Exploring The Tools, Strategies, And Processes For Making Exceptional Educational Videos

Concurrent Session 3

Brief Abstract

This session will benefit professors seeking to create engaging video content in their courses.  We will discuss tools and approaches for creating videos, including types of educational videos (i.e., webcams, screencasts, animations, editing, etc.), options for software and platforms, logistics (e.g., presentation, scripts, captioning, lighting, etc.), and general tips and techniques. 

Note: this is a reprise of the OLC Accelerate session (of the same name), with improvements based on the participant comments.

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Mark Labbett, TCS Education System

Mark has been in higher education for over 25 years serving in roles from financial services and enrollment management to academic advising. He has been in the instructional design field for 10 years and has worked with several different LMS's. He currently serves as a Senior Instructional Designer for TCS Education System. Mark is responsible for the development of new online courses for several different programs. He also has taken on the responsibility of designing department resource centers for several different departments across the system. Mark earned his Master's of Education in Adult Education from Penn State University.

Co-presenter: Sean Nufer, TCS Education System

Dr Sean Nufer is the Director of Teaching and Learning at TCS Education System, and an associate adjunct professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and Pacific Oaks College.

Extended Abstract

There are many methods available to professors to create engaging videos for their students.  For faculty who are new to creating videos for students, the task may be overwhelming or downright intimidating.  However, creating videos for your classes does not have to be a precipitous endeavor – there are small and simple things that you can do to begin your multimedia journey or refine your skills and production value. 

In this session, we will elaborate on the differences between webcam and screencast videos, and discuss which approaches would be most appropriate based on the content and intent of the video.  We will also review a video planning checklist to guide the production of videos and ensure that videos are impactful and created in such a way that students will view and benefit from them.  This checklist will ensure that storyboarded videos encapsulate single, big ideas that are supported by key points.  We will explore various tools and platforms for both creating and hosting video content. 

Finally, in this session we will cover the many dos and don’ts of creating effective videos for your students.  What are the novice mistakes, and how can I distinguish my video so that it is effective?  With some practice and effort, your videos will help to humanize the course content and increase your instructor presence in your learning environment.