Developing Video-based Materials

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Diamond Bullet Creating Video Productions
Diamond Bullet Presentations for Video-based Instruction
Diamond Bullet Video Presentation Style
Diamond Bullet Handling Stage fright

Creating Video Productions
Once you determine that video would be useful in your Distance Education course, arrange a meeting with a member of the Faculty Support team. If you would like to include videoconferencing in your course, contact a director from the ICS Distance Education Unit. If you want to create a video (show a demonstration, interview or case study) then contact an educational video producer from the ICS Educational Video Unit. These team members will help you use your time and resources efficiently by working with you to plan, videotape and edit a video production. If you want to include videoconferencing in your course they can help you modify your PowerPoint presentations to make them look good on video, and familiarize you with the Distance Education Center. You should plan a meeting with a member of the support team at least 6 months prior to the date of your course. The earlier you meet with the Faculty Support team members, the better these video specialists can help you meet your needs.

Presentations for Video-based Instruction
If you plan to use presentation software (i.e. PowerPoint) to present information to your course you'll need to make sure your presentations are "video-ready." The following guidelines will help you make sure the presentation will be clearly seen by the audience.

When creating PowerPoint presentations for video or videoconferencing:

Check Mark Bullet Review online guidelines for creating presentations

Check Mark Bullet Ask the coordinator of your Distance Education facility what the capabilities are of the system. Example: IFAS Distance Education

Check Mark Bullet Use a PowerPoint template that incorporates a Safe-Title area for video

Check Mark Bullet Use a sans-serif font (i.e. Arial, Helvetica, Verdana) of at least 30 pt. size

Check Mark Bullet Avoid red text

Check Mark Bullet Avoid elaborate graphs or diagrams

Check Mark Bullet Bring your file on either a 3 1/2" floppy, ZIP 100 disk, or CD-ROM

Hand Bullet Learn more about graphics and scanning.

Video Presentation Style
You may need to alter your presentation style for educational video programming. The list below will give you an idea of some items to consider before you plan your program. Refer to Encouraging Interaction

  • Walking around. If at all possible, it's best to limit walking around, because it may be distracting for viewers. Instead, try sitting at a desk or standing. If you can't break the "walking habit," box off a small area on the floor with masking tape and do not allow yourself to go outside the box.
  • Hand movements. Avoid quick, wide-sweeping hand movements in a compressed video environment. Compressed video is sent across telephone lines at a lower frame-rate than broadcast television; as a result, the images tend to look "jerky" if you move your arms too quickly.
  • Addressing the camera. Look directly at the camera as much as possible, even to the point of addressing the camera when you talk to someone in the same room with you. This practice helps the participants at other locations feel as if you are talking directly to them. Instructors and site facilitators should guide participants at remote sites to address the camera.
  • Microphone placement. Clip-on microphones should be placed about six inches below the chin with the microphone cable hidden under a person's shirt or blouse, if possible.
  • Pause. Pause more often than in a traditional face-to-face setting. This will give the remote participants time to activate their microphones and ask questions.
  • Invite interaction. In a videoconferencing environment, remote participants are often uncomfortable about speaking up. Address questions directly to people at each site early in the program to get them involved. For tips on inviting interaction, see Encouraging Interaction.
  • Clothes. Avoid pure white clothing. Many cameras will overcompensate for the white area of clothing and darken the rest of the picture. Pure black and navy blue are too contrasting when worn with light-colored shirts. In general, it's best to stay away from extremely light or dark colors. Concentrate on mid-tones or pastels. Also, avoid clothes with tight stripes or small plaids. They turn rainbow colors or cause a zebra stripe-like effect on television.
  • Jewelry. Avoid big, shiny jewelry. Jewelry that sparkles creates flashes of light in the camera. Also, be aware that necklaces may rub against microphones clipped to your clothing.

Handling Stage fright
Now you've finished all the right things to prepare yourself for video instruction. The planning is all done, you have your materials, and you're wearing appropriate clothing. You arrive at the studio or classroom on time, and then "IT" hits. YOU are the one who is going to be in front of the camera. You've got butterflies in your stomach, and your palms are sweating. How do you handle stage fright? Following are a few tips:
  • Be prepared. Read over your material or have your lecture planned beforehand.
  • Before the program starts, take a deep breath, get a drink of water, laugh, or yawn. (Why yawn? Because you can't yawn and be tense at the same time. Even a nervous laugh to yourself will help relieve tension.) You have to find your own way of dealing with nervousness.
  • Prior to the program, review taped presentations to identify strengths and weaknesses.
  • Prepare your voice. Many people are self-conscious about the way they sound. One way to lessen this fear is by relaxing your throat with a glass of lemon and hot water before leaving your house. Also, certain foods and beverages coat your throat, causing difficulty in swallowing and speaking; stay away from cola drinks, chocolates and dairy products.

Hand Bullet Next, review the software tips related to graphical presentations for web and video or move on to learn about marketing your distance education course.

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