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video in teaching and learning

An introduction to using video in teaching and learning, with examples, guidance and practical tips.

Video can be a useful way of presenting information that may be difficult to communicate through text alone. It can be used to explain topics, demonstrate processes, and show examples in practice. Video can also help create a stronger sense of presence by allowing students to see and hear from staff across the course.

The guidance below will help you plan, record and edit videos for your own teaching practice.

To learn more about using video in teaching, watch the video on the right to hear academic colleagues discuss their experiences. They reflect on its impact on student engagement, learning and accessibility, and the lessons they learned in the process.

If you'd like some inspiration on ways to use video in learning and teaching, watch: Impactful Videos to Amplify Teaching. 

Video guidance

This guidance will help you prepare effectively and make the best use of your time when filming or recording.

The level of preparation required will depend on the type of recording. For example, a screen capture requires much less planning than recording an equipment demo. Planning and scripting will make filming easier, reduce retakes, minimise editing and make more efficient use of time.

Viewers are generally more tolerant of poor visuals than poor audio, so prioritise clear, high-quality sound.

Ensure you have the required equipment for the type of recording.

  • A good microphone is essential for all types of recording. Each section includes guidance on the most suitable microphone for that type of recording
  • If recording at your desk, ensure you have a working webcam. Not all monitors have a built-in camera
  • If filming in person, as well as a camera you will need a suitable microphone, tripod and possibly a light. Recommended equipment can be found in the Filming in situ section

A range of equipment can be borrowed from Library Media Loans. Equipment can be borrowed for up to one week and renewed for one further week, subject to availability. It is recommended to book in advance where possible.

Before recording, outline the main points you want to cover. Drafting your script in a Word document can make collaboration and feedback easier.

  • Consider whether your video needs to start with a short introduction to the topic and what will be covered
  • Break the content into smaller sections to keep the recording organised
  • Short sentences are often easier to speak aloud on camera
  • Share drafts of the script with colleagues for feedback. This can save time re-recording sections later if there are mistakes or unclear explanations
  • Read through your script aloud before recording to check that everything makes sense and can be spoken clearly
Before recording
  • Record in a quiet environment wherever possible
  • Use good, consistent lighting to keep the subject clearly visible throughout the recording
  • Position the camera carefully to ensure the subject and any important details remain clearly visible within the frame
  • Record and view a short test clip before recording in full. This will allow you to make any adjustments and confirm all equipment is working as expected
During recording
  • Speak slowly and clearly when recording, particularly for viewers whose first language is not English. Clear audio also improves caption accuracy
  • Leave short pauses between sections when recording longer videos. This can make editing easier later on
  • If you make a mistake, pause briefly and repeat the sentence. It is usually easier to edit if you restart from the beginning of the sentence rather than the middle, where edits may sound less natural
  • When filming interviews, ask speakers to include the question in their answer. This can make editing easier later on

Talking head videos feature a person talking directly to the camera. They can be used to introduce a topic, provide guidance, or explain learning materials. Talking head videos can also help students become more familiar with staff on the course and their areas of expertise.

If you are wanting to record more than one person, think about using MS Teams. If you want to film in person, see the in-situ section for further guidance. Remember to review the guidance under Getting started for planning, scripting and tips for effective recording.

Microphone

Clear audio is very important. You will need a headset with a good microphone. Jabra headsets work well as the microphone can be positioned close to the face to improve clarity and minimise external noise.

If you do not already have one, you can borrow a Jabra headset from Library Media Loans.

Webcam

To record a video of yourself on a laptop or PC, you will need to ensure you have a working webcam. Not all monitors have a camera built in as standard, so check that there is a webcam available where you are planning to record.

You can borrow a webcam from Library Media Loans.

Light (optional)

A ring light can help improve video quality by providing even lighting on your face and reducing shadows. This can be particularly useful if you are recording in a room with limited natural light or where overhead lighting creates unflattering shadows.

