Hi, I’m Patrick Lieby, an Academic Technologist from Binghamton University. Video helps tell a story. It has tremendous power to engage your audience, whoever, and wherever, they may be. Video adds detail, insight, and emotion to information. It gives it a human element.
Video can be used in demonstrations, simulations, role play, and historical footage. It connects people, events, and locations, even when they are geographically distant or otherwise inaccessible.
Using video offers another way for viewers to comprehend, appreciate and remember information.
Whether you are interested in locating existing video or creating your own, this module will give you ideas to get started.
It isn’t always necessary to create your own video from scratch. You may decide that you want to find existing video. And there are plenty of videos on the web that you can watch and share.
Explore the resources found in the video section of this MOOC as a beginning point for your search.
This section will also help you create an engaging and compelling video. Today a simple smartphone can capture amazing quality footage that rivals the camcorders that were a staple a few years ago. In the past, expensive commercial video editing software was necessary to create even the most basic video. Now, you can easily record and edit videos right from your smartphone or computer.
After you decide what story you want to tell, take some time to explore the many video tools in this module. There are plenty of tools to help you tell your story.
When creating your video, it’s important to consider your environment before filming to ensure the best quality video.
Is this a well-lit place? The more light you have, the better your video will look. But watch backlighting as light coming from behind the subject can make them appear dark and obscure features.
How is the noise level? Audio quality is just as important as video quality. Make sure you are recording in a quiet space and minimize possible background noise.
Make sure it’s easy for viewers to concentrate on the information you are providing by ensuring the subject is easy to see and removing any distracting scenery.
If you have access, a studio is an ideal location to film, but if you don’t, don’t worry. Sound and video quality on consumer cameras and smartphones have never been better.
You may decide that you want to show your peers how to use a particular piece of software. Screen capture will allow you to make a video to do just that.
Screen capture records your cursor as well as everything else that appears on your screen. It can even record your voice as you narrate the steps your audience will need to follow.
What if you want to show somebody how to use a piece of software? Screen capture will allow you to do just that.
Screen capture records your cursor as well as everything else that appears on your screen. It can even record your voice to narrate the steps your audience may need to follow.
Screen capture is a great way to show students, colleagues, or a wider audience how to use an online tool or piece of software. Check out some of the screen capture or screencasting tools available.
Once you’re ready to upload your video, it’s essential to use captioning so that the information is accessible to all regardless of ability.
Captions increase your audience by opening your content to hearing-impaired and even to viewers who may be in a location where they can’t use sound. Especially when they hear new and confusing terminology or if the recording is not in their native language.
It is good practice to provide alternate formats such as captioning, or a transcript, to ensure you reach all viewers. Check out the information about accessibility within the Lifelong Learning section, if you haven’t done so already.