Teach Online With Video

When faculty and students connect from remote locations, or when a remote guest is invited, a real-time, synchronous web conferencing solution is sought. It can also be captioned and recorded to use later as an asynchronous communication.

  1. Check your audio quality – this may be the most important step! A headset or external microphone will produce a better quality of sound.
  2. Have a script and practice – know what you are going to say. If you cannot script the entire lecture, at least script (and practice) the first few introductory sentences so your video starts strong.
  3. Record in a quiet location where you will be free from distractions throughout the recording session.
    • Unplug or mute landline phones.
    • Mute or turn off cell phones.
    • Ensure family members or pets will not interfere.
  4. Have all of your gear ready – recording equipment/software, camera set up, lights, microphone, computer, content (PowerPoint or other software), any props, visuals or demonstrations.
  5. Do a quick test for 10-20 seconds to check that all results are as desired.
  6. If you plan to record your lesson in several short segments, consider recording Segment 3 first. You will get comfortable with the technology and get past the awkwardness of  seeing and hearing yourself. Then record Segment 1 – you’ll look like a pro when your students start watching your lectures.
  7. If capturing and sharing your computer screen:
    • Simplify – reduce the number of windows/programs open to just those that you need.
    • Close down your email and messaging programs.
    • Turn off notifications.
    • Hide your bookmarks bar in your web browser, and close any unnecessary tabs.
    • Ensure the background on your desktop is appropriate and you do not have an abundance of icons on your desktop.
    • Remove any visible private personal information from your screen.
  8. If you are recording an image of yourself:
    • Remove or cover overly distracting backgrounds.
    • Ensure you have sufficient lighting so that you are visible in the recording.

To borrow equipment, contact UBC Studios Okanagan.

Our Creating Engaging Video For Your Course self-paced course focuses on improved teacher presence, engagement, and inclusion in online courses through good use of video.

Self Enroll

Segment Your Lecture

Segment your lecture into 5 – 15 minute segments.  Listening/watching video is a very passive method of learning, therefore to increase student engagement try to have shorter segments with follow up activities or opportunities for students to engage with the content, each other or to ask questions and receive feedback to check their understanding. If you create segments, try to label the segments so students can come and go when they’re able, like

  • Lesson 4 – March 12, 2020 – Part 1: Introduction
  • Lesson 4 – March 12, 2020 – Part 2: Case Study
  • Lesson 4 – March 12, 2020 – Part 5: Conclusion

Stand up for better energy in your voice, smile and use different tones

Elements of the Recording

  1. Start with a greeting and brief introduction to the topic, relevance of the topic and expected learning.
  2. Content –include in the lecture examples and demonstrations.
  3. Summary  – summarize the main points, drawing attention to what you wanted students to learn.

Check understanding and provide feedback with a follow up activity

  • To learn more, please read…
  • Let’s put this into practice, please join the online discussion …
  • Please post your reflections…
  • Submit your assignment…
  • Let’s check you understanding, please take the short quiz…

Video Tools

Zoom

A synchronous web conferencing tool that allows captioning and recording.

Zoom Live Captioning

Either assign a skilled captioner, or use the automated captioning feature.

Camtasia

A video screencast recording and editing tool to help you edit Zoom recordings or record a screencast with your voice-over narration.

Kaltura (MyMedia)

A Canvas embedded tool that allows you to upload, add captions, and share recordings, or record with your webcam and/or a screencast with your voice-over narration.

Upload to My Media

Upload to the Kaltura tool and save space in Canvas Files for non-video content.