When talking about online education, students usually prefer video content over boring text documents. Plus, they also consider short instructional video over longer ones. Video platforms such as Youtube and Vimeo have left an everlasting effect on how we consume audiovisual content.
Nowadays, there are millions of videos available, either instructional or creative, on YouTube. People can watch them wherever they please. And due to Covid-19, where colleges, schools, and universities remain shut, online education is gaining popularity on online video-sharing platforms.
Of course, turning your cell phone camera to your face might be enough to create a run-of-the-mill instructional video. However, with some planning and the right equipment, you too can create educational videos that rival the ones produced by professional online instructors.
If you already know about the world of online education, you should be familiar with the fact the video lectures are the best way to engage your students. On top of that, you have to provide them with an experience that motivates them to watch the whole lecture. Here are a few tips that will help you create high-quality educational video content for students everywhere.
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Decide The Format And Content Of The Video
We’ll assume that you have already chosen your subject for your video or videos. Now, the next step is to write a lesson plan for your educational content. Decide whether you plan to cover everything in an hour-long lecture or a mini-series of numerous short videos.
When you create content for your video, keep your target audience in mind. It can either be university students or even ones from kindergarten. For example, suppose your goal is to give out entrepreneurial lessons to a young crowd. In that case, you should not be formal and avoid complex vocabulary. Youngsters might not find such a format appealing and will close the video halfway through the lecture. So, for a flipped classroom model to be successful, you have to follow a format that individuals of all ages can digest.
Always Be Comfortable In Front Of The Camera
This is a must! You have to be comfortable and confident when you are in front of the camera. The lack of both these qualities will not only ruin the quality of your content but will pretty much render the whole process pointless. Nobody likes to watch a lecturer who can’t deliver their lecture without confidence and ease. Individuals acquire these skills over time. However, with a few tips, you too will be able to express yourself in front of the camera with ease and comfort.
You can go online and search for speaking tips when standing in front of the camera. You can also ask your friends to become your audience and judge your lecture. They will be able to highlight your shortcomings and tell you what areas require improvement. Remember that the more you practice your speaking skills, the more natural your posture and speech will come out. Other things to consider when sitting in front of the camera include not moving your arms and hands too much, wearing neutral clothing, and talking in a neutral accent.
Choose The Right Location For Your Video
It is not necessary to visit a professional video recording studio if you want to create high-quality videos. However, you need to use a location with fewer objects in the background and well lit. Choose a room that is noise-free as noise pollution can distort your audio quality. The room you choose should have a neutral background, such as white or grey, and decorated aptly, not overly.
Also, you should avoid making a video inside your bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen. As the video will be circulating online, you would not want to become a laughing stock on the internet while appearing in an educational video in your bathrobe!
Prepare All The Recording Equipment
You might have all the scripts, locations, and content ready, but it will not do you any good unless you have the equipment to record a video. You will need equipment, such as cameras, voice recorders, computers, lights, and much more.
If you do not have such equipment with you, either buy them or get them on rent. You can hire a professional videographer if that fits your budget. Otherwise, ask a friend to help you out with operating the equipment. And no, cellphone cameras are a no-go if you want to come off as professionally convincing and authoritative.
Put The Final Touches On Your Recorded Video
As excited as you might be to post your video online, you need to edit it and put some final touches on it before you do. If you have experience in operating video editing software, you can do everything yourself. However, for individuals who don’t, they should consider hiring a professional video editor.
If your budget does not allow you to hire one, you can always go online and search for video editing tips. YouTube is a great starting point for that.
Conclusion
Whether you are new to the whole online education phenomenon or already in it, there are various aspects you need to consider while making high-quality educational videos. You may have complete freedom over the material you wish to put out, but you have to convey it in a way that viewers find interesting and watch till the very end. So are you ready for some ‘lights, camera, and action?’
Photo by Julia M Cameron from Pexels
