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Tips For Making Teaching Videos

● Keep it simple. Don't use music, transitions, or special effects. Only use slides if they are essential to the presentation or if you have no other video to show at the time.

● If you are using HyperCam to show how a computer program works, set the frame rate at one frame per second, unless there is a compelling justification for more. More frames per second makes the file size too large for downloading.

● The format should be one of short clips about 2 to four minutes long for quicker download and also to allow the student to select the topic of interest.

● The audio and video should be crystal clear. Play test the files for yourself before sending them out. Email us if you need assistance.
● An exception to the above is to capture your video in 256 colors unless there is a compelling reason not to. If we receive a file in millions of colors, and then reduce it to 256 colors, the product will be of poorer quality than if the file were captured in 256 colors to begin with.

● Before you write your outline, master your subject.  Don't guess.

● The video capture resolution should be 640 x480 - no higher.  If you have problems doing this, please contact technical support.

● Don't gloss over critical points.  Nothing is more frustrating than having a teacher explain something like a computer program, and then fail to clearly explain where to put a mouse pointer in order to perform an operation.

● The clips will usually be organized on our web site in an outline with three levels: 1) The main subject, such as the name of the computer program, 2) Subheadings; and 3) Clip titles.

  ● Begin by dividing your subject into segments that conform to the above outline. Each clip should have a title, and should be focused on a very narrow segment of information.

● Assume no prior knowledge of the subject unless you or someone else has covered the subject previously. Imagine that you are talking to a ten-year-old student.

  ● Explain your subject completely. Leave nothing to the imagination. If you can't do that in less than four minutes, divide your topic further.

  ● Give us feedback. Tell us how we can make this easier for you and give you a greater incentive to participate.