Description: Slides can be narrated with or without video, exported as a video file, uploaded to YouTube and linked in Moodle.
Best Practices:
- Limit video recordings to 6-8 minutes
- Segment lengthy topics sub-points to record separately
- Write a script or outline for prepared content
- Determine key points; deliver them concisely
- Extend longevity for lecture content intended for reuse by avoiding: references to current events, dates, page numbers, the weather, etc.
Examples of Use:
- Course lecture content
- Guest Speakers
- Weekly communication
- Summaries of forums, assignments, blog posts, wikis, etc.
- Video contributions to assignments or forums by students
Apps:
- PowerPoint (Windows and Mac)
- Note: On a Mac, make sure you are using PowerPoint 2019 so that when you export your file to video the narrations are included.
- Keynote (Mac)
- Quicktime (Mac)
- See Tips for Recording Audio for suggested microphones
Microphones
- Use an external USB microphone to record on a computer, when possible
- e.g., Blue Snowball Mic available for checkout from the BU library
- a microphone on a headset (even earbuds) is better than the internal mic on a computer
- Use an audio recording app to record on a smartphone
- The microphone on a smartphone is better than the internal mic on a computer
- a microphone on a headset (even earbuds) will improve the sound quality
- an external mic can be purchased for a smartphone, which will improve the sound quality
Locations:
- Faculty may reserve the Voice Over Booth (ANC265) using this calendar link
- Bethel Podcast Studio (HC300A)
Recording Tips
- Drink water before recording to avoid mouth noises
- Silence all devices
- Keep microphone a few inches away from mouth
- Make sure audio quality and levels are good by recording a quick test and listening back to it through headphones
Tips for Recording From Home:
- Find a quiet room to record in
- Record during a quiet time of the day or night
- Avoid other voices, traffic noises, barking dogs, kitchen noises, etc.
- Mute phones and other devices with alarms or audible signals
- Select a room that has a significant amount of "softness" which will reduce echos. This includes items like:
- carpeting
- drapes
- furniture upholstered with fabric
- bedding
- clothing
- pillows
How to do it yourself:
Step One
- Write an outline or script
- Record a short segment and play it back to check the sound quality
- Record yourself
- Save your file as an .mp3, .mp4, .m4a, or .wav
Step Two
Choose Your Deployment Method - place in Moodle (short, specific audio, less than 50MB) or share via Google Drive (longer audio files greater than the 50MB Moodle file limit)
- If uploading into your Moodle course, treat the file as any other document you are uploading to an Assignment or Forum, or Link (URL) for larger files
- If sharing from your Google Drive you can easily share the Link (URL) in a Forum or Assignment in which the instructor has enabled online text. See Upload a Google Drive File to a Moodle Forum or Online Assignment