Video Recording and Editing: Best Practices for Video

• Keep videos short [3-15 minutes].
• Be enthusiastic about the material that you are covering.
• Speak at a quick pace.
• Optimize light and sound quality.
• Speak close to the microphone to ensure for accurate captioning. 
• Make your videos are interactive with quizzes and graphics. 
• Keep the content focused, relevant, and with no more than a few key points or concepts.
• Create a an outline of the key concepts from your lecture.
• Focus on one concept per short micro-lecture (3-5 minutes is ideal).
• Create a script or detailed notes for your video.
• Ensure your selected video captures their attention in the first 15-30 seconds.
• Convey the most important information first (before you lose their attention!).
• Use images more than bullet points.
• Consider a new visual element every 10-15 seconds to keep your viewer’s attention.
• Don’t forget to edit or re-record (as needed).
• Give clear instructions in closing as to how you want them to use/apply what they have learned.
• Make sure that your videos are accessible.

Links and References

Chappell, K. (2017, June 5). The Power of the Short: Making the Most of Brief Instructional Videos. The Teaching Professor. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.teachingprofessor.com/topics/teaching-strategies/teaching-with-technology/power-short-making-brief-instructional-videos/

Hibbert, M. (2014, Apr. 7). What Makes an Online Instructional Video Compelling? Educause Review. Retrieved from https://er.educause.edu/articles/2014/4/what-makes-an-online-instructional-video-compelling

Magna Publications. (2016). How Do I Create and Implement Micro-lectures? [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.magnapubs.com/mentor-commons/?video=13984

Magna Publications. (2016). What Are the Secrets to Making Highly Effective Educational Videos? [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.magnapubs.com/mentor-commons/?video=14456

Orlando, J. (2018, February 21). Add Interactions to Your Online Videos. The Teaching Professor. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.teachingprofessor.com/topics/online-learning/teaching-strategies-techniques/add-interactions-to-your-online-videos/

Orlando, J. (2016, August 26). Applying Neurology to Online Videos. The Teaching Professor. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.teachingprofessor.com/topics/online-learning/course-design-online-learning/applying-neurology-to-online-videos/

Orlando, J. (2018, January 23). Simple Tips for Improving Your Online Videos. The Teaching Professor. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.teachingprofessor.com/topics/teaching-strategies/teaching-with-technology/simple-tips-for-improving-your-online-videos/

Orlando, J. (2018, September 17). Transforming Your Lectures into Online Videos. The Teaching Professor. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.teachingprofessor.com/topics/online-learning/teaching-strategies-techniques/transforming-your-lectures-into-online-videos/

Parisi, S. & Thornton, D. (2016, June 24). Tips from the Pros: Tips for Effective Video Instruction. The Teaching Professor. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.teachingprofessor.com/topics/teaching-strategies/teaching-with-technology/tips-from-the-pros-tips-for-effective-video-instruction/

Weimer, M. (2017, March 1). Are the Videos in Your Courses Promoting Learning? The Teaching Professor. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.teachingprofessor.com/topics/teaching-strategies/teaching-with-technology/are-the-videos-in-your-courses-promoting-learning/