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Recording, Editing, & Presenting Instructional Videos


Description 

Learn how to effectively use a cell phone and stand to pre-record or record your teaching experience. Then, discover how to use video editing software to prepare a finished product for presenting to students, parents, the community, and beyond.


Objectives

  1. Become Familiar with Equipment: Learn to set up and operate basic recording equipment, such as a cell phone with an inexpensive stand, for efficient video recording.

  2. Become Comfortable Recording Content: Explore how to record engaging and effective instructional content for educational videos.

  3. Develop Skills in Using Editing Software: Learn to use free video editing software like CapCut or iMovie to edit instructional videos, enhancing the quality and effectiveness of your content.

  4. Learn How and Where to Present Videos: Discover how and where to present instructional videos to students, other teachers and the community and learn strategies for maximizing their impact.


Introduction

I began using recording and editing software in 2020 to present online instructional videos during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I have recorded as many as 85 videos since then. I was surprised by how little equipment was needed to create a quality video for students. Initially, I read articles and tried to purchase proper microphones and lighting. However, I soon realized that all I needed was my iPhone with a stand and some free editing software to combine and edit videos. The editing software allowed me to add text for titles and subtitles, making the videos more engaging and informative.


For me, the process came to include three main areas: recording, editing, and presenting. Depending on the complexity, a video can take as little as 30 minutes to create or as long as three hours or more.


Why Bother

Before we dive into recording, editing, and presenting, we need to ask ourselves why we are doing this in the first place. There can be many reasons for creating our educational videos, and here are some reasons why:

  1. Share Instructional Videos with Students: Showing a video of myself teaching or singing can capture students' attention in a different way. Let's face it, they can get tired of our voices at times, and we can get tired of speaking constantly too!

  2. Record Lessons for Future Use: I can record a lesson while teaching one class and save it for another time, perhaps for a student who missed class or for use by a substitute teacher.

  3. Show Good Student Work in Class: Videos of students performing or modeling good work for other students can raise the standards for student performance. Always remember to check the school's no-photo list.

  4. Share Student Work with Parents and the Community: Videos can be a great way to showcase student achievements to parents and the wider community.

  5. Share Videos Beyond  the Local Community: Today, we can share lessons with a wider group of teachers and students all over the world.


Understanding our goals helps motivate us to put in the effort to record our work. It takes a bit of time to make the videos, but it has the potential to motivate student excellence and extend our reach within the community and beyond.


Recording

Today, the quality of our cell phones allows us to create amazing content. Using a cell phone with a stand provides the opportunity for high-quality recording. For long-form videos, record horizontally (16:9 ratio), while short-form content is typically recorded vertically (9:16 ratio). Modern cell phones also have excellent sound recording capabilities, so hooking up an external condenser microphone is not necessary.


You might have seen YouTubers or podcasters using condenser microphones, and while they sound amazing, they are not required for clear and understandable audio.


You can combine videos or use only parts of them. Record as many takes as you like and get some good content, and do not worry about mistakes; the editing phase will take care of arriving at a good finished product.


Editing

I have used two free apps for software editing: iMovie and CapCut. I suggest downloading one or the other and experimenting with them. For the rest of this article, I will be working with CapCut and encouraging you to experiment.


  1. Download CapCut: Go to the App store and download this free App.

  2. Start a New Project: Open the app and click on "New Project."

  3. Select Media: You will be brought to a screen with your photos and videos. Select one or more and then click the "Add" button in the bottom right.

  4. Start Editing: Now it is time to edit.


Here are the editing features that I use regularly:

  • Edit (Scissors): Split your video into segments.

  • Audio (Note): Add background music or sound effects.

  • Text (T): Add text.

  • Split: ][ : Split a video to remove a section.

  • Volume (Megaphone): Adjust the audio levels.

  • Delete (Trash Can): Remove unwanted sections.

  • Aspect Ratio (Square): Choose horizontal for short-form content, vertical for long-form content, or other options.

  • Background (Square with Diagonal Lines): Fill in color if the picture does not fill the whole screen.


When you are finished editing, click "Export" in the blue box at the upper right corner. Your edited video will be saved to your photos on your phone.

Click the "X" in the upper left corner to exit the app, and now you are ready to present the video.


Presenting

Now it's time to share your videos with students, families, the community, and beyond. Here are several methods and platforms to consider:


Google Drive and OneDrive:

  • Google Drive: Upload your videos to Google Drive. You can share the link with students, parents, and colleagues via email. Ensure the sharing settings are adjusted to "Anyone with the link" or specific people you want to grant access to.

  • OneDrive: Similar to Google Drive, upload your videos to OneDrive and share the link. OneDrive also allows you to set permissions for viewing or editing.

Email:

  • You can attach smaller video files directly to emails or include links to larger files stored on cloud services like Google Drive or OneDrive. This method is straightforward and ensures that the recipient receives the video directly.

Educational Platforms:

  • YouTube: Upload your videos to YouTube. You can keep them public for a wider audience, unlisted for specific viewers with the link, or private for only selected individuals. YouTube also offers closed captioning, which enhances accessibility.

  • Vimeo: Similar to YouTube, Vimeo allows you to upload and share videos. It offers more control over privacy settings and is preferred by some for professional content.

  • Edpuzzle: Use Edpuzzle to create interactive video lessons. You can embed questions, notes, and audio tracks into your videos. This platform can be used for formative assessments and engaging students in the content.

Learning Management Systems (LMS):

  • Google Classroom: Upload your videos directly to Google Classroom assignments or announcements. This integrates seamlessly with Google Drive.

  • Other LMS like Moodle or Canvas allow you to embed videos directly into course materials, discussions, and assignments, providing a centralized location for all resources.

Social Media and Community Platforms:

  • Facebook, LInkedIn, Instagram, etc: Share short clips or highlights of your videos on social media to reach a broader audience. Share videos directly or include a link with a few comments. Ensure you have appropriate permissions, especially when sharing student work.

  • Facebook Groups: Many of us enjoy sharing our success and failures on Facebook Groups. I have created one connected with this topic!



School Websites and Newsletters:

  • Post videos on the school website or include them in digital newsletters to keep parents and the community informed and engaged.

Live Presentations and Events:

  • Conferences and Community Events: Showcase your videos to celebrate student achievements and share educational content with a broader audience.

  • Webinars: Use platforms like Zoom or Google Meet to present your videos during live sessions.


By utilizing these methods and platforms, you can effectively share your instructional videos, reach a broader audience, and enhance the educational experience for your students and community.


Conclusion

Recording, editing, and presenting instructional videos can be a rewarding process, enhancing the educational experience for students and broadening your reach as an educator. By following the steps outlined in this writing, you can create high-quality videos with minimal equipment and accessible software, making the process both efficient and effective.


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