Partner voices: How WSWHE BOCES modernized instructional video with ClickView

Featuring
Alicia Makenzie, Library Media Specialist, Multimedia Services
Washington‑Saratoga‑Warren‑Hamilton‑Essex BOCES, New York

Washington‑Saratoga‑Warren‑Hamilton‑Essex (WSWHE) BOCES supports 27 component districts across New York’s Capital Region and North Country. As part of the multimedia services team, Alicia Makenzie helps teachers access high‑quality instructional video that fits real classroom needs.

But over time, their existing video solution stopped delivering the impact educators needed.

When instructional video no longer keeps up

For years, WSWHE BOCES relied on the same legacy instructional video platforms. According to Alicia, those tools hadn’t changed much, even as classrooms did. Content updates were infrequent. Engagement was low. And teachers rarely asked about the resource.

At the same time, districts were filling gaps with free video tools. While convenient, these options lacked consistency, depth, and age‑appropriate material for older students.

We were seeing a lot of resources skew younger. They just weren’t supporting the full range of learners our districts serve.

It became clear the existing approach wasn’t working. WSWHE BOCES needed a modern video platform that teachers would actually use and trust.

A platform teachers could rely on

As Alicia and her team explored alternatives, ClickView quickly stood out.

ClickView was a better product at a similar price point, and it supports more students. It’s something I feel confident recommending because I know teachers will find videos that are current and classroom‑ready.

That confidence mattered. Teachers need to know that the videos they use are appropriate, relevant, and accurate without having to second‑guess what will appear on screen.

With ClickView’s ad‑free, classroom‑safe environment, those concerns disappeared. Teachers could focus on teaching, not vetting videos. The response from educators was immediate. Alicia notes that she hears virtually no complaints, which is a big change from the previous experience.

Solving access and equity challenges

One of the biggest problems WSWHE BOCES needed to solve was access and making sure instructional video worked just as well for students as it did for teachers.

With ClickView, students can access videos on their Chromebooks and continue learning beyond the school day. That flexibility supports equity across districts and learning environments, something the previous platforms simply couldn’t offer. Once the initial setup was complete with district IT teams, the platform required very little ongoing management.

More than a video library

Over time, ClickView became more than just a place to watch videos. When librarians or teachers ask for resources on specific topics, Alicia and her team often suggest starting with ClickView. Its wide range of subjects and grade levels means educators can often find what they need without adding another tool.

One feature that stood out internally was the ability to upload locally created videos. The head of school library services now uses ClickView to share staff training videos across districts, keeping everything in one place and easy to access.

That flexibility reinforces how Alicia describes the platform:

I always say ClickView isn’t just a streaming service. They’re also a production company. If there’s something you can’t find, you can reach out and they’ll help create it.

Built for the reality of today’s classrooms

ClickView’s grade‑level flexibility has been especially valuable. When teachers search for a topic like weather, they’ll see results for multiple age groups, from elementary through secondary. That makes it easier to support mixed‑ability classes, teach across grade levels, or extend learning for students who are ready to go deeper.

It sounds simple, but it makes a big difference in how teachers use video day to day.

Top takeaways for BOCES leaders

1. A modern solution that teachers actually use
   • Fresh, relevant videos across grade levels help replace outdated platforms and improve engagement
2. Better access for students, anywhere learning happens
   • Video that works in school and at home supports equity across districts
3. A trusted partner, not just a library
   • From classroom‑safe videos to custom production, ClickView adapts to real district needs