In today’s world, where more than 300 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute, this is certainly a good idea. 

Tips for using video lessons in online courses

With the advancement and popularization of technology, the barriers to creating videos are falling. 

Almost all modern computers come with built-in webcams and microphones, and software options for capturing and editing images and audio are multiplying.

But despite the relative ease of producing videos without leaving your home, creating effective videos still requires careful planning and elaboration, with attention to various details, such as scenery and lighting.

–  Learn how to record videos at home

It is also necessary to consider that not all videos are created in the same way, especially with regard to their pedagogical effectiveness, a necessity in the case of video lessons. 

To achieve this goal and deliver the best result to your students, see five great reasons and ways to use videos in your online course.

1. To create a sense of presence

When compared to classroom education, taking an online course can be a lonely experience.

To minimize this effect, video lessons help bring life to the course, showing the image of a teacher with which students can connect and relate.

If you’re not familiar with video production, start by creating smaller videos as supporting material.

– How to create videos for online courses

Train until you feel secure enough to record longer videos, with all the content that you would pass in a classroom, for example.

Here are some ideas of what you can do:

• Include a short presentation video, in which you talk a little about yourself, your training and professional experience.
• Provide individual feedback on video, commenting on the student’s performance on the course.
• Create a video for the start of each new module, covering the goals of the module and what students can expect.
• At the end of each module, publish a video commenting on what the student must have learned and how it relates to the next stage of the course.
• Submit a video response commenting on the general results of a test or activity, discussing common mistakes and providing guidance.

2. Provide a unique perspective

For hundreds of years, the written word has been the primary means of sharing information in more depth.

Even if they are just words on a paper, the personality and knowledge of each author is transmitted through reading.

In the same way, the video emerged as a new way for a person to convey his/her unique perspective, which can be seen by the appearance of the so-called Youtubers, who constitute real fortunes by making videos in which they pass on their personal opinions on different subjects.

The increasing demand for this type of content shows how a single perspective is easily communicated by video, making this resource a practical way to attract and win over the viewer.

In fact, every instructor brings something unique to each class they teach, having a much better chance of communicating it through video lessons.

Let the camera capture not just your words, but your ideas, personality and passion for what you do.

– Tips for speaking well on video

This gives students a greater perception that you are the instructor and that the course is not just a list of materials to be consumed and assessments to be completed. 

This unique approach to the course material presents you as an attentive specialist in your field. However, this does not mean that you cannot use other people’s video lessons to enrich your online course.

Sometimes, third-party videos can more clearly and deeply communicate concepts that you try to teach, such as TED lectures, clips from scientific programs, etc. 

Ideas on how to use the video to provide a unique perspective:

• Synthesize or contrast the arguments of various authors based on your own research.
• Tell a personal story that involves the lessons in question.
• Launch your point of view on a concept and invite the class to a debate, where each one should write his / her opinion.
• Include a link to a convincing TED Talk.

3. Demonstrate a process 

In the absence of the proximity that a classroom provides, recording videos is the best way to demonstrate steps in a process.

Video lessons serve to make complex processes more readable for many students, as they allow step-by-step monitoring of problem solving.

It is important to note that videos involving demonstrations raise significant accessibility concerns. 

Consider a student with a visual disability who encounters a software walkthrough.

If you are just moving your mouse and clicking buttons, that student will not necessarily be able to understand what is going on.

– Meet the best free screen recorders

So when doing demonstrations on the camera, remember to dictate all the steps of what you do. It may seem tiring, but your video will be more accessible.

Ideas on how to use video to demonstrate processes:

• Move the camera closer to what you are doing and perform the task slowly, showing and explaining how to do each process.
• Use the screen capture software to record a detailed tutorial.

– Record tutorial videos: tips to get the best result

4. Increase engagement

Every teacher tries to engage his students, so that they enjoy their classes and sign up for more.

Engagement means interaction: interaction between students, students and course content and students and teacher. 

It is logical that a video containing dialogue can help bring some ideas to life in a more engaging way than simply reading a text.

In addition, as mentioned above, students benefit from hearing what experts think. 

Are there colleagues, professionals, researchers or authors in your field who would be willing to discuss a topic in front of the camera?

Perhaps you can organize a debate. The more voices you can bring to your video lessons, the more value it will bring to your students.

Ideas on how to use video to present intellectual exchanges and facilitate interaction:

• Record a video call with colleagues who have (and defend) their perspectives on the issues covered in the course.
• Contact the author of any publication you asked students to read and ask if you can record an interview.
• Promote a webinar or other type of live presentation, in which more people can participate and discuss a specific issue.

– Webinar: advantages for your online course

5. Create connections with the real world

When it comes to teaching, one of the advantages of including visual aids is that it can make knowledge more “sticky” in students’ brains.

