Enhancing your Recordings

Once the technology is in place, teachers can use these best practices to capture high-quality video the next time they hit record:

• Ensure even lighting. It is important to have uniform lighting in a room to avoid harsh backlighting that makes the subject appear dark. If possible, situate point the camera away from a bright window or other light source.

• Frame the shot. Make sure the camera is facing the subject of the video and that everything fits in the frame.

• Steady the camera. Place the camera on a flat surface, prop it against a book or wall, or use a tripod or flexible stand to avoid a shaky, hand-held shot.

• Clean the lens. Fingerprints or smudges on the device’s lens will can ruin an otherwise perfect shot. Make sure to clean off the lens before hitting record.

• Avoid background noise. Make sure the camera is away from any machine or object – such as a fan or air conditioning unit – that might add background noise.

• Keep in mind the microphone. Regardless if the camera is using an external mic or a built-in one, make sure it is not blocked by a finger or muffled by a case.

• Get close to the source. Place the camera as close as possible to the source of the audio to avoid any unwanted sounds, such as students whispering or papers shuffling. Since microphones are designed to pick up all noise, the closer the microphone is to the source, the bette

Make It Quick

Try not to record the whole lesson, but to keep videos between 15-20 minutes or so.

Videos should focus on one topic or concentration area. This helps your students more easily manage the format. If you need to record the entire lesson, you can then clip smaller portions by using programs like Edpuzzle or Wevideo for self-reflection, coaching, and feedback purposes.

Lighting

Avoid placing the subject in front of windows or other direct sources of light and make sure the room is well-lit. If the lighting is too direct or if there is not enough light, you will lose detail in the video. When possible, strong light should be behind the camera.