Self-recording instructional videos

Tags LDI

Pre-production

Timing within the course development context

A backwards design approach to course development generally follows the approach of: course objectives, module objectives, assessments that demonstrate attainment of objectives, followed by materials and exercises that set up students to succeed at those assessments. In this framework, videos come later in the process of course development. That said, preparing a successful course video takes significant planning, may require multiple takes, and may require editing on the tail end. For this reason, we advise that if you think you will include video production as part of your course, you begin planning the timing of this early in the course development process, even if the exact content is not yet certain. Please note that if there is a post-production step required from Education Media (such as video editing), this may elongate the timeline.

Planning and scripting

  • Chunk videos to keep videos short (5-10 minutes is a good target length) and focused.
  • Do not mention dates, sequences, or the weather in the videos and slides.
  • Give videos specific titles.
  • Articulate a clear goal for each video.
    • Start with an introduction that states what will be covered
    • End with a conclusion that links what is covered to what viewers will be able to do with the information in the video

Visual considerations with slides

  • Make sure the slide size is Widescreen, 16:9
  • Use examples
  • Keep graphics simple
  • Use citation best practices
  • Text for video should be larger than for a classroom presentation, ideally 24pt or larger
  • Ensure text uses high color contrast

Production

Technical considerations

Internet Connection

  • If recording to a cloud based system, ensure a fast internet connection - be near your Wi-Fi modem/router or use Ethernet connection.

Light

  • Make sure you are well lit. Artificial light or a position looking at an exterior window will work.

  • Avoid being back lit by a window or other light source.

  • 3-point lighting

    • A minimum of 3 light sources are needed to create a 3-dimensional look on camera.
      1. The brightest light should be placed approximately 90° to the left or right side of your face and positioned behind the camera.
      2. The second brightest light should be placed approximately 90° apart from the 1st light, on the other side of your face, and positioned behind the camera
      3. The least bright light should be the third light
        1. This light should be out of the frame ( not on camera) and located between the background and you.
        2. This will cast light on both the background and your back.
        3. This separates your image (You or your subject) from the background to wrap up and create the 3-dimensional look.

Camera Position

  • Camera at Eye Level (or Slightly Higher): Take a moment to consider the position of your webcam. A good rule of thumb is to keep the camera at eye-level. Try to position yourself so that you're comfortable, and also a medium distance away from the camera, so that you appear as slightly more than head and shoulders. Keep your audience engaged with good eye contact. Move your Zoom app window directly under your camera. You can even put a sticker near the camera to remind you to look at it!

Leave Pauses for Edits

  • At the beginning, end, and between segments, please leave 2-3 second pauses where you are looking at the camera without speaking.

Recording options

Home recording

Zoom Preferences/Settings > Video

  • Enable HD

Zoom Preferences/Settings > Audio

Generally, an external microphone will capture high quality audio than the build-in computer microphone

  • Uncheck ‘Automatically adjust microphone volume’.

  • Check Audio profile to “Original sound for musicians” from microphone

  • Check “High-fidelity music mode”

  • Check “Echo cancellation”

Zoom Preferences/Settings > Recording

You can record a zoom meeting or webinar to the cloud or locally on your personal device. If you are logged in to Zoom via your Dartmouth email your cloud recordings will be automatically uploaded to your Panopto Meetings Recording folder.

Equipment and Hardware

If you want to borrow high quality equipment, you can do so from the Jones Media Center

Baker Recording spaces

Post-production

Editing a video with Panopto

Once your video has uploaded to Panopto, you can do some basic editing using the built-in editor

Other References

LDI Learning-Media Style Guide

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