Instructional Support

Audio & video options for faculty

image of a woman recording video of desert with iPhoneIf you are feeling creative and would like to create your own media, consider using one of the following below.

  • If movement is not critical, then still images, text, and/or audio may be as effective as video and easier and less expensive to create.

If you would like to incorporate media as an assignment in your D2L class, check out these various video options, which are available for student-created video materials and are supported at PCC.

Media Options

The list below highlights video options available and supported at PCC for video materials:

Video Notes

  • More information about Video Notes.
  • This tool is integrated into D2L, and you can use it to record video or audio. It also allows uploading a video file that you may record on your phone’s camera or anything else.
  • The video is limited to 30 min and can have captions (explore auto-captions). Video notes use temporary storage, and it removes video after six months.
  • This tool provides the most straightforward workflow for recording and publishing webcam videos in the class.
  • Video Notes can be published anywhere in D2L where the HTML editor is available, such as Discussions, Assignments, and Written Question questions in quizzes.
  • The video recording can be embedded in the D2L HTML page.
  • The tool doesn’t provide screen capture. Users can upload screen-captured videos recorded by 3rd party software like QuickTime on Mac or Screencast O’Matic on PC.
  • Using Video Note in D2L Brightspace
  • Video tutorial: Submitting a video file as an Assignment in D2L

MyMedia

  • Video playback is optimized based on your device and internet connection speed.
  • This tool provides video capturing and video streaming solutions. It is also integrated into D2L and provides recording software that can only record video (Express Capture) or video and screen capture (Kaltura Capture).
  • To use screen capturing software Kaltura Capture, the user must install it on their computer-provided application. The installation process is simple; downloading and installing the application takes about 1 min.
  • After the recording is complete, the application provides an upload to MyMedia storage with a simple button click.
  • MyMedia videos are auto-captions. Captions can be edited or added.
  • There is no file size or length limit. You can also upload your own recorded video files.
  • MyMedia provides an interactive video player that is optimized for the video viewer.
  • MyMedia can record 2 video streams simultaneously so that the user can record screen and webcam video simultaneously.
  • Some annotation options, like colored pencils for drawing, are available when creating recordings.
  • MyMedia videos can be published anywhere in D2L where the HTML editor is available, such as Discussions, Assignments, and Written Question questions in quizzes.
    Video can be embedded in an HTML page.
  • The playback speed can be changed. The video player is optimized and can play videos of different qualities.
  • MyMedia provides a basic editor for trimming videos, but it is not user-friendly or intuitive. MyMedia videos stay in the users’ library without a time limit.
  • Kaltura My Media student guide
  • more information about My Media

Zoom

  • This tool provides video capturing, screen capturing, and video streaming solutions.
  • Cloud recordings are only retained for 120 days. You need to download them or move them elsewhere for longer-term usage.
  • The links to Cloud recordings of videos can be published anywhere in D2L where the HTML editor is available, such as Discussions, Assignments ts, and Written questions in quizzes. Zoom automatically provides captions.
  • Some annotation options, like highlighting, pointing, or drawing, are available when creating recordings, as well as various shapes and arrows.
  • Students can also download recordings and upload them to the MyMedia server and use them for publishing in D2L. Video can not be embedded in an HTML page.
  • The playback speed can be changed.
  • Zoom provides a simple way to trim recorded videos.
  • More information about Zoom.

VoiceThread

  • This tool is integrated into D2L and shines as an audio/video discussion or student presentation tool. It can also be used as an audio/video.
  • Assignment tool with grade sections connected to the D2L Grades area.
  • The tool allows students to make audio or video comments to instructors or other students’ audio/video posts.
    The tool does not provide screen capturing, but a video file can be uploaded.
  • It has basic multicolor annotation options for commenting. Has a variable playback speed.
  • Auto captioning is provided by request, and editing captures are available.
  • There are no options for different video quality.
  • VoiceThread Guide for Students.
  • More information about VoiceThread.

Annoto

  • Annoto uses videos you’ve uploaded through My Media Kaltura, YouTube, Wistia, or Vimeo.
  • It provides interactivity for your video, like a discussion, a quiz, or a chat within the Annoto interface.
  • Annoto information for Instructor

YouTube

  • This is a video streaming solution that instructors could use. You can post links to your videos in D2L where the HTML editor is available, such as Discussions, Assignments, and Written Question question type in quizzes.
  • Instructors need to use their own Google/YouTube account to upload videos.
  • YouTube doesn’t provide Screen Capture tools.
  • Captions are generated automatically and can be edited later.
  • Video can be embedded in an HTML page.
  • The playback speed can be changed.
  • The video player is optimized and can play videos of different qualities.

