Snapshot
Type of Interaction: Asynchronous
Type of Course: Hybrid, Flipped, Online
Videos are a great way to introduce yourself to your students if you teach an online course. Most online students want a connection with you the instructor, and this option opens a window into who you are.
Videos can also be used in mini lectures, which are 8- to 10-minute videos about a specific concept or point. They can be used to help explain an unusually confusing point for your students, or they can be used to add an anecdote showcasing real-life applications of a concept to aid student understanding. Most importantly, your students feel closer when they can see and hear you, rather than just read words on a screen.
There are several ways you can record yourself for a course. You can use an outside entity, or you can do it yourself. Remember, you do not need expensive equipment to videotape yourself. As a matter of fact, Texas State University provides you with screen capturing software for free, through Ensemble Anthem.
But What Do You Need, Really?
Creating audiovisual files depends on the type of video you wish to produce.
If you wish to use Ensemble Anthem, Windows Movie maker, or iMac Photobooth (which are desktop or laptop rather than cloud-based applications), then you will need your computer, a web camera, and a microphone. We recommend using an external microphone, because the audio quality probably will be much clearer.
If you wish to use your mobile phone, then you may need only a separate microphone for audio quality.
You can also use a digital camera or camcorder along with a microphone for audio quality.
None of the equipment needed needs to be expensive. You can get a high-quality external microphone for around sixteen dollars on Amazon. Both the computer camera and phone camera can usually record in high enough quality that no external equipment is needed for a good image, although you should consider using an extra table lamp or two for lighting purposes.
Once you have that, then you can record away!
But, as any good DIYer knows, there are always some “rules” that you should follow. If you look at the infographic below, you will gain some tips to make your video shine. Good luck out there and happy recording!
Figure 1 Use the tips above to create expressive and informative mini-lectures
Below is the text version of the infographic:
Top 10 Smartphone Video Tips
- Shoot in natural lighting
- Pay attention to background noise and/or music
- Avoid visually distracting backgrounds
- Keep your footing stable
- Hold the phone with both hands
- ALWAYS record in landscape mode
- Film at eye-level to the subject
- Avoid using the zoom feature on your phone
- Vary your shots (if applicable)
- Keep talking/narrating
BONUS: Use Lapel microphone if possible
Top 10 Webcam Video Tips
- Be expressive
- Film at eye-level to the subject
- You may need to elevate or lower the computer if the webcam is attached
- Look at the webcam, not the monitor
- Do not read the computer screen
- Shoot in natural lighting
- Speak loudly with various tones
- Limit background noise and/or music
- Avoid visually distracting backgrounds
- Keep webcam stable
- Shoot in landscape
BONUS: Use an external microphone if possible