You can borrow a ring light from Library Media Loans.

Teleprompter (optional)

Consider whether you want to use a teleprompter. Apps are available for most mobile devices. Alternatively, notes or bullet points may work better, as you can quickly glance at them between clips or have another person hold them while you speak.

Panopto

You can use Panopto to record a talking head video from within your browser; there is no need to download the Panopto app. You can also perform simple video edits.

How to access

Within MyBeckett Ultra, you can access a module’s Panopto folder via the ‘Other content and tools’ link. You can also go directly to Panopto to view your personal folder or browse modules you are enrolled on.

Guide

How to Create a Video Using Panopto Capture

MS Teams

You can create a talking head video by recording an MS Teams meeting with only yourself present. To do this, go to your calendar in Teams, select ‘Meet now’ and start the meeting without adding participants. Your recording can then be uploaded to Panopto for basic editing (if required) and sharing.

How to access

Microsoft Teams is installed by default on Windows and Mac staff laptop and desktop devices.

Guide

Start, stop, and find meeting recordings in Microsoft Teams

Screen recordings capture what is happening on a computer screen and can be accompanied by a voice-over explanation. They can be used to demonstrate software, guide students through online resources, or explain content using slides and digital materials.

Screen recordings are often one of the easier types of video to produce, as they usually only require a computer, webcam, and headset with microphone. Remember to review the guidance under Getting started for planning, scripting and tips for effective recording.

Microphone

Clear audio is very important. You will need a headset with a good microphone. Jabra headsets work well as the microphone can be positioned close to the face to improve clarity and minimise external noise.

If you do not already have one, you can borrow a Jabra headset from Library Media Loans.

Panopto

You can use Panopto to record a screen capture (with or without audio) from within your browser; there is no need to download the Panopto app. You can also perform simple video edits.

How to access

Within MyBeckett Ultra, you can access a module’s Panopto folder via the ‘Other content and tools’ link. You can also go directly to Panopto to view your personal folder or browse modules you are enrolled on.

Guide

How to Create a Video Using Panopto Capture

Snipping Tool

If you use a Windows PC or laptop, you can use the Snipping Tool to quickly and easily record a screen capture with or without audio. When you finish recording, you will have the option to edit the video in Clipchamp (the Microsoft video editor). Alternatively, you can save the recording and upload it to Panopto for basic editing (if required) and sharing.

How to access

Snipping Tool is installed by default on Windows staff laptop and desktop devices.

Guides

Short video: Screen record with the Snipping Tool (1.5 mins)

Written instructions: Using Snipping Tool (scroll down to Work with your screenshots, then select Capture a video snip)

Filming in-situ is often more complex than other types of video recording, as it takes place away from your desk and may require cameras, tripods, microphones, lighting, and other equipment. This type of recording is suited to practical demonstrations, experiments, equipment demonstrations, and showcasing specialist facilities.

In-situ filming helps students see concepts applied in practice, often within the same environments and using the same equipment they may encounter during their studies. This type of recording usually requires additional planning due to the number of people, equipment, and preparation involved. 

Below you will find detailed guidance for effective in-person recording, including considerations around composition, lighting and audio. Remember to also review the guidance under Getting started for planning and scripting. 

For more complex filming projects, consider seeking the support of a professional videographer. There is an option to purchase, at cost to the school, a videographer from the Digital Experience and Engagement (Digital) team through the submit a brief or job request webpage.

You will need a range of equipment, such as:

  • Recording camera
  • Wireless microphone
  • Tripod
  • Lighting

If you don't have all the equipment you need, the following are available to borrow from Library Media Loans:

If you need to film something happening on a screen, make a separate screen recording and combine this with the video footage when editing.

