TELT 'Show and Share' Webinar on Video Assignments in QMplus

Outline of an invisible video screen hovering above someones hands

As part of the TELT "Show and Share" webinar series, I recently co-facilitated a session on video assignments in QMplus, alongside my colleague and fellow QMplus Assignment Lead, Steve Evans.

Rather than focusing on how to set up or create video assignments, our session aimed to explore how they are already being used by staff at Queen Mary in creative and effective ways. We wanted to highlight the potential of video assignments as tools for assessment and feedback, and to encourage others to consider how they might use them in their own teaching.

With the support of our School Learning Technologists, we contacted colleagues who are currently using video assignments. We received a very positive response and are grateful to those who kindly agreed to share their experiences. Their input played a key role in shaping the session.

Together, Steve and I planned a 45-minute session that included multiple contributors, time for questions, and a selection of useful resources. Being part of the wider TELT series fostered a strong sense of community. Alysa Bramble, TELT’s Training and Support Manager, provided valuable support to us individually and across the group of facilitators. It was also helpful to connect with other Learning Technologists delivering sessions as part of the series—we were able to share ideas and support one another.

The session was very much a team effort. Learning Technology Officers supported us throughout—from recording the session for CPD purposes to helping ensure everything ran smoothly on the day.

We were pleased to be joined live by Professor Lizzie Barmes (School of Law), who shared their experience of using video assignments in their teaching. We were especially grateful for their contribution, particularly as they are currently on sabbatical writing a book—we wish them all the best with it.

We also included a pre-recorded interview with Dr Asen Ivanov (School of Economics), who kindly recorded a conversation with us in advance of the session. He shared valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges of using video assignments, including a notable example where students created a rap video inspired by "Fear the Boom and Bust: Keynes vs. Hayek".

To include a student perspective, we shared a short video from Davina Ansah, a postgraduate Law student, reflecting on her experience of completing a video assignment. Including a student voice added an important dimension to the session.

Some of the key benefits of using video assignments that were highlighted include:

•  Encouraging student creativity and originality
• Supporting the development of a wider range of skills beyond traditional assessment formats
•  Providing students with flexibility and choice in how they present themselves
•  Making use of a format many students are already comfortable with
• Offering variety on programmes where most assessments are written or exam-based
• Receiving positive feedback from students

We also discussed some of the challenges, such as confidence with recording and technical issues with uploading large files.

The session included a number of thoughtful questions and prompted a useful discussion. It was encouraging to see the interest in this topic and to hear different perspectives from colleagues.

On a personal note, the experience reinforced the value of offering a range of professional development formats—webinars can complement workshops effectively. It was also rewarding to collaborate with academic colleagues on the content, and to provide a platform for sharing their experiences with others.

If you’d like to learn more about video assignments at Queen Mary, we invite you to explore our TELT guidance. TELT also offers a range of support services, including Book-a-Learning-Technologist (BALT) one-to-one sessions, as well as a variety of helpful resources across our supported systems. 

We also run a wide selection of workshops throughout the year—check out the CPD site to see what’s on offer. 

We're here to support you—and we’d love to hear your ideas for future sessions too!