Assessment

Congratulations! You should now have an introductory video embedded within your Canvas course shell - you're one step closer to increasing student engagement in your course. 

To connect with other faculty about this project and learn from others, the final step of this module is a peer-review. You will be each be assigned one introductory video to peer review using the rubric below. As you watch your peer's video, follow along with the rubric and provide constructive comments. 

When you review a peer’s video, keep in mind that the goal is to support their growth as a learning designer and communicator. This rubric is designed to help you focus on key technical and instructional elements that contribute to a strong instructor presence.

1. Understand Each Criterion Clearly
Before you start, take a moment to review what each criterion means. For example, “Video Components” refers to whether the video includes the required bumper, title, and a clear talking head shot. “Transitions” focus on the smoothness and appropriateness of crossfade effects, which help maintain viewer engagement. “Embedding in Canvas” checks that the video is accessible and properly integrated into the course page.

2. Use the Descriptors to Guide Your Rating
Read each performance level carefully. Ask yourself: Does the video fully meet the expectations, or are there minor issues? Be honest but kind. If something is missing or unclear, note it specifically so your peer knows what to improve.

3. Provide Specific, Actionable Feedback
Beyond the numeric rating, add comments that explain your score. For example, if transitions are inconsistent, you might say, “The crossfade between the intro and main content felt abrupt; consider adjusting the timing for smoother flow.” This kind of feedback is more helpful than just “Needs improvement.”

4. Focus on Growth and Encouragement
Remember that everyone is learning. Highlight strengths as well as areas for improvement. For instance, “Your talking head video is well framed and engaging—great job! To enhance professionalism, adding a consistent bumper at the start would help.”

5. Reflect on Accessibility and Learner Experience
Embedding the video properly in Canvas isn’t just a technical step—it ensures all learners can access the content easily. If you notice issues like broken links or playback problems, mention these as they impact learner engagement and equity.

6. Keep the Big Picture in Mind
This video is part of building your professional presence as an instructor. Think about how these elements—visuals, transitions, accessibility—work together to create a welcoming and clear introduction for learners.

7. Use the Rubric as a Learning Tool
If you’re unsure about a criterion, revisit the rubric descriptions or ask for clarification. Using the rubric thoughtfully helps you develop your own skills in video production and instructional design.

*Components of this website were created in collaboration with Open AI's ChatGPT-4.