5 Recording Lessons
5.1 Best Practices
The practices below ensure that videos are reusable across courses and can be order in any way.
Therefore,
- do not include or reference any information identifying course, course number, term, or logos
- do not include module, topic, lesson or any other titles or numbers
- do not add title slides; those are added in post-production
- do not reference any prior videos, lessons, or courses
- do not refer to prerequisites; those can be included in the transcript or accompanying notes when the video is published
- do not reference dates or seasons
- do not reference current events of news unless those are essential for the lesson
- instructor name, course, and logos are blended in in post-production
- be careful that slides do not contain logos, course numbers, dates, logos, or version numbers
When recording a narration don’t reference a particular lesson or some prior lesson. For example avoid saying things like “in Lesson 3 we learned that …”. Instead, say “in a previous lesson we learned that” or “we already know that”. Or better yet, don’t say anything – leave the sequencing to the course design – it should not be in recorded lessons in case things are moved around. It’s not that the lessons don’t build on each other – of course they do – but leave that to the instructional design and the sequencing of the lessons. After all, lessons may be reused in other courses so they need to be course agnostic. So, if one lesson uses concepts from another, then just use it; there’s no need to say: “as we learned previously” or “as you remember from lesson 3”; avoid saying things like “remember” or “previously” or “as I said before”.
5.2 Recommended Software
- For recording video, audio, screen use OBS. It is free and runs on Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
- For audio post-processing and background sound elimination, use Audacity. Audacity is free and runs on Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
| Program | Purpose | OS | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBS | video, audio, screen recording | Windows, MacOS, Linux | free |
| Audacity | audio processing | Windows, MacOS, Linux | free |
| Kdenlive | video post-processing | Windows, MacOS, Linux | free |
| iMovie | video post-processing | MacOS | free |
There are numerous other programs that can be used, such as Screen-cast-o-matic, QuickTime, Camtasia, Camstudio, SnagIt to name a few. However, the above is the minimal set of programs for all recording tasks, they work well, and they are largely free. They also have a substantial user community and help is available online.
To play back the videos or audio clips, use a platform built-in player such as QuickTime Player, Windows Media Player, or VLC.
5.3 Recommended Hardware
Use a good 4K webcam rather than a laptop built-in camera. Attach the camera to a tripod so you can adjust height and angle. Be sure to record straight or at a slight angle; do not record at an upward angle. If you have to use a laptop camera then prop up the laptop to an appropriate height.
A good microphone is key to good, professional quality sound. Use a USB microphone. For screen or slide deck narrations that do not show you, we recommend a Blu Yeti or similar microphone. For talking head narrations, use a USB lapel mic – any other mic is too far away and picks up too much ambient sound.
For best post-production, use a green screen. They can be purchased inexpensively online and are a simple green cloth on a scaffold. Total cost is well under $100. Post-production software such as iMovie or Kdenlive can then blend a logo, slides, text, or other video onto the green background. If you are not “blending” then we recommend a neutral or all-black background.
5.9 Hosting Videos
Some video hosting sites may not be globally accessible. For example, Youtube and Vimeo are generally not accessible from China unless the learner uses a VPN – which can be legally dubious. Panopto is accessible in China without a firewall. Many LMS can also host videos and most LMS, including Canvas and Blackboard, are accessible in China without a VPN.
5.10 Transcription & Captioning
Panopto (like Youtube) provides automatic closed captioning. The transcript can be downloaded and turned into lecture notes. This is required for ASA compliance and to support students whose primary language may not be English[^ see http://somup.com/cY10V1QvCq for a tutorial].
5.10.1 Key Criteria for Video Hosting
- controlling playback speed; allowing learner to play back at increased speed to move through some videos faster; reducing speed to facilitat comprehension for non-native speakers
- download video as local file so it can be viewed without an internet connection; important for learners who may need to download at an institution, a public hotspot, at a library, or at work before going home because of lack of reliable internet or perhaps metered internet
- works well on phones; not everyone has internet at home
- automatic captioning and display of captioning; foreign speakers; accessibility, ADA compliance
- video size control
- pause
- embedding of learning checkpoints such as quizzes or polls
5.12 Logos & Course Titles
avoid logos, course titles, institution names, dates, and other information that would prohibit sharing content across courses, departments, colleges, faculty, and institutions. Logos, copyright information, course titles should be added during post production so they can be easily changed without having to re-record a video.
5.13 Recording with OBS
5.13.2 Audio
- use a USB lapel mic when recording video; do not use a built-in mic; do not use the mic built into the webcam as it is too far away
- recommended audio settings are 48kHz and “mono”