For many teachers, one of the staple components of the elearning experience is the video lesson. Whether you are a seasoned video creator or recording your very first video lesson, following these tips from REALity Check season 1 episode 18 will help you create videos that will maximize student engagement.
Tip 1: Make a plan to change your plan.
- Creating an outline or script before you record can help you stay focused and feel more comfortable while recording your lesson. Try to avoid “using your originally scheduled notes packet” and recording long segments of video to match. The tricks we use in the classroom to help students engage aren’t an option in this setting so we need to rethink our overall approach.
Tip 2: Keep it short!
- Speaking to student engagement, research shows that engagement with video lessons drops off significantly after 6 minutes. Try to keep your videos between 6-9 minutes to avoid losing your students. This may mean creating several, smaller videos to discuss materials that you might have normally addressed in one class period.
Tip 3: Be clear about the goal for the video and discuss how the learning will be reinforced.
- Starting with the purpose for the lesson can help students frame the learning that is about to take place. Reference learning targets or standards and then reinforce what they will be doing with the information presented. Why is learning the information important? What are they going to do with that information?
Tip 4: Include visuals to support key ideas but don’t include “brain-dump” slides.
- Students don’t want to “read” your video just like they don’t want to read your PowerPoint slides. Use visuals that help students connect the learning, empathize with the problems discussed, and understand the importance of the learning. You can always include supplemental reading resources to help reinforce the information in the video.
Tip 5: Get your resources ready before recording.
- Before you begin recording, make sure you have decided on your video format, that your visuals are cued up, that you know how to use the technology, and that you are plugged in and ready. This will limit the amount of editing you might have to do later.
Tip 6: Minimize background distractions.
- Record in a quiet space with a plain background and decent lighting if possible.
Tip 7: Good audio makes for a good video.
- Your students ability to hear what you are saying is very important. Make a test video to check the quality of your audio and use a microphone if possible to ensure the audio is crisp and clear.
Tip 8: Be enthusiastic and include your face whenever possible.
- So much is communicated through our facial expressions and intonation. Be excited about what you are presenting and include your “picture in picture” face if possible. It will help your students feel connected and engage with the learning.
Tip 9: Stay focused, minimize rambling and move it along.
- Remember that we want to keep these videos short and to the point. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for rambling stories or uncomfortable pauses. Don’t hesitate to practice a few times before actually recording the lesson to ensure you are speaking at a quick pace and staying on-topic. Students can always rewatch segments if they didn’t catch all of it the first time.
Tip 10: Be yourself!
- Don’t feel like you need to act like someone you are not or do goofy things to keep students engaged (unless that is something you normally do.) Our students will appreciate seeing you and learning from you as you are.
