Recording Videos for An Online Course: Complete Guide
Follow this step-by-step guide to learn the process of making and recording video lessons (and including bonus material) to create an online course using CreativeMindClass the free software that is used by the top creators.
How do you plan and record video lessons for an online course in 10 easy steps
Create videos, downloadable files, and work outs.
Now it is time to have your course outline ready. It's now time to plan how you'll explain each part of your course. Interactive, engaging and enjoyable content provides a great learning experience for online students. The best way to deliver results in learning is by mixing various forms of multimedia, including videos, screen recordings, presentations and audio. Handouts are also a great way to reinforce the learning as well as exercises.
In this guide, you'll be taught the best method for making video lessons and planning them, preparing bonus materials like downloadable files, as well as making students active learners through exercises. Remember, content preparation is at the core of your course, so you might find yourself working on the steps for some time.
This guide will help you follow these steps.
- Video for each lesson
- Choose the lesson video type
- Record videos for your online course
- Create a learning experience that primarily focuses on videos
- Add a downloadable file
- Download the files for your lessons
- Include an exercise to an existing lesson
- Ask students to present their work and receive your feedback
- Build an online community in support of your class
1. Include a video in each lesson
Videos are the best way to present your content. The ideal online course will have 4 to 25 hours of video content. It's difficult to record your self for that length of time.
Be aware that video can take on various forms like presentation or screen recordings that include audio. It isn't necessary to sit present in front of the camera constantly. If you're having a tough to decide on the right video type for your course You can learn more about different video types in the following section.
How do I get it within CreativeMindClass
- Make a class new for your lessons on video.
- Click the LESSONS tab to open it.
- Choose Videolesson type.
- Upload a video to your PC.
- Add a video to every lesson.
PRO TIP: Depending on the software you use to create your videos You will get multiple types of files like MP4, MOV, or WMV. Don't worry about that. Videos will automatically transformed into formats that your students will be able to watch using their mobiles or desktops.
2. Pick the lesson video type
Examine your course outline. What method fits best to convey the objectives from each class?
The videos you bring into your lessons is what helps to create an engaging online class and provide students with an enjoyable learning experience. They can be produced using the gear and shooting space right at home with the skills you already have available.
When you're done recording and editing your videos, you have multiple short, 16:9, high-quality video files to upload. Remember the superior quality of your video. It must have a resolution of 1080p.
There are a variety of videos you can create for your lessons:
1. Videos showing your face
What is it:Showing your face in videos is an excellent method of presenting yourself as an actual person placed in a non-virtual setting. This allows students to get acquainted with you and builds trust and a personal connection. Students can immediately recognize your face, your smile, and your presentation way of speaking.
What to do: Record yourself sitting or standing. The footage can be shoot from one or more angles. It's pYou might need a tripod for that.
The best option is:Try the videos showing your face, for example in the introduction or in the closing.
What lessons could you use this video type? What objectives for the lesson could be achieved best when you create a video of your own self? Select the lesson and take notes on the description of the lesson.
PRO Tip:For better sound quality in your videos, use an external audio source. Start with the microphone you already have on your headphone.
2. Documentary video
What exactly is it?A documentary film that shows your reality and surroundings. You can show your workspace. Also, it's a way to show the behind-the-scenes of your work. It gives you cool video footage to mix into different classes between lessons. They are more entertaining and gives a your students a little interruption in their learning.
How to do it:The documentary shots are things you will collect in several recording sessions. It can be quite enjoyable to film as they open creative opportunities, and you may appear as filmmaker.
Best for: It's an ideal way to make engaging footage for instance, to talk about your life, your experiences, working, or your live workshops.
PRO Tip: The majority of documentary footage that you could record by yourself. But for some shots, you might need some help. You can ask someone you trust to help or employ someone for a few hours.
3. Videos of Talking Heads
It'sThe video tutorials with talking heads that you may have seen on YouTube tutorials as it's commonly used way of presenting. Talking head videos are an intimate image of you explaining something to the camera.
Methods to use it: Combine the talking head video with images shown behind, like videos, slides for presentations, or even a static image. Add the visuals in the post-production.
Ideal in:It's perfect for presenting software. You can also show some inspirations and make comments on your favorite parts or show some commonly made errors.
Which lesson objectives could you deliver best when you create a talking head video? Select the lesson and take notes in the lesson description.
PRO TIP: Lighting is crucial in talking head videos. Make sure to avoid shadows, excessive exposure, and just plain bad lighting. It is possible to use a ring light or LED lighting on tripods.
4. Videos with no face showing
If putting your face in front of the camera is uncomfortable or feels like too much exposure, then create videos that do not use it. It is a challenge to make an emotional connection with the viewers by using facial expressions without a face. Find ways to let your character shine through your script, your voice, as well as your videos.
