Screencastify: record your screen AND embed your webcam, do SIMPLE edits on your final product (clip and trim beginning and end, crop video area, add text)
WeVideo: similar to iMovie but FREE. Allows you to created layered videos with narration, music, screencasts, and live video, and embedded within one another. Provides a LOT of fine tuned control of your final product, templates, transitions, etc.
Animoto: great for adding a soundtrack or audio narration behind photos. Great templates, easy to use, drag and drop! Check out this sample video I made for our schools on Animoto!
iMovie: for Apple users, this is the gold standard. Works on your Mac OR on an iPhone, and provides a TON of easy to use templates, transitions, and the ability to fine tune your video. The iPhone app is MUCH simpler than the desktop program, so if you want something quick and easy, use the iPhone all, if you want more control, use your Macbook or Mac.
General reminders for creating instructional videos:
Know your audience and choose the tool/platform/format that works best for THEM!
Keep in mind you purpose/objective, clearly state it at the beginning of your video, and end your video with that same statement
Length: Most students (and adults) can't tolerate more than a 2-3 minute video. Consider "chunking" your instruction into smaller videos, and providing formative tasks or assessments after watching each video (think EdPuzzle!)
Try to never have your overall video exceed 10 minutes, since more than that is a LOT to ask a child to sit still for
Make a script in advance and story board out what you'll say and do within your video - helps ensure a clear and concise message
Be yourself! Try to be natural, use your sense of humor, pretend your students or family are right in front of you and ignore the camera.
Use titles or captions to help draw focus to your main points
Use screen annotation tools (see below) to be able to draw on your screen, highlight, circle, arrows, etc
Most likely, your video will take a couple takes, so be flexible and it's ok if you make mistakes!
Tools to consider purchasing (or just finding DIY alternatives to)
Lighting - consider a lighted selfie stand like this, or just use a makeup mirror, flashlight, or lamp!
Headphones - improve your audio quality and drown out background noise by using headphones with a built in mic
Lapel Mic - a cheap way to improve audio quality
External camera and mic (webcam) - nice, but not necessary (good if you don't have an extra device to use as a document camera)
Screencastify - overview of how to use the program and editor
WeVideo - overview of how to us the program
Animoto - quick overview
YouTube and Vimeo - possible locations to upload to (keep in mind the various ways videos can be posted public/unlisted/private and what this means)
WeVideo: All staff that create account with their bgcsedu.org or uccacostams.org accounts will be provided with free premium access to WeVideo
Screencastify - follow link here for information on how to get your free account