. A compromise for college admission could be to require the “traditional” documents such as transcripts and recommendations, but the student applying could choose whether they want to write a personal essay or make a video. This would bring clarity to who is admitted to the college while still allowing the creativity and strengths of the individual to be showcased in the format of their choosing.

References:

Economides, A.A, & Nikou, S.A. (2016). An outdoor mobile-based assessment activity: measuring students’ motivation and acceptance. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technology, 10(4). Retrieved from doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v10i4.5541.

Alhajri, R., Al-Hunaiyyan, A., & Al-Sharhan, S. (2017). Instructors age and gender differences in the acceptance of mobile learning. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technology, 11(4). Retrieved from doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v11i4.6185.

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College Video Applications - Opinion by B. Zinni

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College Video Applications - Opinion by B. Zinni

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I like the idea of giving applicants a choice of how they present themselves to an admissions committee. In many aspects of a modern student’s academic career, they are given the ability to choose how they demonstrate their knowledge or mastery—an essay, a visual presentation, a poem, a song, etc. And while being able to write clear prose is a standard academic skill, not everyone is an essayist. Watching some of the available videos on YouTube, a viewer can clearly get a sense of the student applicant. Also, limiting the video length makes students concentrate on their message or presentation.

I am sure there are many admissions videos that ramble or do not demonstrate an applicant’s unique character. Producing a video takes as much forethought and preparation as writing an essay. But having the option of writing an essay or producing a video is more in-line with modern education practices. One other modern, education related practice is the consulting or advising industry. And I am certain that, just as there are numerous avenues of help in writing a “killer” essay, there will soon be a slurry of suggestions on how to make a video that will help a student stand apart.

References

Al-Emran, M., Shaalan, K. (2015) Attitudes towards the use of mobile learning: A case study from the Gulf Region. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies. 9(3), 75-78. Retrieved from http://online-journals.org/index.php/i-jim/article/view/4596

Traxler, J. (2007). Defining, discussing and evaluating mobile learning: The moving finger writes and having writ . . . . The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning 8(2), 1-12.  doi:10.19173/irrodl.v8i2.346

Anderson, N. (2015, March 3). Videos replace essays and test scores for some kids’ college applications. The Washington Post.  Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/
forget-transcripts-and-sat-scores-these-students-got-into-college-by-video/2015/03/12/a4aaa28e-c349-11e4-9ec2-b418f57a4a99_story.html

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Mobile Learning Citations & College Video Applications - B. Wright

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Mobile Learning Citations & College Video Applications - B. Wright

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College video applications increased many students college acceptances. After reading a few articles on college video applications, I learned about ZeeMee, a new app used by hundreds of colleges around the world to learn more about their college applicants. As a parent of a recent high school graduate, ZeeMee would have been extremely helpful. An app like this is atrractive to the millenial generation because they can use their cell phones to create a unique application.

Citations:

Brooks, D. C., & Pomerantz, J. (2017, October). ECAR study of undergraduate students and information technology, 2017. EDUCAUSE Center for Analysis and Research (ECAR), 1-41.

Chen, B., Seilhamer, R., & Bennett, L. (2015, June 22). Students' mobile learning practices in higher education: A multi-year study. EDUCause Review. Florida. Retrieved October 31, 2017, from https://er.educause.edu/articles/2015/6/students-mobile-learning-practices-in-higher-education-a-multiyear-study

KDKA-TV. (2017, October 19). Schools using new video app to bring college applications to life. Retrieved October 30, 2017, from CBS Pittsburgh: http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2017/10/19/zeemee-college-application-app/