Take the right steps for the kind of video you use

If you are recording yourself, much of the video quality is in your control, and you don’t need to worry about anyone else’s copyright. If you’re using clips of other people’s material, on the other hand, there isn’t much you can do about the quality, but copyright becomes a pressing concern!

When you record a video of yourself, set up your recording space carefully. Setting up a space for video doesn't necessarily need a high budget. Instead give thought to such things as camera location, where your lighting is coming from, how busy the background is, and how far away your microphone is (See Recording Techniques for Online Learning from Academic Innovation for helpful recommendations). It’s strongly recommended that you keep your videos short in order to help students focus and absorb the material better (see benefits of shorter video lectures). Lastly, give some thought to your script or lecture notes. Do they still work without a board behind you, or bench in front of you? Do they need to be revised to account for a change in how your demonstrations or other material will be presented, now?

Remember that, if you want to record something more sophisticated than you can manage at home, Instructional Video will be available to help when classes return to campus! 

If you are teaching with video clips or full-length films, learning about the streaming options available at UM will be helpful. The Library Digital Films Service guide offers access to various video streaming databases and can provide information about using video course materials in alignment with copyright guidelines. To effectively present video clips and full-length films in an online course, consider sharing them with students in advance. Students can watch them independently as homework, or during a viewing pause in your synchronous Zoom meeting. 

If viewing short video clips is vital during your synchronous Zoom class, and you have the clips on your own computer, make sure to update Zoom to the newest version. Recent updates allow you to share and play video files directly into meetings rather than screen-sharing a separate player.

Keep your videos relevant and engaging

When preparing your videos, it’s important to focus on the learning objectives of your particular course and what you want your students to achieve. Be sure your videos are relevant, engaging and to the point. A growing body of research asserts that the most meaningful learning and deep understanding are produced when with relevant, organized information that students can mentally integrate with other existing knowledge (Sorden, 2005; Mayer, 2003). Choose or record relevant examples and accompany them with synchronous or asynchronous activities to help students process the information. This might include class or group discussion after watching a video, reflection assignments, using annotation tools to analyze the videos, or using Kaltura’s In-Video Quiz tool to insert reflection and analysis questions into the video itself. 

Follow digital accessibility and Universal Design guidelines

The greatest number of students will have the greatest success when your content is accessible and perceivable by all students in your class, including those with hearing disabilities or visual impairments. Providing closed-captions and transcripts can be useful to all sorts of students, including individuals with learning or hearing disabilities, students who speak English as a second language, and students who do not have a quiet study area. You can order auto-captions for any video in your Kaltura/My Media account, and edit them if the quality is not sufficient. Captioning also creates a transcript that students can download if they wish. While captions cannot be ordered this way for streamed clips, any title ordered through one of the Libraries’ streaming services should have closed captions available as part of the stream.

Video description is not as simple to procure, but if it is necessary the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities will arrange for it. 

Learn about the tools and services available

Knowing what tools are available will help you plan any course video that you wish to create yourself. Kaltura Capture recording software is available for free for all UM users and has adequate capabilities to help you create high-quality videos and audios for your courses. PowerPoint, available as part of the Office 365 suite, can capture annotations of slides as you record, and will save slide-by-slide as you go. Additional tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Camtasia, iMovie, and Final Cut Pro X can be used for more advanced editing and post-production options. The Instructional Video team has developed Audio, Visual, graphic Design Tools resources to get you started if you are looking to incorporate one of these tools into your course. 

If you are planning to use clips of films or television programs, the Askwith Media Library is the place to start. 

If you have questions about any of the options available, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or schedule a consultation to learn more. We’re happy to help!

Resources & References

Mayer, R. E. (2003). Elements of a science of e-learning. Journal of educational computing research, 29(3), 297-313.

Sorden, S. D. (2005). A cognitive approach to instructional design for multimedia learning. Informing Science, 8.

LSA-Technology Services - Teaching Remotely with Film and Video

LSA-Technology Services - Tips for Good Home Recording

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Duderstadt Center - Recording Techniques for Online Learning

ITS - Kaltura Capture