Even non-visual students can benefit when images (static or moving) accompany explanations or definitions to make them clearer.

In addition, research on motivation suggests that illustrations, graphics and other images related to the course content increase the sense of relevance of the material.

Students want to know that what they are studying has just that, relevance. So if you are thinking of taking video lessons, consider whether there are places you can visit with a camera to help bring what is being said and taught to life.

Ideas on how to use video to provide connections to the real world:

• For each principle taught in a class, film a demonstration of the practical application of that principle. 
• Film a scene that relates to what will be taught, as an introduction to the material.  
• Can’t you do a demonstration on your own? Share a third-party video where something related happens and start your explanation from what was seen. 

– Basic Video Editing Techniques

How to make your video lessons available online

You can use videos in a variety of ways in online courses and they can play a valuable role in helping your students achieve their learning goals.

Video classes also serve to fulfill important secondary goals, such as increasing motivation, creating a community and establishing a presence. 

Even if you are not an expert in video production, the wide availability of technology allows you to easily immerse yourself in the creation of this material.

If it is your presentation on camera that concerns you, keep in mind that viewers prefer more personal videos than those with a highly rehearsed presentation and advertising aspect.

Be authentic, train and do your best. If you like what you do, it will be easily captured by the camera and the viewer, increasing their interest in what is being presented.

Video recorded, ask some friends for feedback, make the necessary improvements and when everything is perfect, upload it to video platforms or direct to your online school on Coursify.me.

– How to Choose the Right Video Hosting Platform

Learning Management System (LMS), Coursify.me has all the necessary features for you to integrate and import content from video hosting platforms such as Vimeo and YouTube.

– Whats is a Learning Management System

Instructors can embed their hosted videos lessons in any of these channels on their page on Coursify.me.

To know more, visit our website, make a test and take advantage of all the features of our platform to create quality online courses.

The post Video lessons: how to use videos in your online course appeared first on Blog Coursify.me.

So we’ve put together some tips in this handy guide that will help you record quality videos at home.

How to record videos at home with professional quality 

Learning how to record videos at home is a good start for those who are starting in the e-Learning market. 

Online courses that include videos are preferred by the public and therefore are more valued and sell easier.

– How to create videos for online courses

For those who never went far beyond recording videos on their cell phones to post on social networks, the production of videos with professional presentation can seem complicated. But with today’s technology, we can say that this is not true. 

If a few years ago it was necessary to invest in expensive cameras to have a good result, nowadays most smartphones have built-in cameras capable of recording in high quality and resolution.

In addition, there are several free software on the internet that assist in editing the material and inserting additional resources to make the result even better.

You can produce videos in which you appear explaining the content, which is great to help you create a connection with the student, as well as tutorial videos, using programs that allow you to record your computer screen.

– Record video tutorials: tips for getting the best result

All of this helps to make your online course interesting and effective with minimal investment.

Following some basic tips, it is possible to record videos at home with equipment you already own, such as a computer and smartphone. 

– Meet the best free screen recorders

10 practical tips to record videos at home 

Check out 10 tips to achieve a good result saving and without having to leave the house.

1. Film with your computer / smartphone

Most people have a cell phone and a computer, or at least have a friend who has one of these devices to borrow. 

If you choose your smartphone, remember that the rear camera has better quality, has a higher resolution and offers more features in the app. 

2. Film with your phone horizontally or laptop vertically

When recording videos at home with equipment positioned in this way, you will create a widescreen video, so no one will even notice that you shot with your own equipment in the comfort of your home.

If using a laptop, make sure you are shooting with the camera at a 90° angle. If it is tilted it can distort the image a little.

3. Use a tripod or elevate your computer

You will want the camera lens to be well stabilized and at the height of your face, as this creates a better angle and favors your image. 

If using a smartphone, buy a small tripod. If it’s a computer, improvise and place it on a pile of books and whatever else is needed to reach the ideal height.

4. Never record with zoom

When you want to get a close view of something, it is tempting to press the zoom button on your camera. But, most devices only offer digital zoom, which can degrade the quality of your image.

So, to get a greater focus on your face or other element you want to present, instead of zooming, get closer to the camera. 

5. Film at 24 frames per second

Using this setting to record videos at home ensures smooth image flow.

A lower definition can leave the image with a slightly lower quality and, even if few people realize it, there is no reason to compromise the quality of your material for a simple matter of configuration.

6. Use one device to record video and another to record audio

This makes things a little more complicated than using the microphone on the device you are already using, but it makes a big difference in the audio quality of your video. 

Place a cell phone / computer in front of you to record the image and position another smartphone (if you have a microphone, better) closer to your face to capture a clearer sound. Later, in the editing process, you will be able to combine audio and image.

