A SWOT ANALYSIS OF USING VIDEO CLIPS IN THE CLASSROOM: EXAMPLES FROM INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT

From the time the VCR entered the classroom, research has debated the possible benefits of using video as a method of instructional delivery. As technology has advanced to include DVD and Blu-Ray players, computer video files, streaming video through the Internet, and even video usage for online and distance education, that debate continues. We examine one aspect of the debate, namely the use of video clips in the classroom. The specific types of video clips we examine are of news broadcasts, short documentaries, or snippets of longer documentaries. They are displayed either through a DVD player, computer video files, or streaming video via an Internet connection. We provide an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) for an instructor using this type of video in the classroom. Our discussion is general and applicable to a wide variety of classes. However, we rely on our own teaching experiences from introduction to international management. Introduction to international management is a common part of a college business curriculum. The course focuses on globalization. The key topics in the course include the underlying driving forces of globalization, the current global business environment, and the main challenges faced by business managers. At its heart, the course can be viewed as a survey of globalization issues. Video clips are a modern type of case method used for discussion and are particularly attractive for discussions of current events. Along with the SWOT analysis we offer some practical suggestions to help minimize the weaknesses and threats while maximizing the strengths and opportunities. We also comment on various Internet sites for streaming video clips including YouTube and sites maintained by various U.S. based news organizations.