There are several different options for you to choose from when it comes to pre-recording videos for your courses. (See OIT’s article on lecture capture for live in-class recordings). If you are recording video with just yourself (and no other slides or media), you may opt to use your smart phone or an external camera. If you are somewhere that has spotty internet, you may choose to record using native video apps on your computer like Quicktime (macOS) or Camera (Windows) and save the file to your computer only. While these options are great, they do require the extra step of uploading your video file to Canvas/Panopto (or another platform) to make it viewable for learners in your course.
If you're using Canvas for your course, we recommend using Panopto to record asynchronous media. Panopto links directly to the Media Library in Canvas, making both video capture and distribution to your students easy.
Below are links to step-by-step guides to get started.
Note: You have the option to download and use the Panopto Personal Recorder app, or use the Panopto Capture feature in your browser. While their basic functions are the same, the app has a few features that make for an improved experience particularly if lecturing with slides.
Recording Remote Interviews or Panel Discussions
You may need to record other people alongside yourself who may not be geographically nearby. Common use cases for remote recording include: co-lecturing with guest instructors, interviewing other subject matter experts, or conducting recording panel discussions. In these cases, you could consider recording via Zoom. Here are instructions to help you record and upload Zoom meetings directly to your Canvas course:
Capturing your screen
When creating assets for your course, you may want to include a recording of your computer screen so that learners can follow along with what you’re doing, particularly if there is some complexity or particular software that you want your students to learn.
One way to do this is through opening a Zoom meeting, sharing your screen (even if you are the only participant) and recording the meeting. Another way is to record yourself and your screen in Panopto. Brown also offers access to Camtasia software, which allows for some additional features when capturing your screen such as cursor effects to make it easier to follow your clicks, and a built-in video editor to easily edit your video before uploading.
Self-Service Recording Spaces at Brown
We’ve shared techniques for self-capturing high quality video and audio in your home or office, but there may be occasions when recording in a quiet studio location is best. There are a few options for self-recording on campus on your own, and others available if working with a DLD partner (more info below):
- Grad Center Video Studio - Studio space with green screen capabilities on Thayer Street; accessible to faculty and students for self-recording; not staffed with on-site help.
- AV Studio at Rockefeller Library - Studio space in the main library with green screen and podcasting capabilities; accessible to faculty and students for self-recording. Consultations available during particular hours.
- Sci Li Audio Recording Booth - Small room for recording audio or podcasts located in the Center for Language Studies; accessible to faculty and post graduate students; requires media producer for initial use.
Partnering with DLD
We invite Brown instructors to submit proposals to partner with members of the DLD team to create sustainable media to support pedagogy and course outcomes, namely content that will be used in courses, often viewed through the Media Library on Canvas, or shown in an on-campus class. We invite proposal submissions at any time via the DLD resource request form.
DLD media producers can help you:
recommend media modalities that will support the learning objectives of your course
provide guidance on script writing, logistics, and production of educational videos
film you with professional cameras, microphones and gear (if you are in the Rhode Island area)
work with you to produce content in Brown’s professional recording studio at 225 Dyer St.
capture higher quality virtual remote interviews and panel discussions
share advice on equipment and techniques to capture content yourself
capture you and any remote guests with specialty software to ensure highest quality
ensure all media is accessible to all learners (adding captions and transcripts)
Great media production takes time. Engage with us early on in your course development process!