Creating Instructional Videos to Support Student Learning

Unit 1: Filming Your own Instructional Videos

Youtube reports that it’s users collectively watch over 1 billion hours of videos every day, (YouTube, 2019). With over 2 billion recorded users (Dean, 2021) our students are sure to be among those watching. With access to millions of engaging high production quality videos, our students are becoming used to “homemade” videos looking and sounding almost as good as those made by professional production companies. If we want our students to fully engage with our video content, we need to ensure that our production quality is the best that it can be. You don't need to go out and buy any fancy equipment, or invest in any expensive software to begin improving the quality of your educational videos. With just a few thoughtful changes, and the utilization of things you already have around your house, you can prepare to make visually appealing and intellectually engaging videos for your students to consume.

Unit Objectives:

- Participants will be able to set up and film a video using a camera or phone in landscape mode.

- Participants will be able to set up and film a video using a screen recording app.

Step 1: Evaluation Resources

Begin by taking stock of what resources you have available to you. Ask yourself the following questions:

1. What will you use to film your videos? Do you have access to a camera or will you need to use your phone or computer’s webcam?

2. What locations will you be able to film in?

3. What editing software do you have available to you? Do you or your organization already own a subscription to a specific editing software? Is there any editing software already pre downloaded onto your computer?

Step 2: Setting Goals

Just as we set goals and objectives for our students when we plan a lesson, we also need to set goals for ourselves when we plan to film a video. Determining the purpose of your video, will help you better plan what resources you will need to film said video. Begin by imagining a video you would like to create. If you don't have a specific video in mind, perhaps choose a lesson, standard, or objective that you would like to create an educational video to support. Once you have selected your video's topic, you can start considering the purpose that your video will serve. Ask yourself the questions below to help determine your purpose:

1. Is this video teaching a new skill/concept or will it be reviewing a previously taught concept?

2. Will students be watching this video independently, or will they watch it as a class with you there to give your imput?

3. Will this video be specifically modeling for students how to do something, or will it be a resource for students to gather information that they will use in a different context?

4. What objectives do you hope your students will accomplish through the use of this video?

Step 3: Planning how to Reach Goals

Now that you've determined the main purpose of your video, you'll want to consider how to achieve that purpose through a video format. Use the questions below to help you determine what elements you may want to include in your video:

1. Do you plan to talk directly to the camera in your video?

2. Will you need to film yourself doing something on a flat surface? If so, will the camera need to be positioned at a bird's eye view, for viewers to see what you are doing?

3. Will you need to film your computer's screen?

4. Will you need to move the camera around as you film?

Step 4: Getting Ready to Film

Now that you've determined the purpose of your video, and you've begun to think about how you can achieve that purpose, you can begin thinking about your filming set-up. Below you will find a brief summary of Lesson 1 and Lesson 2, read through these summaries to determine which lesson will best fit your filming needs.

Lesson 1: Creating a High Quality Film Set Up

This lesson will walk you through how to create a physical filming setup using a camera or the camera on your phone or computer. If want to learn how to film a video that will include clips of you talking directly to camera, and/or you filming content that is not on your computer screen, this lesson is a good place to start.

Lesson 2: Screen Recording

This lesson will focus on how to effectively film your computer screen. If want to learn how to film a video that will include recordings of your computer screen click on this lesson.

Reference

McAleece, J. 2011. Chinese video production equipment. Blare Media. https://blaremedia.net/chinese-video-production-gear/

Sarika. 2021. 84 Youtube statistics you can't ignore in 2022. Invideo. https://invideo.io/blog/youtube-statistics/