Using Digital Videos to Enhance your Teaching

By Karin Kirk, Bridger Bowl

Pocket-sized digital cameras are commonplace these days. Perhaps you were even lucky enough to get one for Christmas this year. Did you know that these handy little toys can be a gold mine for snowsports teaching? Most entry-level digital cameras come with a very clever feature - the ability to take a short video clip. This feature, combined with pocket-sized portability, allow for instant video analysis during lessons.

There are several advantages to using a digital camera for your ski and snowboard lessons. First, it provides immediate feedback. The LCD screen on the back of the camera makes it easy to watch the video playback right on the edge of the run. The student can watch the video, then ski again right away to develop a connection between what they feel and what they saw on the video. Alternatively, you can shoot a few sections of video and review it on the lift. With most cameras you can pause the video during playback, and watch the video clip in slow motion or fame-by-frame for a more detailed look.

Another nice thing about a digital camera is that it's spontaneous. I'm sure you can remember training clinics when the clinician is shooting video. As the group waits at the top of the run, and the clinician fiddles with the camera - the tension mounts. And while reviewing the video, how many of you have claimed, "but I don't normally ski like that in real life!" The longer the group has to stand around and wait for their turn in front of the camera, the more they get nervous and the worse they perform. By using a digital camera, you can keep the camera in your pocket while you're teaching, and then if the opportunity arises, you can offer to shoot some quick video clips. It takes all of 5 seconds to set up for a shot, so the waiting time is minimized. You can shoot as many times as your students want so they can get used to the idea of being filmed. To keep the waiting time to a minimum it's best to only shoot video in privates or small groups. However, I do use the digital video in multi-week group lessons. I shoot 2 or 3 skiers during each class, and I review it with them on the lift. That way everyone gets to do some video over the course of the program, but I don't take an entire class session to do it.

Reviewing the video one-on-one has its advantages too. Most students do not want to have their flaws pointed out to all their peers. While this exercise is useful for training instructors in movement analysis, it is not as necessary for the general public. A private chairlift ride is an opportune place to watch the video and talk to your student. Make sure to be positive about what you see, as well as to point out where improvements could be made. If you want to share the video with an audience, most cameras come with a cable that connects them to a TV. The resolution is not great, so the image will be grainy, but it is sufficient for movement analysis.

The good news is that you do not need an expensive camera. Most entry-level digital cameras have the video feature, and can be had for $300 or less. The videos are large files (2 megabytes and up), so you'll need a memory card that's at least 16MB to hold a class' worth of videos. A larger card is better so you don't have to erase them or download them as often. Most cameras shoot about 15 seconds of video, which is the perfect length to capture the student approaching, going past you, then going away for a few turns. I nearly always have the zoom lens fully zoomed (to use a technical term) to get the skier reasonably large on the LCD screen. One caveat is that bright sunlight makes it nearly impossible to see the picture on the LCD screen. Standing in the shade solves that problem. It's a good idea to practice filming with a fellow instructor until you get the bugs worked out. In fact, using the camera with your peers is a great way to work on your own skiing and movement analysis.

A digital camera need not be reserved just for serious stuff. You can take both photographs and videos of clients that are on vacation. You can send them photos via e-mail, and make CDs of the videos. This is a great way to have your clients remember how much fun they had while skiing with you. At the end of the season, I compile all the videos and photos of my women's workshop group onto a CD. I use basic video editing software to insert video clips and still photos. I add a bit of text and a soundtrack - and it's a great show! I give the CDs to my students to keep them inspired over the summer. Perks like this can help you stand out as a snowsports instructor. Putting your digital camera to use can add value to your lessons, help your students learn, and provide them with a souvenir at the same time.