Instructions

Here are some best practices to guide your use of video:

• Length
  • Shorter is better.
  • 3-5 minutes is optimum, no longer than 10 minutes when possible.
  • If you must use a longer video, break it up into smaller, standalone chunks.
• Writing
  • Write a script or at least an outline.
  • Write in as conversational and as friendly a tone as you can.
  • Use short sentences.
  • Write for the ear – not for the eye (most people will only hear the video narration so you can be informal, use contractions, etc.).
  • Read your script out loud (then you'll hear where you need to make changes).
• Recording
  • Rehearse and practice before you press the "Record" button.
  • When using a camera, do a test recording to make sure you are comfortable with all the controls.
  • If you make a mistake or stumble over words, let the recording continue, pause for five seconds, then pick up again where you left off. You can edit out the bad portions later.
• Formats
  • MP4 video can be played by most media players and mobile media devices.
  • Flash video (.swf) – free Flash player and browser plug-in.
• Captioning
  • You should either caption your video or offer a text transcript of the audio.
  • For more information about appropriate and reasonable accommodations for students with special needs, contact the Student Disability Resource Center.
• Using in your course
  • Options include:
    • Use Video Note to create
    • Upload or embed video files directly into eLearning
    • Link to the videos from a course
    • Upload to YouTube (15 minute per file limit)
    • Use the Library's streaming server
• Copyright Considerations: Be sure you have the right to use any videos that you want to add to your courses. If you're unclear about what those rights are and what your responsibilities include, please review these resources:
  
  • Copyright Crash Course
  • Fair Use & Copyright (Center for Social Media at American University)