1) Active Watching![]()
Have you students DO SOMETHING while they are watching your video.
This could be note taking, guided questions, etc. It can be using a program like EdPuzzle where you build formative assessments, but it could also be just having them write on a piece of paper. I really recommend the idea of creating a HyperDoc to correspond with what they watch. No matter what you choose, the key is to be active during the video and not just at the end. 2) Zoom Burnout
Trust me, students are going to get burned out of watching teachers sitting at their desk and talking TO them via Zoom. Those types of videos are OK for direct instruction where students are watching LIVE (this is synchronous).
But, don’t discount asynchronously as well (watching at different times, locations). This can allow student to learn at the best time for them AND for you it opens up a world of other possibilities of what you can record. Set up a camera (it can even be your phone) and record you in more of a learning environment. It doesn't have to be complicated, just grab a tripod and think about where you can put yourself. Here's a few ideas:
3) Subtitles![]()
Have you noticed kids today watching Netflix and how many of them like having subtitles on every show they watch?
Can you guess why? It easier for them to process the dialogue. So, the idea of having subtitles helps virtually everyone retain more, be it ESL or native speaking students.
Plus, YouTube now “listens” to your posted videos and will add captions automatically. So, nudge your students to turn on those captions. And speaking of captions, a great way to support ELs and their families is to help with the translation of your videos. Here is an incredible presentation titled "Translate Almost Anything" from Amanda Sandoval and Carrie Smith. Be sure to check out the slide on YouTube translator Chrome extension.
4) The Perspective Principle![]()
Your videos don’t have to be just your head talking or a screencast of your screen. Demonstrating something is a powerful way to teach. When setting up your camera for this keep in mind to make it look like it is from YOUR eyes or a First Person view. This is often seen in YouTube tutorials and it serves as an effective way to "see how something can be done".
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Therefore, if you have anything that is a manipulative you can demonstrate it in front of you. Or it can even be a first person view of you sketching out on paper like you see here.
How to set up a camera like this can be done a million ways . Do a search for "overhead table top tripod" and you find ones to just buy on Amazon or how to get creative and make your DIY version of one of these 5) Watcha Looking At?
If you are going to be doing more of a traditional stand and lecture think about what YOU will be looking at. If you are just staring at the camera the entire time it becomes a little unnverviing and feeling like you are just staring. On the other end, if you are constantly looking at your board, or notes it comes across as if you are either unprepared or checked out. Move your eyes to what you are looking at. Switch it up from looking just at the camera to looking at what you want your students to look at.
6) Notice Your Background
Since many of us will be spending a fair amount of time with our students via Zoom or Google Meet, think a little about your background. The number goal for what is behind you should be this: IT SHOULD NOT DISTRACT!
Now many of us will find ourselves doing this several ways which, in my opinion, you should avoid
7) Camera Placement
8) Screencasting Tips
One of the more popular type of videos where teachers can deliver their instruction as of late has been the screencast. These videos consist of a teacher narrating while the viewer watches the teachers screen. The teacher has the option if they like to add a webcam video of themselves usually in one of the corners. These type of videos all a teacher to replicate online a traditional type of lecture where they would want the class to focus on two things... the visuals of what the teacher wants them to see (slidedeck, photos, math problem, etc) and sound of the teacher's voice.
There are quite a few programs out there you can try out.
From the top of the line and kind of pricey Camtasia To the easier and cheaper to use, browser based tools like Screencast-o-matic and my favorite Screencastify. If you haven't tried making one of these, give it a shot and you'll really just how easy it is to create and share your video with any of your classes. Although teachers are comfortable with standing in front of their classrooms and teaching to those real-in person faces in front of them, many may not have the same level of comfort when trying to teach to their screen. The folks at Screencastify put out these "24 Tips for Creating High Quality Screencasts" a few years back and the tips are just as relevant in all that we are dealing with today. EPILOGUE:
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