If you're using an avatar or animated characters, think about how to make the characters appeal to your audience and aid in creating a personal connection.
5. Presentation with a voiceover
What it is:No need to record yourself on cameras. You can create a slideshow video. Take a slide presentation and add a voiceover and voila! It's that easy!
What you can do:Talk over your Google Slides or PowerPoint. In order to make your presentation more interactive and like a video, make use of Prezi that allows zooming in as well as other exciting features. After you've got the slides prepared, just need to explain the information on the slides. Be sure to keep in mind that sound quality is very important for the voiceover.
Ideal for:A PowerPoint that includes a voiceover can be an easy way to digesting the information of those who study by reading. The presentation should include the most crucial facts using bullets or illustrations, photographs or graphs. You can also create your own doodles. Especially when something needs to be viewed multiple times or recalled.
What lesson goals can be delivered most effectively by creating a talking head video? Choose the lessons and make notes on the description of the lesson.
6. Screen recordings
What is it:Screen recording shows what you're doing with your computer's display.
What to do:For screen recordings, it is possible to use Quicktime (on Mac) or hit Windows Key + Alt + R. Once you've finished your recording, speed up the boring parts and add your audio narration or a music track. You can also add the talk-head type of video, to increase the fun.
Ideal For:Such images are fantastic for, say, the part of your course that you will be discussing the programs you are using.
Which lesson objectives could be delivered most effectively when you create screen recording videos? Select the lesson and take notes on the description of the lesson.
7. Whiteboard videos
What it is:You can convey your educational goals using whiteboards. They're fairly easy to create. It's as easy as using a marker in black and a white background.
What to do:There are several ways to accomplish this. It can be a video showing you sitting facing an whiteboard, or an animated clip of whiteboard photos (so you don't need to display the world your visage). You can use a digital drawing pad (like the iPad) and whiteboard-based animation programs, such as Doodly.
Ideal for:These videos work great for dynamic parts of your content, marking some thing, marking it, etc.
What objectives for your lesson could be delivered most effectively using whiteboards when creating videos? Choose the lessons and make notes on the description of the lesson.
8. AI-related videos and voiceovers
What exactly is it?AI videos are a different method of making videos, without showing your face. These are professionally produced videos that include avatars, voices and avatars.
Utilizing AI voiceovers and videos can be a quick way of creating your online class. It can also be your distinguished teaching style but keep in mind that it's difficult to establish a connection with your students on AI-generated footage.
What is it: AI videos and voiceovers are generated by converting plain text into audio using software like Synthesia.
Ideal for:It's an alternative for your selfies if you don't want to film yourself.
PRO TIP: If you don't prefer the idea of an AI avatar in your online course, you may make a voiceover just for your screen recordings or slide slides. You can take a stroll around when you design your course that's in English but aren't confident regarding your pronunciation.
Are you of the opinion that using AI voiceovers or videos would benefit your instructional delivery? What particular lesson goals could you accomplish this? Pick the lesson you want to teach and then make notes on the description of the lesson.
When you select the video types to deliver the learning objectives for every lesson, it's time to "Lights, camera, action!". You can read about recording videos here:
3. Record videos for your online course
1. Set up your recording area
Making sure you have a recording studio is crucial to make sure your learners have a good learning experience when they take your online class. They need to be able see and hear your voice.
Based on the type of video you've selected to present your learning outcomes There are a variety of setups:
- If you teach directly or showing you at the workplace, you'll be recording yourself.
- If you're a talker, you'll make use of editing software once you've finished recording in order to make screencasts as well as video of you talking.
- For presentation videos and screen recordings it is necessary to record your computer's screen, and then record a the voice-over to audio.
- In the case of whiteboards, you'll take a recording of yourself standing on the whiteboard or record your computer's screen and record an audio narration.
Recording a course doesn't necessarily require an expensive studio. You can record it in your living room.
PRO Tip:For the video recording, keep in mind the same basic rules that the camera should be steady on the tripod, there's sufficient light available, you frame the shoot properly, and the captured footage appears flawless. When recording audio, be sure that there's no echo or background noise. You can reduce them with blankets or soundproof acoustic panels.
2. Select the tools you need for creating videos.
Start by listing the gear or software you want to use to create every video. Depending on the type of video, these could be physical gear such as a camera, lighting or tripod, microphone or even software to record screen as well as editing post-production. Having the latest and greatest technology is enjoyable, however, it's not a necessity.
Camera: start by using your camera in your PC or mobile phone's camera.
Microphone:built-in mics and cameras on your computer or mobile phone give poor sound quality. Make sure you have a hands-free mic or table-top microphone.