  • Use one consistent light source where possible. Mixing daylight and artificial light can make the image appear too warm or too cool
  • If you have an additional light source, position yourself or your subject facing the light or at roughly a 45° angle to it. This helps illuminate the face and reduce shadows
  • For equipment demonstrations, close windows and rely on indoor lighting to maintain consistent exposure throughout filming. Natural light changes over time and can cause fluctuations in exposure
  • Ensure your subject fills a significant portion of the frame to maintain sharp focus and allow viewers to clearly see important details
  • Choose a background that is clean and not distracting. Remove unnecessary items from the shot, such as coats, bags, cables, or water bottles
  • Ensure that the horizon is level in your shots, as tilted horizons can be distracting
  • Position the camera at eye level whenever possible for a natural and engaging perspective
  • Decide whether the speaker will look directly into the camera or slightly off-camera, and remain consistent throughout
  • For equipment demonstrations, ensure hands, arms, or equipment do not block important details
  • Leave enough space to accommodate movement and allow equipment to be clearly shown without moving out of shot
  • Think about clothing choices in advance and how the microphone will be attached
  • Position clip-on microphones on the chest area for the best vocal quality. Avoid placing it too centrally as expressive hand gestures may bump the microphone and create noise
  • Do not place the microphone too close to the chin, as this can make vocals sound muffled or the chin may brush against the microphone creating noise
  • Ensure long hair is clear of the microphone before recording, as this can create static or noise
  • When possible, monitor audio using a pair of headphones so you can hear what is being recorded and check for any unwanted sounds
  • Before filming the main video, record a short audio test and play it back on the camera or recorder, particularly when using Rode Wireless GO microphones
  • If speaking directly towards the microphone, use the wind shield ("deadcat" or furry windscreen) to reduce popping sounds from air hitting the microphone

There are many video editing tools available. Here are three tools you may want to consider, they range from simple to advanced in terms of functionality and complexity.

Consider accessibility when creating video content. Remember to add captions to your video to help people who are deaf or hard of hearing, people with ADHD, and international students to engage more fully with the content. Captions can also benefit viewers watching in noisy environments or without sound.

Panopto offers an automatic captioning service, however, it is important to review captions and correct any errors before publishing, particularly where technical language, terminology, or subject-specific vocabulary is used.

Panopto offers some limited basic editing functions for recordings, whether these were created in Panopto or uploaded from elsewhere. You can use it for tasks such as cutting sections and combining multiple videos into a single recording. There is also an option to normalise audio, which helps make the audio levels more consistent throughout the recording.

How to access

Within MyBeckett Ultra, you can access a module’s Panopto folder via the ‘Other content and tools’ link. You can also go directly to Panopto to view your personal folder or browse modules you are enrolled on.

Guide

How to edit a video in Panopto

Clipchamp is part of the Microsoft 365 package. It is a useful tool for making basic edits, cropping and moving sections, or combining video and audio clips. It offers a range of editing features but is less complex and has a less overwhelming interface than Adobe Premiere. Completed videos can be exported and uploaded to Panopto for sharing.

How to access

Type Clipchamp into the search box on your taskbar, or right-click a saved recording and select to open it in Clipchamp. If you have recorded a screen capture using the Snipping Tool, you will have the option to go straight to Edit in Clipchamp when you stop recording.

Guide

Clipchamp help and learning

Adobe Premiere Pro is professional video editing software. Anyone can use this software, though it does take some time to learn, so be prepared to spend some time familiarising yourself with the tool. If you are new to video editing or only need to make simple edits, one of the other options may be more appropriate for you. Completed videos can be exported and uploaded to Panopto for sharing.

How to access

You can install Premiere Pro via Adobe Creative Cloud. If Creative Cloud is not already installed, download it from the Software Centre (Windows) or Self Service (Mac). See: What is Adobe Creative Cloud and how do I access it?

Guides

Basic introduction video (under 20 mins): Learn how to edit (part 1)

Learn how to edit (Part 2)

Detailed introduction video (3 hrs): Premiere Pro for beginners

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