Using Videos in Online Learning Objects

Table of Contents

1. Using Videos in Online Learning Objects
2. Objectives
3. CREATING AND EDITING MY VIDEO
   1. The Logitech Webcam
   2. TUTORIAL: Simple Video Editing
4. SHARING MY VIDEOS
5. USING SOMEONE ELSE'S VIDEO
6. SUMMARY
7. Assignments
8. HELP
9. Resources
10. About This Module

CREATING AND EDITING MY VIDEO

"How do I create a quality video of my own?" is the most essential element in considering incorporating video into an LO.

As with every project, you should start with a plan or at least a set of objectives. Write down what you want to accomplish and how. Prepare a script, much like you might do for a PowerPoint presentation.

Prepare

Who is your audience? Are you using a webcam, a video camera or your phone? Many laptops already have webcams installed on them. Many digital cameras will allow you to create small video files in addition to digital photographs. Even some phones will allow you take digital videos.

What else might be needed to record and shoot the instructional material? Is there a need for a microphone? How about video editing software? Most all recording devices come with software and some ability to do simple editing.

Practice

Before shooting the video, go over the script again, out loud. Collect and set up the props (if you have any). Make sure you know how to use the equipment. After a few minutes of shooting, remember to do a sound and light check. This will ensure the clarity of the playback before you get too far into your project.

Break it down

If the instructional video is more than 10 minutes and it is not "live," consider breaking it down into manageable recordings. Just like a long paper or presentation, break long instructional videos into scenes, sections or segments. Record each segment individually. Small segments are easier to work with because they use less memory and require less time to publish. As you complete the smaller segments, you are less likely to get overwhelmed and will more quickly gain skill and confidence. Segments, scenes or sections can be strung together later.

Record everything

Record everything you think might be needed. It is easier to cut, than to go back and record again. If you are making a how-to video, view the clips already taken, and determine if there are still some scenes missing to make the step-by-step instructions more precise and understandable.

Transferring Digital Video to the Computer

After capturing the digital video, the next step is to transfer it to the computer.

• If the video was made with a webcam, it is already digital and already on your computer.
• If your video is on a digital camera, you will need to move it to your computer using a method specific to that camera (e.g. Mini DVD, Secure Digital (SD) cards or the video's USB cables.)
• If the video was made on a DVD camcorder, you may already have or will need to purchase an IEEE 1394 interface (e.g. firewire, i.Link, or Lynx).

For more information on how to upload video from your phone or your camera, take a look at the following video from YouTube:

How to Upload Video to your Computer

Edit

You can use editing software to add titles, credits, effects, scene change graphics and other enhancements to improve the quality of the video. An easy software program to use is Windows Movie Maker, which often comes with Microsoft Windows on your PC for free.