Video Best Practices Video Creation When we talk about creating video content, there are four high points. First, the many purposes of videos within online courses. Before we cover the “how” we want to cover “why” you would want to make videos in the first place. Then we will talk about your software options and getting started with video creation. Finally, we cover some best practices to get the most out of each video you make.
Purpose When creating videos, you should always keep in mind why. Videos are a key element in engaging and connecting with your students through more than written text. Videos are readily accessible whenever a student needs them. Unlike live workshops like this one, students can watch and re-watch video resources when they need them. An introduction video is always a great place to start when creating videos for your students. You introduce yourself and your course in a way that all students can appreciate. I like to describe this video as a Syllabus Day for online students. They get to see you, have an introduction to the course, and may gain some other valuable knowledge before starting the class. You can also use videos you explain assignments, showing examples or giving a more personal description than what can be done in text. Lecture videos are also a popular purpose.
Face Cam vs Screen Recording We also want to cover to difference between face camera videos and screen capture videos. Each have their benefits, as well as their draw backs, but for the most part it is up to you which type you choose. Face cam videos are usually introduction or feedback videos, times in which there is a more conversational feel to the message. Showing things in real time is valuable for a very personal connection with students. Screen capture on the other hand, serves well when presenting large amounts of information. This can be tutorials, where you show how to log into a website or create a file, as well as full lectures, voiced over a powerpoint presentation. In some recording software, you can have a small face camera in the corner of your lecture capture videos. So now that you have in mind which type of video you are making, and what the students will be seeing, let’s go over getting started.
Getting Started •
First thing you should know is that your first video will not be the best video you make. Practice is key to producing an effective video for your course. Be patient with yourself.
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To help keep your thoughts on track, write out a brief script to follow during the video. This does not mean read the script the entire video! That is not effective, or engaging. A script will keep you from forgetting anything you wanted to say to the students, and keep rabbit trails to a minimum. This flows into the third element listed here.
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Stay focused on why you are making this video. Rambling or losing track of yourself during a video can instantly disengage the viewers and devalue why you are there.
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Always test your recording programs and equipment before settling in to recording and practicing. Make sure audio is high enough to hear (or on in the first place). Frame yourself in the camera, or make sure your programs are ready to record on screen capture. Make a small video, snapping your fingers, speaking in the tone that you will use in the video, and clicking around on your computer. Stop the video and watch it back.
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ALWAYS WATCH YOUR VIDEOS BACK BEFORE POSTING THEM. You would be surprised how many videos I have seen that could have been saved or redone by a simple review before they were posted.
Recording Software There are a lot of options when it comes to what you use to record your videos. Your choice is dependent on how advanced you want to be with recording. For example, we have chosen to provide some instructional support for Debut, a simple and straightforward recording software. It is fairly easy to use and the files produced are simple. On the other hand, Camtasia is a wonderful recording software that is a little more advanced. It has more options, more settings to consider when recording. Even Debut Pro has more to see and set for recording. Explore different software, determine if you want to pay for a program or not, and go from there. I have compiled a brief list of recording software that I can send upon request. For equipment, there is nothing fancy required to start making videos. Just set up a camera, make sure there is audio input, and start! Now, there are good and not so good cameras, but computer built in cameras work perfectly, and even phone cameras are high enough quality for course videos. Microphones are a little more complicated. Built in microphones are on their way, but still may not be able to pick up with enough quality for a video. They can also lead to low audio that is difficult for the viewer to hear even when speaking normally. A headset or a table microphone can solve that problem both cheaply and effectively.
Best Practices Now that we have introduced the basics, here are some things to remember as you record. We have found that these elements, when used effectively, help you produce an engaging, high quality video for your students. Camera positioning is very important for a number of reasons, most importantly, the angle of the camera and its effect on the subject and the viewer. If the camera is low, looking up, the subject is not flattered and the subject can feel as though they are being looked down on the entire video. This is usually caused by a laptop being used to record. Laptops, if they are used, should be placed on a table. It may even need to be propped higher to prevent the camera being lower than eye-level. The best angle is slightly higher than eye level. This flatters the subject, while putting the viewers at equal height with the subject. Distance is also important for camera positioning. The camera should be far enough away to see the tops of the subject’s shoulders. There should not be much empty space above the subject’s head, and they should be center. Lighting is fairly simple, but can detract from a video’s quality if it is not done purposefully. When the background is illuminated, but the subject is not, the camera will overexpose the subject. If the entire set up is dark, the frame rate and quality will suffer. The ideal light source would be natural sunlight from an indirect window. Light should shine on the subject’s face, but the background should also have some light to prevent overexposure.
Your background is an aspect to consider. Having a clean and professional background keeps students from being distracted, but I have also seen backgrounds full of relevant books, posters, etc. work well. Just make sure that nothing is cluttering the background, or presenting material that will detract from the message. Audio we mentioned when talking about microphones, but make sure there is no distracting background noise. Fans, other people, and even pets can cause distractions while recording. Seclude yourself in an area that you are able to speak naturally in. For example, do not record in a library where you have to whisper to your students. Using the headset microphone will help pick up low audio, but you should be speaking naturally, and your voice should be the primary audio. Eye contact is key! Students will be drawn in by confident eye contact from the subject. This can be difficult if you have a preview window open on your computer playing your image back. We are tempted to watch ourselves as we speak. This causes us to look down and away from the student’s eyes (the camera). Notes can also take away from this practice if you read the entire written document. Take time and memorize the script, or speak naturally with occasional reference to your notes. It may be challenging at first, but I guarantee it is one of the most important aspects of engaging the student.
File Types This is a brief introduction to file types that you will see as you work with videos. Some of these are more useful than others because of their compatibility. File Types: • .mp4 •
.avi
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.mov
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.wmv
File types such as .mp4 and .avi are most common, with .mov a close third. Windows programs can also produce .wmv files. .mp4 can be played by most if not all devices. Avi causes trouble on Mac and mobile devices, and .mov will now usually play on anything other than Mac. The opposite applies to .wmv, since they are Window’s specific. Keep in mind the files you are using, and how it will affect the student’s ability to access the video. Size can also be trouble, as a simple five-minute video can be very large depending on quality settings. File types will affect how large the video is, but if a student has to send or receive a large video file, it may take more than a quick e-mail. Adding large video files to a course can also cause loading and other problems. To prevent compatibility issues, and size issues, we use VIC. VIC plays any video file type in a universal player viewable through any computer or device type. Size is also no longer an issue because the file is stored in the VIC library. You can simply send the link to students if they ever need to see the video outside of Moodle.
