Welcome, Faculty!

This module is designed to help you create a short, effective introduction video for your course. We're focusing on this because research at our university has shown that faculty who use video effectively build a strong instructor presence.

The key finding was that the most impactful videos weren't focused on direct instruction, but rather on support, guidance, and mentoring. The results were clear: students in these courses performed more consistently, reported better learning experiences, and felt a stronger connection with their instructor.

This module, sponsored by university leadership, will guide you step-by-step through creating your own video to achieve this powerful connection.

To make this process as smooth as possible, the university has streamlined the technical setup.

• Software: This module uses DaVinci Resolve. You do not need to install it. The IT department will remotely install the software and set all necessary permissions on your university-issued laptop.

• Video Bumper: The official university video bumper (the intro logo and music) is a required element and will be provided as a downloadable file in this module.

• Closed Captions: For this initial project phase, you will not need to create captions manually. Per guidance from the Student Disability Resource Center, we will rely on YouTube's auto-captioning feature once you upload your video.

Learning Goal: 

Given access to DaVinci Resolve and Canvas, faculty will produce a 5-8 minute course introduction video and successfully embed it within their Canvas course shell.

Instructional Objectives:

1. Using DaVinci Resolve and the provided media file, the learner will identify how to set up a new project by importing a recorded video file and a prerecorded video bumper, completing the task without errors.

2. Using DaVinci Resolve and a raw video sequence, the learner will modify the sequence by trimming clips, adding a title, and applying transitions on the timeline, meeting university specifications for style and length, completing the task without errors.

3. Using a completed DaVinci Resolve project and a Canvas course shell, the learner will demonstrate the ability to export the final video to YouTube and then embed the YouTube video into a Canvas page, ensuring the video plays correctly without errors.

To ensure a consistent and professional experience for all students, your final video must follow this specific structure. This module will provide step-by-step instructions for assembling these pieces in DaVinci Resolve.

1. Open: Start with the provided University Video Bumper (logo and music).

2. Transition: Apply a Crossfade.

3. Title Card: A 5-6 second title.

4. Transition: Apply a Crossfade.

5. Main Content: Your personal recording.

   • Length: 5-8 minutes.

   • Focus: Welcome students, show your personality, and offer support and guidance.

6. End: Fade to black.

Creating the video is the first half of the process. This module will also guide you through the required steps to publish and share it with your students.

• Step 1: Export & Upload: You will learn how to export your final project from DaVinci Resolve and upload it to your university-managed YouTube Channel.

• Step 2: Embed in Canvas: Since many departments lack dedicated instructional design support, we will provide clear, direct instructions on how to embed your new YouTube video directly into your Canvas course.