{"id":15909,"date":"2022-05-09T13:19:25","date_gmt":"2022-05-09T03:19:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au\/teaching@sydney\/?p=15909"},"modified":"2022-05-09T13:19:46","modified_gmt":"2022-05-09T03:19:46","slug":"top-5-questions-about-making-videos-for-teaching-with-simple-answers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au\/teaching@sydney\/top-5-questions-about-making-videos-for-teaching-with-simple-answers\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 questions about making videos for teaching \u2013 with simple answers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Making video content for your teaching can sometimes be a little daunting. The Educational Innovation Media Team creates all sorts of video content, and we also support staff to make their own (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/outlook.office365.com\/owa\/calendar\/EducationalInnovation1@unisyd.onmicrosoft.com\/bookings\/s\/djO9uJ2LuUOxlneZ_37OOQ2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">you can book a time to chat with us that suits you<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">). There are some common issues that everyone faces, so here\u2019s some answers to our 5 most asked questions about video.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>#1 How do I make my video look better?<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">First, to state the obvious, you\u2019ll need a camera. If you have a camera like a DSLR or some other dedicated camera, great! If you can use your smart phone, great! If all you have access to is a webcam, great! <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s much more important <\/span><\/b><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">what you do<\/span><\/i><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> in front of the camera<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, rather than the technology behind it. Having said that, nobody has the patience to watch poor quality video. And why should they, when it\u2019s so simple to get good results with standard, everyday technology:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-columns half clearfix\">\n<div class=\"col\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pe9t1yiYbnE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3>Lighting<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A little bit of consideration of lighting can go a long way in improving your video. Again, you don\u2019t need expensive equipment, and often natural light is all that\u2019s required.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-columns half clearfix\">\n<div class=\"col\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/b4xQXUfODI8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>#2 How do I make my video\/podcast sound better?<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The quality of the audio can make or break your content. Viewers will forgive average video quality, but <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">poor audio has a major negative impact on attention<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. The good news is you can improve your audio recording quality with a few simple steps.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:40,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-columns half clearfix\">\n<div class=\"col\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zVjMvUy768M?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>#3 What software can I use to edit?<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There\u2019s a lot of software to choose from to edit video. University staff have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/sydneyuni.service-now.com\/sm?id=kb_article_view&amp;sysparm_article=KB0011610\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">access to the full suite of Adobe Creative Cloud software<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. This includes the workhorse Premiere Pro and its cousin, the slimmed down Premiere Rush. Premiere Pro is a very powerful piece of software and can seem overwhelming when starting out. <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Premiere Rush is a simple way you can start editing your videos<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. It works on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-columns half clearfix\">\n<div class=\"col\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3B4Xb-J0AiM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eXr8L26ymJ8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>#4 How long should my video be?<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">People often ask, \u201cWhat\u2019s the ideal length of a video?\u201d <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">There is no magic figure for this<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">, it all depends on the content. The more interesting and engaging the content and its presentation, the longer the video can be whilst still engaging students\u2019 attention. Having said that, a good general rule is to aim for under 8 minutes. Chunk larger topics into smaller sections\/separate videos.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A good question to ask yourself is: <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">do you actually need video? <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Could the content be delivered as audio only? The advantages are simpler production and students are much more likely to listen to a 20 minute <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au\/teaching@sydney\/?s=podcast\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">podcast<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> compared to watching a 20 minute video.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>#5 What support is available for making educational media?<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are a number of video services available to staff, ranging from \u2018do -it-yourself&#8217; to a full video production service.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/canvas.sydney.edu.au\/courses\/1316\/pages\/the-diy-recording-booth?module_item_id=45338\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">DIY Studio<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> is located on level 2 of the Education Building. It is available to all staff to book and use once they have completed an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/canvas.sydney.edu.au\/courses\/24477\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">orientation session<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/canvas.sydney.edu.au\/courses\/1316\/pages\/diy-media-kits?module_item_id=625785\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">DIY Media Kits<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> are available to hire for recording on campus or on location.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You can also book a 30 minute <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/outlook.office365.com\/owa\/calendar\/EducationalInnovation1@unisyd.onmicrosoft.com\/bookings\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">online consultation<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> with an educational designer or video professional \u2013 this is a great way to get direct advice and ask any questions you may have.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Educational Innovation Media Team can work with you on more advanced video projects. Service is limited and some charges may apply. The team has a fully equipped video studio, with green screen capability, and can also record on campus or even off campus if required. To discuss your video project, please contact <\/span><a href=\"mailto:tim.harland@sydney.edu.au\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">the team<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>#6 Bonus<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Here are a few more simple tips and tricks to help improve your educational media.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Don\u2019t worry about making small mistakes<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">. Your students don\u2019t expect you to be perfect, so if you make a mistake or stumble on a word, simply acknowledge it, correct it and move on.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Be yourself;<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> there is no need to present like a politician or a newsreader, your students have enough of that in their lives. Keep them engaged by being you!\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Do a short test recording before you begin<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">. This will help you confirm the equipment is working correctly and could save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Usually you\u2019ll be recording yourself, talking directly to camera. But <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">an interview can be a useful addition to your teaching resources<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">. It\u2019s a great way to talk to an expert in the field, hear about first-hand experiences or simply get a different take on the subject. Here\u2019s a quick guide for recording an interview:<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"sc-columns half clearfix\">\n<div class=\"col\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Qw_IS0mXYTU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Making video content for your teaching can sometimes be a little daunting. The Educational Innovation Media Team creates all sorts of video content, and&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3406,"featured_media":15911,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[57],"tags":[2363,2364,385,120],"coauthors":[2361,1590],"class_list":["post-15909","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-teaching-tips","tag-audio","tag-diy","tag-educational-video","tag-video","post-item","post-even"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au\/teaching@sydney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15909","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au\/teaching@sydney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au\/teaching@sydney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au\/teaching@sydney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3406"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au\/teaching@sydney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15909"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au\/teaching@sydney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15909\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15918,"href":"https:\/\/educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au\/teaching@sydney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15909\/revisions\/15918"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au\/teaching@sydney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15911"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au\/teaching@sydney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15909"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au\/teaching@sydney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15909"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au\/teaching@sydney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15909"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au\/teaching@sydney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=15909"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}