Best Practices for Recording Instructional Videos¶

Essential Questions to Consider Before Creating a Video¶

Initial Questions¶

What do you want to capture in the recording?
Why is it important to capture information this way?
What is your comfort level with technology/video capture?
How much time do you want to spend on your videos?

Tip

When thinking about the anwswers to these questions, you may want to consider the recording options available. Is desktop recording the best option? And if so, which application will provide you with the tools you need?

Questions About the Why, What, and How:¶

What are your instructional goals?
How does this fit into your course structure?
How long will your video be?
What tools will you use to engage your students?
Will you use a script?
What materials do you need to prepare?
What platform will your video be delivered on?

Preparing your space¶

Eliminate Background Noise¶

Turn off air conditioner or heat
Be aware of your pet(s)
Turn off your cell phone
Tell the people you share space with that you are recording

Eliminate Visual Distractions¶

Don't wear patters or other distracting clothing
Record in front of a neutral Background
Make sure your clothes don't blend in with the Background

Provide Good lighting¶

Reduce glare from your windows
Make sure the viewr can see your face
Make sure your display is properly lit
Make sure your lighting is evenly distributed

Prepare Your desktop¶

Turn off notifications (Email, instant messages, etc.)
Either select a window capturing only the application / slide or clean up your desktop and have an appropriate background images
If using full screen capture, make sure to hide your control panel so it won't be captured