Lights:use natural light or those lamps you already have in your home. If you're not satisfied with the result, try using a ring-light or purchase a three-point lighting kit.
Screen recordingQuicktime Player works for the Mac or as a download an app that is free for Windows Obsproject.
Editing: For video editing you can try Adobe Premiere Rush or Premiere Pro.
3. Start recording video lessons
You've been anticipating this momentous occasion for quite several years. The moment has come to push the button of your camera.
Begin by recording a trial video to check how good your recording and video.
There is no need to record your video lessons chronologically. You can begin by selecting from the lessons list the one instruction that resonates with you or is the most straightforward to record. The lesson could be introduction to yourself, or start to dive into your most-loved subjects from the instructional lesson straight away.
You can leave the recording of the lesson's introduction and concluding at the final recording sessions, in case there is something unexpected that you want to include in your lesson plan.
PRO Tip: You can capture behind-the-scenes of a recording day. It's an excellent way to promote your online course.
The videos you choose to teach your students create an engaging online course as well as provide students with a fantastic learning experience. For these video tutorials using the equipment and shoot space in your home using the knowledge that you have already.
After you've finished working on your video, you'll have several short, 16:9 quality video files that you can upload. Make sure you are aware of the top quality of the video. It should have a resolution of 1080p.
4. Create a learning experience which is primarily focused on video
A video-based course offers completely different unlike reading, for instance or text displayed on the slide. It needs certain features including navigation, layout and navigation that are specific to the video platform. CreativeMindClass is an internet-based learning platform dedicated especially to videos-based classes and focuses on providing an enjoyable learning experience using video.
Usually, when a video is uploaded to a platform, it's a good practice to add a custom thumbnail. It's great looking in the preview. However, it adds some additional task. The idea was to create something that is cool and doesn't require having to do the additional work. We pick the highlights when you upload your video and display a 3-8 second looped video. You may have seen it from Spotify videos that are shown when the song is playing.
How do I get it within CreativeMindClass
- When you are in LESSON In LESSON, choose in the LESSON, select a VIDEOlesson kind.
- Download a video from your computer.
- Click here to View and enjoy the automatically created lesson video.
5. Create a download file
The ability to download files is a fantastic addition to your lesson. They're not only a great method of delivering your essential results in learning. Additionally, they're an excellent way for engaging your students actively learning. What's nice is they could be viewed by students as adorable tiny gifts that will enhance the value of your class.
When you add an extra file to your lessons the students are able to download it, print it out and fill it in or even edit it.
This downloadable file doesn't have to be printed. The file can be completed digitally, like using an iPad or students could work within a file on their desktops. After they've completed the work you can ask them to return the document and receive your feedback.
The ability to download your files makes your content exciting and enjoyable, and leave your mark on their pulpits as well as desks. You can read more about downloadable files by clicking here:
6. Choose the downloadable files for your classes
1. Printouts
What is it: They are images or PDFs. Are you looking for your pupils to be able to recall the information or adhere to certain procedures? The best way to convey this is with a downloadable PDF file. You can add a printout to every lesson, with all the information that you think of as whiteboards, slideshowsand notes, infographics and more. Create additional material or use the materials of your lesson.
Methods to use it: You can create printouts using text editors or Canva. Students can make notes or... you could give notes to them. Choose four or five important areas that you'll teach in a particular class.
Best for: The perfect way of delivering lessons, such as important points as well as a kick starter set. They work great for planners and checklists, as well as briefs or mood boards.
PRO TIP If you use presentation slides in your lessons A great trick is to distribute them to your students so that they are able to take notes on them.
Do you think providing printouts are beneficial for the content you deliver? What particular lesson goals could you deliver this way? Pick the lessons you want to teach and then make notes on the description of the lesson.
2. Forms, worksheets and other documents that you need to be filled in
What is it: They are PDFs, Pages/Word documents. Worksheets are the documents your pupils can fill in. They could be simple text documents or beautiful sheets made in your brand style.
How to do it:Create it in Pages/Word or utilize colorful templates that you can download from Canva. It is possible to receive your completed worksheet from students. For that to happen it is necessary to pair the worksheet with an activity which allows students to upload their files in a class, and then receive their feedback. The details will be covered below.
Ideal for: If you include on your online courses an exercise for brainstorming, you might want your students to write their thoughts down. It is possible to include to the exercise a mind map, tableor even a storyboard for filling in. They also work well for jotting down responses to questions and other projects, assignments, or homework assignments.
Do you think giving an exercise would add value to your content delivery? What specific objectives for your lesson would you be able to accomplish in this manner? Pick the lessons you want to teach and then make notes on the description of the lesson.
