Educational vs. Entertainment

Do educational videos stand a chance against videos made for entertainment?

I feel it depends on the video. Common Craft makes some very entertaining short videos that are very educational. However, many people would rather watch a video of a dog chasing its tail then an hour long video of someone lecturing at a chalkboard. The great thing about videos and the Internet now is the possibilities. It is possible to create a video that includes recorded footage (for example- of a lecture), then cuts to images that support and enhance the point (like charts and graphs) or to photographs (a historical lecture could make great use of this). Music, and sound effects can also be added in.

Image a lecture given by a history professor that is recorded and placed on the web exactly as is. Unless the professor is a phenomenal public speaker, the video will probably only be watched by students who are assigned to watch it. Now image the professor is creating this lecture/video for the web. He may include the best clips of his live lecture, but then he cuts to a photograph of FDR and plays a clip of FDR's "Nothing to fear" speech. Then he cuts to video clip of a news broadcast about race riots. Then a slide is displayed with the major points he is trying to make while audio plays of him discussing these points. Instead of one 2 hour video, the Professor decides to break it up (by time period, by major point) and posts a series of 20 min videos. Done well, this could attract the attention of people who are interested in the topic, not just students who are forced to watch the video (and who are probably skimming it).

I believe educational videos have a place on the web and can be a great way to supplement in-class learning and written material. However, the creator of the video has to have their audience in mind and put effort into creating a video that is lively and stimulating and will increase the audience's interest in the topic, not make them zone out. It requires more work on the producers end, but the end result is far more valuable.

Entertainment videos will always be more popular, because they are, well, entertaining. However, educational does not have to mean dull. Educational videos can be entertaining and are indeed far more likely to get their point across and stick with the audience if they are entertaining.

After all, I still remember how much I enjoyed "Donald Duck in Mathematics Land" when I was a kid.