In previous posts, I’ve pointed to the “Why?” behind incorporating multimedia learning tools into the online classroom but I haven’t yet addressed the “How?” from a technical perspective.  If you’re new to producing your own multimedia pieces, such as classroom videos, the path forward is probably as vague to you as it was to me when I was faced with the prospect of producing my own classroom videos.  What equipment and software will I need?  How much will it cost? What will the learning curve look like and what skills must I develop in order to use that equipment and software?  How long will production take?  Is this something I can sustain over time?

Consider producing your own classroom videos. The first point to keep in mind is that this is not an all or nothing commitment. If your style is diving in head first, then by all means jump in!  But when it comes to getting started, baby steps will help you get traction that will build momentum and before you know it you’ll be pushing out great classroom videos in abundance.  My start was shooting a two-minute welcome video of myself speaking to my students.  But before I sat down to shoot it, I had to determine what equipment I would need.  Unfortunately, there was no “manual” for doing this, so I found my way through trial and error.

I needed a video camera, of course, and my iPhone seemed as though it would suffice.  I wasn’t disappointed, as it proved up to the task with every bit of the HD resolution I knew that I wanted.  The audio capabilities were sufficient, as well.  After purchasing a tripod stand, I was quickly shooting.  I initially used some lamps on hand to adjust lighting.  If you’re looking to get started with a minimal investment, this is the only equipment you really need.

You may find that you want to take your production to the next level as I did.  For instance, I realized that better lighting would improve the quality of my videos, so I purchased a relatively inexpensive lighting kit.  I knew that I could improve the quality of my audio and decided to purchase an inexpensive microphone that was compatible with my iPhone.  Lastly, I decided that I wanted to edit my videos so an editing application was in order. This also made shooting easier since I didn’t have to shoot everything in one take as was the case without the ability to edit.

You’re going to find myriad options for this equipment since a cottage industry has erupted in just the last few years; a quick search on Amazon will attest. Too, you may already possess some of these items like basic video-editing software like Windows Moviemaker or iMovie.  At this point I have invested approximately $200 in the production system I’ve put together (aside from my iPhone which I had already purchased for other reasons).  So, let’s recap the equipment:

Must-Haves

• Smart Phone (or compatible video camera)
• Tripod
• Lighting

 

Nice-to-Haves

• Microphone
• Video-editing software

 

I can’t overstate the importance of just getting started with what you already have rather than delaying because you feel you don’t have what you would like to have for producing your videos.  The “X Factor” is effort and repetition; you’ll likely surprise yourself with the results once you get your feet good and wet.  Shoot some “trial videos” of yourself and then take a step back to critique. How does it look?  Do you need to adjust lighting?  How does it sound?  Is your background suitable?  Can you improve your performance with a script and a few more takes? Just keep in mind that if your purpose is to humanize your classroom, to better connect with your students as in a welcome video, what matters most is you on the screen. Trial and error will get you very far. Of course, none of that knowledge will be gained unless you take the first step.  So, what are you waiting for?

I’m more than happy to share my knowledge, thoughts and opinions to help you get your system up and running if you like.  Email me here at Edufusion anytime!