Google Drive

  • The best reason for using Google Drive is to support the sharing of video files. It is not a good video playback solution.
  • The video player in Google Drive is not optimized for streaming or mobile devices.
  • It can be used as a video storing and streaming solution along with D2L, where you can post links to your videos. You can upload to your PCC Google Drive, share the link with students, and add a caption (if needed).
  • The playback speed can be changed.
  • The automatic video captions are not provided, but the caption files can be added to the video.
  • There are no annotation tools. It is not a video-capturing tool and can only be used to store videos and play them back with a link.
  • The videos cannot be embedded in an HTML page.
  • More information about Google Apps.

Podcasting

We support media enhanced for instruction that may be pushed to students on a schedule via our learning management system. We do not support posting media links to podcasting feed services or social media maintenance required of podcasting participation. We see podcasting used as both a term to describe a type of enhanced audio recording and the label of a communication medium that has itʻs own culture. While we recognize that these additional cultural affordances may be beneficial to some objectives, they are beyond the scope of our instructional support team to serve.

Capabilities & Support

  • Suggested equipment list for distributed recordings identified and supported
  • Support request form for access to recording studio space and production team time available currently for essential needs only by facilities special request. A dedicated recording space is available at the Faculty Production Lab – Southeast campus in Tabor 118.
  • Instructional design and production assistance is available from the Online Learning department and Media Production.
  • All support accessed via a request to the media production request form
Tips for recording quality video
Creating accessible media

Consider the following questions before creating your media:

  • What are my objectives and concepts?
    1. Topic Outline
    2. Storyboard/ Script
    3. Process Map (for more complex simulations)
  • Who is your audience?
    1. What connection speed is the majority of your audience on?
    2. Does your audience have access to audio?
    3. Check the Quick Guide to Instructional Tools Standards to ensure your audience can actually watch your production on different devices, operating systems, internet connection speeds, and software installations.
  • What is the purpose of the video?
    1. I will use this video for a one-time event. Suggestion: Don’t waste your time doing this.
    2. I will use this video as a lecture or demonstration tutorial more than one time. Yes, do it!
    3. Is this a Screen Recording or a Patchwork Media Project?
      • I want to record lectures for students who missed the class or want to review later.
      • I want to produce a Demonstration video tutorial.
      • I want to produce a Simulation.
  • How much time can I commit to this project?
    1. Quick and dirty‐ for volatile information, concepts, & project planning
    2. Designing and Developing Additional Features / Presentation
    3. Hello, Hollywood!
  • How do you plan to distribute the video?
    • Will you distribute the video on a website, blog, college network, CD‐ROM, DVD, iPod, media player, etc.? Selecting the appropriate settings to optimize your video for the desired distribution production is important. Settings such as video dimensions, file size, and file format are important when creating a video. Use the presets available in the software settings to help you select the appropriate settings for the desired distribution method.

Where do I publish my media?

If you didn’t initially create the video or the video has some copyright item, like music, text, etc., then check the copyright information to determine if you can even publish or use the media.

Publishing your media to a streaming server, such as YouTube or My Media inside D2L Brightspace, allows the media to be delivered to the viewer at their optimal settings and in an accessible player. If you save your media inside a storage area like Google Drive or D2L Brightspace, that’s not really meant for streaming media storage, your students may have to download the large video file first prior to viewing it, or the viewer may need to use a certain player or plug-ins before they can view the media.

Option 1: My Media

  1. Upload your media to My Media inside D2L Brightspace
  2. Send a text transcript or caption file for the media to dlhelp@pcc.edu or learn how to edit your own caption (see Part II Option 1)
  3. Add the media to your course

Option 2: YouTube

PCC does not provide instructor accounts for YouTube, but you can use your private account to store videos for use in your class. You can use YouTube’s captioning, editing, and embed tools to edit and deliver your video. Since it is your private account, you manage the channel and its privacy level. You can record from a webcam directly into YouTube or upload a video. Initially, a new YouTube account has a 15-minute video length limit, but you can extend that time limit by following these instructions.

  1. Set up a YouTube account (if you don’t already have one)
  2. Log in to your YouTube account
  3. Upload your video
  4. Add captions
  5. Link to or embed your video on your D2L webpage

Or have your video added to PCC’s YouTube channel. Please fill out PCC’s Media Request Form to request this.

Support