Capturing video and audio to share with students

Here are some ways to capture video and audio to share with your students.

Video. If you decide to create videos for your classes, make sure you have a clear plan. Don't just sit in front of a camera and speak. Videos are best when you need to show something visually, as with demonstrations or illustrations. Keeping them brief (five to 10 minutes) and on point will also increase the likelihood that students will watch. Videos in which an instructor sits in front of a camera and talks for long stretches provide little incentive for students to engage, though. With more complex topics, it's best to break lectures into shorter segments. That will help you and your students focus on what is most important.

You have several options for recording video:

  • Kaltura (mediahub.ku.edu): This is perhaps the quickest and easiest way to create video, especially if you are inexperienced with video creation. Kaltura allows you to record video using a webcam on your computer or to capture your screen as you speak. Videos created in Kaltura are hosted in the cloud and sharable with a link, which is best practice.
  • Zoom: Zoom is primarily known for videoconferencing, but it also allows you to present and record your screen.  
  • The Media Production Studio in Budig Hall provides a few options, including audio recording over an interactive screen; recording with a clear lightboard, which allows you to write on the board as you are being recorded; and straight on-screen video. Email itmps@ku.edu to make an appointment to use the studio in Budig Hall. The Media Studio in Regents Center on the Edwards Campus is another option for faculty in the Kansas City metro area. Please reach out to codl@ku.edu to make an appointment for recording at the Edwards location.
  • PowerPoint: Due to the file size generated using PowerPoint's record feature, we recommend that you do not use PowerPoint to record your presentations. Instead, you should use Kaltura Capture to record your screen while presenting your PowerPoint. This enables the recording to be hosted in the cloud, instead of in Blackboard. Learn more at remote.ku.edu/resources#kaltura

See Resources for how-to information regarding using these solutions.

Audio. Audio is a great option when you need to explain something to students but don't need the visual elements of video. The same tools that allow you to create video can be used to create audio. You can also create a recording on your phone or a digital recorder and upload the file to Blackboard.