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Instructional Videos & Screencasts: Best Practices

Lay the Groundwork

  • Plan out the path of the video – including where you’d like me to insert callouts.
  • Create a script and practice it
  • Identify the screencasting/video editing software you are comfortable with. Examples:
    • Kaltura
    • Camtasia
    • Jing

When you record

  • State the learning goals at the beginning
  • Tell as you show
  • Enunciate your words – Speak clearly
  • Watch the length! Try for around 2 minutes
  • Plan to use callouts to emphasize areas of the screen, rather than circling the mouse
    • This is something Stephanie can help you with
  • Editing counts. If you are able to, try to edit your video and audio to remove silences/mistakes/coughing, etc. 
    • This is something else Stephanie can help you with

Finalizing the video

Make sure you watch your video all the way through before posting it anywhere.

Consider getting feedback before posting.

Consider testing your video over multiple platforms and your audio using speakers, headphones, earbuds

Evaluate your video once it is completed for

  • Mistakes or silences
  • Branding
  • Captions/Accessibility