Using audio and video in your psychology and sociology classroom
04 December 2025
Nicola Heath, Psychology Subject Advisor
Teachers are increasingly making use of audio and video digital media in the classroom, thanks to improved technology and available internet access.
In this blog, I'll explore some of the benefits that digital media can provide for Cambridge OCR psychology and sociology teachers. I’ll also suggest a range of platforms you can use for resources to bring your teaching of the ‘ologies to life.
Using digital media
Audio and visual resources can bring the abstract concepts of psychology and sociology to life and support deeper understanding. Video content can provide valuable context for application and discussion, while audio formats such as podcasts and radio interviews offer conversational language that supports comprehension: especially useful for students.
Using multimedia supports dual coding theory, which suggests that combining visual and verbal information enhances memory and understanding. By tapping into students’ preferred learning styles, teachers can use digital media to support revision, flipped learning, and deeper engagement with complex content.
What are the benefits?
Some potential benefits of introducing more digital media into lessons include:
- Increased engagement
- Bringing content to life
- Contextualising learning
- Supporting different learning styles
- Adding variety to lessons and learning
- Providing sources for analysis or discussion.
Are there any others you’ve seen with your own students?
How to get the most out of using digital content in lessons
Here are some practical tips from the University of London for using digital content effectively in the classroom:
- Keep clips short (5-10 minutes)
- Select clips that focus on one aspect of learning
- Plan clips in advance
- Use clips for active learning, such as quizzes, reflective questions and discussions.
The University of Derby outlines 10 ways that different types of video can support teaching and learning. While some of these rely on creating content, there are some useful points about how different types of pre-existing video content, such as expert interviews or contextualised examples, can aid application and discussion.
Where can I find suitable content?
It’s easier than ever to access content for lessons via platforms such as YouTube, Massolit, ShortCutsTV and ERA. I suggest some options below that are particularly suited for psychology and sociology teaching.
When choosing a platform, check the accuracy and relevance of the content. Some offer subject-mapped resources, which are especially helpful for navigating Cambridge OCR specifications.
The Educational Recording Agency (ERA)
ERA provides copyright-cleared BBC and Channel 4 audio and video material through a free licence for all state schools and most independent schools. Teachers can access short clips and full programmes and can even request specific topics.
Cambridge OCR has partnered with ERA to create subject-specific playlists for different qualifications, making it even easier to find relevant audio and video content to enhance your teaching. ERA has a collection of clips and programmes mapped to our planned refreshed A Level Psychology (subject to accreditation), which also supports our existing A Level. They’ve also developed resources for A Level Sociology:
99% of all schools in the UK are already covered by an ERA Licence. Individual teachers must register to access resources but this is quick and simple. Features include bookmarking, stable links and private notes.
ShortCutsTV
ShortCutsTV offers unique video content for psychology, sociology and criminology, curated by two subject experts. There is a variety of style and topic but all geared towards school and college students. A key benefit of this service is that the content is static and will not be moved or removed unlike other public websites.
We have partnered with ShortCutsTV to add some free videos for both sociology and psychology; you can access these via Teach Cambridge. Check out their full library on the ShortCutsTV website.
YouTube
YouTube allows teachers to save videos and create playlists. Dedicated channels for Cambridge OCR Psychology and Sociology include:
The Sociology Show Podcast is another great YouTube resource, with over 200 episodes and interviews with a range of different people within the world of sociology, hosted by Cambridge OCR teacher, Matthew Wilkin. If you or your students would like to share something related to the course and appear on a future podcast, please email us.
You can access YouTube videos for free, but a paid account option removes ads, saving time and reducing distractions.
Massolit
Massolit offers a comprehensive library of video lectures presented by subject experts. Content is mapped to Cambridge OCR A Level Psychology and Sociology qualifications. Each video provides a short summary and lecturer profile.
If your centre has an active subscription, it’s worth taking a look at the psychology and sociology collections and using these with your students in lessons. Alternatively, you can access a free trial before exploring licencing options for your centre and/or MAT.
Summary
Digital media offers powerful opportunities to enhance teaching and learning in psychology and sociology. From boosting engagement to supporting diverse learning styles, video and audio content help students connect with complex ideas. With platforms like ERA, ShortCutsTV, Massolit, and YouTube offering subject-specific resources mapped to Cambridge OCR specifications, you can easily integrate multimedia into your lessons.
Stay connected
If you have any questions, you can email us at psychology@ocr.org.uk or sociology@ocr.org.uk, call us on 01223 553998 or follow us @OCR_Psychology and @OCR_Socioology. You can also sign up to subject updates for the latest news, information and resources.
If you are considering teaching any of our qualifications, use our online form to let us know, so that we can help you with more information.
About the author
Nicola joined Cambridge OCR in 2022 as the Subject Advisor for Psychology. Before that, she taught psychology for over 10 years and has had various other responsibilities in that time, including being Head of Year, SENDCo and Subject Leader for PSHE. Nicola has a personal interest in mental health and wellbeing and enjoys reading, baking and spending time outdoors to relax.