Kevin Smith, Principal Teacher of P.E., shares his experience working with Dartfish in this interview.
Kevin, how and when did you first discover Dartfish?
I first discovered Dartfish at a P.E. conference in Stirling, where Iain Stanger introduced it in a seminar and has been very supportive ever since. We have been using Dartfish since December 2006.
What motivated you to integrate Dartfish’s video technology in your teaching?
We have integrated Dartfish into our daily routine because we recognise that it is a quality software package that had so many possibilities. From using the basic function of live delay in a trampoline lesson, to using pre-roll in a game of basketball while capturing good examples of pupils driving to the basket, to using Mediabooks for creating resources to assist with the theory side of the course, to using Dartfish classroom for analysing performance. Dartfish does it all and it does it all very quickly and easily. Personally I can say with confidence that it has really motivated me in my teaching and I look forward to using it more and more in the future.
How do you use Mediabooks in your PE classes?
As a department we are using Mediabooks mainly to assist with our certificated P.E. classes. While covering the theory side of the course, we have short video clips covering the practical element of the area being looked at and attached are documents that are to be used alongside the video clip. We have been using Mediabooks in their older format for a couple of years but now see the real potential of dartfish.tv and are very motivated to developing this as a long term resource.
How has the use of Dartfish changed your teaching?
Using Mediabooks has really enhanced our teaching styles and has provided the pupils with a very rich resource that is clearly the way ahead. It has added great value to the resources we use, which can be updated regularly and tailored to meet the needs of our pupils. Steering away from the Mediabooks, you have also developed a channel on dartfish.tv.
How has dartfish.tv become part of your teaching?
It has become a day to day part of my teaching. I am always looking for ways to use it in my lessons. The only curse is that we only use it in the games hall due to our split level department. Ideally we would really like to have a system in each teaching area, or at least a department where it could be accessed in any area. It really has added value to our department. Another good example is how it can be used to show clips of pupils at parents nights. It is so easy to put all the clips in the storyboard and just let them run.
Have you noticed an improvement in the performance of your students since you’ve been using Dartfish?
Yes, I think that is has really improved the quality of the feedback we give our pupils. Trampolining is an excellent example where we can film model performances, show the pupils what they are trying to achieve then film them and compare. It really does help to identify particular points that need improving.
What advice would you give a PE teacher who is considering integrating video in the classes?
Without question buy it! It has really increased my motivation as a teacher and I think the pupils really benefit from the functions it has. I would also say that they shouldn’t just think of it as a resource to be used in the games hall; the other functions like Mediabooks open so many other avenues for pupils and staff. We need this kind of software in our subject to keep driving us forward.
In three words, how would you summarise your experience with Dartfish?
Innovative, effective & exciting!
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