Dr. Ewell's Approach

In 2006, when I started screencasting--making and distributing videos that captured the computer screen--there were several assumptions that directed my video production. The only examples I saw of videos were those of online courses on TV and those in film. Online TV courses were almost entirely composed of “talking heads,” that is, a lecture format with the professor teaching. In film, more attempts were made to include screens with text and graphics. In both instances, however, the format was set for programs that were lengthy—30 minutes or more. They both featured long introductions and ending credits, with adagio tempos to the instruction. Quickly I began to understand that presentation of materials on the web needed to be different. I changed my approach over the years and began including many things that you probably take for granted due to your frequent video viewing: 1) keep the videos short. Generally, no more than ten minutes, ideally around seven to eight minutes. 2) Assume that the video will be viewed on a small screen such as a cell phone. This requires close-up views of any important details and larger font sizes (no less than 30 pt.) for text. 3) Tightly scripted videos with less talking are more effective. 4) Include lots of graphics and changes of the camera angle to keep visual interest.

Finally, I learned the benefits that videos have over classroom presentations. Creating a transcript of the video and then supplying closed captions provides many advantages. Students with hearing disabilities will benefit from this feature. International students, for whom English is a second language, will also find the materials easier to follow. Placing the transcript on a webpage even allows these students to make a computer translation of the materials into their native language. Finally, one feature of Camtasia (the screencast software that I use) is searchable text that is a great study aid for students. This allows them to enter in a word and advance to any portion of the video containing that word.

There is a cost, however, to creating videos with all of the best practice features. I find that I will spend on average one hour for every minute of video with these features. Sometimes, if the video is graphics intensive and requires additional research for the topic, it can be even two hours of work for each minute. My procedures for creating videos for the Bassoon Digital Professor project are: research, script writing, graphics creation, music creation, the recording itself, post recording editing, synchronization of the transcript with the video, production of the video in three formats, posting on YouTube and my website 2reed.net or another location, and then cataloguing the link and information.  

Your Work in MUSC 114:

Get started:       

Find the software you will use and make some short screencaptures so that you understand how it works and how to save the files.

Allow plenty of time, especially for your first project!

Read the instructions for each screencasting assignment. Make sure you understand fully the requirements.

Identify the topic and create an outline.

Gather materials with the references:

Create your script or transcript. Include information on camera changes, screencasting, close up moments, etc.

Put together the PowerPoint presentation. You could also assemble a group of pictures, but I find placeing graphics and text in PowerPoint works best.

Record the materials in segments. Don't try to record all of it in one sessions. Instead of capturing the entire screen, consider capturing smaller segments, since the final video for this course will not use the full screen size.

Edit the video materials, include further voice overs or captions, music, and other items, if needed. If you prefer, you may use different software for editing than screencasting.

Publish in mp4 format, if you can. Do not produce the video in full screen size because this is a larger file size. Choose 1280 x 720p or something around 1/2 of the screen size. This resolution is adequate for viewing and reduces the size of the file.

I look forward to reviewing your work!