1. Supporting all faculty
  2. Support
  3. Course Design Resources
  4. Creating Video Content

Creating Video Content

Incorporating instructional video into your online and hybrid courses can help you engage your students and humanize your course.

Some potential benefits of using video are: 

  • Students can consume videos at their own pace. 
  • Rewatch/review lecture multiple times. 
  • Flip the classroom by having students watch lecture videos outside class, allowing for more discussion and remediation during face-to-face class time. 
  • Present locations that are not easily accessible by students in person. Humanize your course content to better engage your students.

Types of video

This is a simple video recording of the instructor (or other individual) speaking directly to the camera. This might also take the form of an interview or discussion between two or more individuals. 

Learn how: Recording a Lecture with Panopto

This type of video is typified by the instructor providing voiceover narration while advancing through a presentation slidedeck similar to what might be done during a traditional face-to-face lecture. 

This is one of the most popular types of instructional video and is among the easiest for most faculty to create. 

Learn how: Recording a Lecture with PowerPoint

In this scenario, the instructor is recording their computer screen as they demonstrate using a particular piece of software or, alternatively, visiting different websites. 

This process is similar to a Voiceover Lecture Video in that they both require recording the computer screen. 

Learn how: Recording a Software Demonstration Using Zoom

In this scenario, the instructor is recording themselves (or someone else) physically "doing" something, such as sewing fabric or welding metal. 

Due to the nature of live action demonstrations, the action is often capture from multiple camera angles simultaneously to provide a complete view of techniques and equipment being demonstrated. 

Learn how: Recording a Live Action Demonstration

Animated videos are great for explaining general concepts or workflows of how things progress. They also don't require any recording equipment or special expertise. 

Want to make videos without actually recording yourself? Animated videos may be for you! 

Learn how: Creating Animated Videos with Doodly

How to create engaging instructional videos 

I. Make a Plan. 

Consider the following: 

  • What do I want to accomplish with my video? 
  • Who is my target audience? 
  • Where do I film? 
  • What equipment will I use? 
  • How will I edit and share my videos after recording? 

You may find it helpful to script out your video, including what you will say and what image/visual you plan to show on the screen. Our storyboard template can help you map out your video project. 

II. Choose a Location. 

Prime video locations are: 

  • Well lit. 
  • Quiet. 
  • Free from distractions. 

Your audience is much less likely to watch your videos if the lighting or audio is poor. Also, keep in mind that distractions can take many forms, including things happening behind you. 

III. Set the Tone. 

Consider not just "what" you are saying but also "how" you are saying it. Be authentic with your audience. Be nice, but also be yourself. All of the following play a role in setting the right tone for your video: 

  • Tone/volume of voice. 
  • Demeanor. 
  • Facial expressions.  
  • Attire. 
  • Background. 

Although we mentioned distractions in the last point, it is worth repeating that even though you may not be able to see what is happening in your background, your viewing audience can. 

IV. Select equipment. 

In many cases, the webcam with embedded microphone on a laptop may be all that you need. However, you might consider using the following to take your videos up a notch: 

  • Additional lighting, such as a ring light. 
  • External webcam or standalone video camera. 
  • External microphone.   

If you are planning to use your desktop, laptop, or mobile device for recording, keep in mind that recording video will generate a heavy computational load on your device. Make sure your device can record high-quality video. 

Need equipment? We can help. Visit our Equipment Library for available tools. 

V. Select software.

There are several different software functions that you should consider for your project. Some products can fulfill all these roles, while others may specialize in one area. Software functions you will need are: 

  • Recording 
  • Editing/Producing 
  • Storing 
  • Sharing/Streaming

Note: While a standard classroom lecture may be 50 minutes in length, this does not translate well to instructional videos. Even if you record your entire lecture at once, you will want to go back and cut your recording into smaller chunks of 5 to 6 minutes or even less. 

Review our supported EduTools for recommended software and platforms.  

VI. Make it accessible.

Every video that you include in your course should be accessible, with the minimum requirement of having available closed captioning. Features like closed captioning can help all learners to better grasp the presented material.  

All video EduTools provide options for automatic captioning.