Hudl Up in Class

The 21st century education students need in the current world we live in requires more than the basic skills taught years ago. In addition to changing curriculum and expectations to meet job demands, the curriculum has changed due to innovation and societal change. Advancements in technology are examples of changes that impact the classroom. Hudl Technique is an app available for both Apple and Android products that combines these areas and could be beneficial in the classroom. Coaches use the app mostly to break down and analyze technique of players. However, this technology can be used in the classroom. The app is user friendly and free, making it more appealing to educators.

Hudl Technique has several features. Generally, these features can be divided into:

• Record and Manage
• Analyze
• Coach
• Team
• Share
• Community

First, the record tool is present in the app. There is the option to upload other videos, but one can get all the benefits of the app without any outside devices or services. Videos can be saved and organized in the app without any other apps or devices.  Second, the video can be broken down in slow motion using the different tools to demonstrate proper versus improper technique.  There are tools allowing users to watch videos side-by-side, zoom in on the video, and draw on the video using different drawing options.  Third, the Coach features allow coaches to edit the film with the analyze tools and voice-over technology.  This feature goes hand-in-hand with the fourth feature mentioned, the Team function which allows coaches or teachers to create groups to see their videos. The groups can see the videos and listen to the commentary on their own time.  The Share feature works with the Team feature to make sure the athletes or students have the opportunity to view the videos that will help them improve their skills.  Finally, the Community portion of the app provides videos of other athletes performing certain techniques. This feature is only relevant for teachers using the app for athletic movements.  The Community area acts a collaboration space for coaches in the same sport. These features along with the lack of cost make the app the best of its kind on the market.  Easy to use apps like Hudl Technique are definitely appealing, but one thing Hudl has is a great support website.  If you have trouble with the app or any of the features, support is there with answers.  

Creative educators will find several ways to use this app in their classroom, but two possible starting points would be in physical endeavors and in presentations. First, any physical task required in education can be evaluated. For example, elementary students learning to write could be filmed using the app and then learn from their mistakes. The teacher could use the tools in the video analysis portion of the app to address strengths and weakness, and illustrate proper technique. The same concept could be applied to presentations. As students improve and grow, they will have presentations in front of the class. The teacher can film their presentation and analyze the footage with them. The tools in the analysis portion would act highlighters to focus attention on both positives and negatives of the presentation. Public speaking and writing are both essential skills related to communication, a 21st century skill. The Hudl Technique app can assist in the development and refinement of these skills for young students.

While the Hudl Technique app isn't traditionally intended for use in the classroom, the reviews from coaches and players build up a strong reputation as one of the best apps on the market for this type of work. According to <re/code>, the app has been used by Olympic and professional athletes, recreational athletes, surgeons and scientists. The app has numerous uses and one of them is as a teaching tool in the modern classroom.

References:

[Untitled image of Hudl icon]. Retrieved from http://www.redherring.com/finance/sports-video-analysis-platform-hudl-grabs-72-5m-funding-round/

[Untitled image of Hudl video analysis]. Retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hudl-technique-golf-formerly/id581759921?mt=8