3. Native editable files
What is it: These are files native to the computer that applications (like Photoshop) create, which students can modify. You might know them as .PSDs, .RAW, .TIFFs, .AIs, .docs, and so on.
Methods to use it:Create a document and export it in a native format and upload it to a lesson. You can combine it with the exercise. So, the student is able to send the work back to you for feedback. We'll discuss it in detail in the next section.
The best choice option for They are best for your software component of your online course. Students will be able to use native documents on their desktops.
Do you believe that providing the ability to edit natively your files would help your delivery? Which specific lesson objectives could you deliver this way? Pick the lesson you want to teach and then make notes within the lesson's description.
PRO TIPMake sure your students have access to the software you're using, otherwise they will not be able to edit the file.
4. An additional video
What is it: You can upload the video that goes with your class, and students will be able to download the video. This is a great way to present detailed details. It is also possible to provide additional learning resources for students who are willing to complete additional work.
How to do it:You can record an extra video in the course or after recording the main material for your online class.
Best to use forYou may use it to create instructional videos that have to be watched several times.
Do you think the addition of a video could benefit your delivery? What specific objectives for your lesson would you be able to accomplish in this manner? Choose the lessons and make notes in the lesson description.
5. Include software links in downloadable documents
What does it mean: You can add hyperlinks inside your download file to ensure that only your students are able to access it.
Methods to use it: Paste any link in a text document and add it to the lesson.
Best for:It's great way to provide your students with extra learning resources. Also, you can ask students to be able to visit a site where they can create such things as an inclination board or mental map (like Milanote). It's possible to generate a link to an online program that does not create an editable file.
PRO Tips:If the software you employ produces editable native files (like Photoshop), it's recommended to make it available in a format that can be downloaded.
Are you of the opinion that introducing a link would be beneficial to your content delivery? Which specific lesson objectives could you deliver this way? Select the lesson and take notes in the lesson description.
The materials that you can download and add to your lessons help to provide your students with the best learning results. The downloadable files can be made using software like Pages/Word, Google Slides, Prezi, Photoshop and Canva. A few of these programs are free and may come with the computer, but others require to purchase.
You may reuse some of the educational materials that you learned from your video (presentation slides, plans) in downloadable formats. Save them in PDF format.
You can also use downloadables like worksheets or native documents in addition to exercise. Students can bring their work to the course and then receive your feedback.
When you've created the files for download then you'll have quality images or editable native file files ready to upload.
How do I get it within CreativeMindClass
- Click to LESSON - Content tab
- Make sure to click DOWNLOADABLE FILE to upload the file.
7. Include an exercise in the lesson
The exercises are an excellent method for students to apply their knowledge. They engage them in learning by doing. This type of active learning usually consists of an actionable task and instructor feedback.
Consider a learning opportunity that you can create to assist students achieve their goals. Look at your Lessons list. Which lessons could have exciting and enjoyable activities to help students learn? What lessons might have homework tasks? Which brainstorming exercises can be used? What is the final task in your course?
How to do it within CreativeMindClass
- Go to LESSON - Content tab
- Click on EXERCISE to create an exercise for your class.
8. Have students share their projects and get your opinions
Some online courses ask for a class project. Your students will be able to apply their knowledge gained through your classes to complete the assignment. You can ask them to upload their projects for the feedback they need.
PRO TIP: The students' results from your online class can be uploaded in the form of exercises. They'll be added to the Activity Feed together with your feedback. It creates wonderful testimonials as well as social proof for your website.
How do I get it in CreativeMindClass
- Go to the tab titled Content
- Click the word "EXERCISE" to make an exercise.
- Enter TITLE.
- Type Description.
- If your student has uploaded the task, click on Students' worksto upload the work toyou and provide feedback.
9. Create an online community to support your course
Giving feedback to students is the initial step towards building the community of your online course. It is possible to take the students' learning experience to the next level increasing your company's reach and your visibility at the same time.
A community-based online platform drives the traffic to your website, assists in keeping customersand boosts your profits. Activity Feed provides a platform where you communicate to your followers via blog posts.
Include some inspirational posts in your online learning experience. You'll get yourself a great base for building a highly active community for your company and your brand.
How can you engage your students? What are you posting on social networks? What techniques and tips could you share? A good idea to keep students interested and motivated to finish your course is posting daily that provide inspiration for the final assignment.
How do I get it in CreativeMindClass
- Select My Postsin the main menu, to launch it.
- Click ADD POST button to start an entirely new blog post.
And you're done!
Once your lesson plan is complete, you've created a powerful content for your online class. Hopefuly, you've added some additional content to increase your course value. If you're starting an online course now, download the no-cost template provided below to design and record a new video lesson, or go through our complete guide to creating an online course.
Create your online course videos. Today.
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