– Tips for speaking well on video

7. Clap your hands to mark the beginning of a new scene

What? Why? To replace the famous clapperboard? That’s right! Hit your hands hard before starting a new scene. This will create a noise that will appear as a peak volume when editing. 

The loud sound generated will act as a reference for you to be able to synchronize the images from one camera with the audio captured by the other, when editing the material.

8. Use a sheet in the background

To record professional looking home videos, creating a backdrop with a neutral background is a good idea in most cases.

Just lay out a white or black sheet so that it covers the entire background of the scene that appears in the video. Tip: black works better than white, especially if you use bright lights.

9. Use soft objects to avoid the echo

Noise that can compromise the quality of your video, the echo is generated when recording the sound in large rooms, empty spaces or even because you removed furniture to create a studio. 

A simple solution is to use pillows, rugs, and anything else that absorbs this unwanted noise. 

10. Enjoy natural light

The best solution to record videos at home without spending on lighting equipment? Shoot near a window and enjoy natural light. 

If you think you need more light, use light fixtures and whatever else you have at home that can provide support. The important thing is to ensure that your face is well lit and without shadows.

Now, related to the recording location, there are some more tips that can contribute to the quality of your video.

Record videos at home: how to set up a home recording studio

Having your own studio to record videos at home offers two main advantages:

• Low cost and high return
• Semi-permanence

For those who create online courses, recording videos is a path of no return and, even if you only start with equipment you already own, don’t be surprised if you decide to invest in a tripod, microphone and so on in a short time.

Once you start buying more professional equipment, you can consider using part of your work area or some space in your home as a permanent studio or one easy to put together when you need it.

That’s the beauty of these DIY studios. You have the option of leaving everything installed or simply taking it apart until you want to use it again.

Interested in the idea? We have organized a list of the main equipment for recording videos at home that will make a difference in the quality of your video and, consequently, can bring greater return on your investment.

Microphone

It is true that hanging a smartphone from the ceiling using a fishing line is a good way to improvise a microphone. But even better is to use a real microphone and take your video quality to the next level. 

There are several brands of microphones and voice recorders that you can use. Features and values ​​vary from model to model, so we recommend that you do a good research of what best suits your needs before purchasing one. 

– 4 Great Voice Recorders for your Business

Clip-on Lamp

To make the studio lighting, we keep our tip that using natural light is always the best choice. However, if you live in a place that gets low light, a lamp is a great option. 

It is possible to find lamps to buy anywhere for a very affordable price, but give preference to those that have a clip system and can be attached to table corners and other types of support.

Remember that you will need the light to be positioned at a 45 ° angle to the object / person being filmed.

To complement and improve the result, place another light source in the background to get rid of the shadows.

TIP: If you bought lamps especially for lighting your studio, it is not necessary to open the windows. Rather than helping, in this case natural light can hinder the effect you have created with the strategically placed lamps. 

Camera

Buying a camera is the obvious next step to record videos at home with the best possible quality.

As well as microphones, there are many camera options that you can purchase, such as those from Canon or Nikon. 

Do your research and find the one with the best cost benefit for your goals. When you buy the camera, don’t miss the chance to buy the corresponding tripod.

These are the main equipment to raise the level of your video production and create quality content for your online course.

If you decide that you want to invest in even better equipment, the next items we recommend are the following:

• Professional background: the famous green screen opens up a new world of possibilities for you to record videos at home.
• Sound panels: to ensure greater clarity of the sound, buying and installing some sound panels to muffle noise is a good option.
• Even better cameras: the most expensive investment, but the one with the highest return.

Video editing

Serious editing requires knowledge and practice, but a little basic editing can help make your videos more professional.

With the help of some free editing softwares, you can remove unwanted parts from your video clips. In addition, these tools allow you to merge multiple clips and photos, add soundtrack, video filters and create mini-movies that are worth sharing.

Stopping the beginning and end of a clip generally enhances the result, as well as share a longer clip into several shorters.This is especially true for something you want to share online.

– Basic Video Editing Techniques

Host video lessons on Coursify.me

You now know what you need to create videos compelling, professional-looking.

Ready-made material, get feedback from some friends, make the necessary improvements and when everything is perfect, upload it to video platforms or go straight to your online school at Coursify.me.

– How to Choose the Right Video Hosting Platform

ELearning platform (LMS), Coursify.me has all the necessary features for you to integrate and import content from video hosting platforms such as Vimeo and YouTube.

– Whats is a Learning Management System (LMS)

Instructors can embed their hosted videos in any of these channels on their page on Coursify.me, leaving their lessons even better and more complete.

Visit our website and take advantage of all the features of our platform to make tutorial videos and create quality online courses.

The post Learn how to record videos at home appeared first on Blog Coursify.me.