Recording Videos

Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a free and open-source program for Windows and Mac desktop computers. It is used mostly for broadcasting and recording live events, but can also be used to capture video from a variety of sources. However, the real power of OBS lies in its ability to capture and edit/merge multiple inputs and then output that to one single video. Teaching staff at Newcastle also rate its ability to allow presenters to superimpose their webcam feeds over screen captures.

• Open Broadcaster Software
• OBS Tutorials

OBS is also an excellent video editing platform, which can be used to edit videos created in OBS or imported from elsewhere. You can find out more on the Editing Videos page.

Camtasia is a fully-featured screen-recording tool available for Windows and Mac desktop computers. Staff at Newcastle rate its ability to allow presenters to highlight and magnify video areas, add text overlays, and add transition effects.

The biggest downside is the software's cost - which is prohibitive for many individual users.

• Camtasia
• Camtasia Tutorials

Camtasia is also an excellent video editing platform, which can be used to edit videos created in Camtasia or imported from elsewhere. You can find out more on the Video Editing page.

You will already have access to a range of recording devices; for example a smartphone, tablet, desktop computer, or laptop. These devices will have either a built-in or attachable camera and microphone. We encourage you to use these devices to create your video content.

If you use a visualiser (or document camera) on campus, you can also purchase a 'mobile' version for use at home, or simply simulate one using a mobile phone. Visualiser-style videos can be a handy way to show students worked maths examples, annotated texts, or physical documents and objects.

It is important to consider your environment before filming. Try to record in a quiet, well-lit space with a plain background or neat bookcase behind you. If possible, try to minimise movement or distractions in the background.

It is usually best to use your computer's built in webcam for recording video content. However, if you do not have one, you can also use your mobile phone. Be sure to use the front-facing 'selfie' camera so you can monitor the picture while you record, and always record in landscape (horizontal) rather than portrait orientation.

Framing

To frame your shot effectively, stand or sit close to the camera, and try to place your head and shoulders centrally in the frame; not too close and not too far. Place your camera so that it's at eye height, rather than above or under you, and try to keep it steady. 

Lighting

Always make sure you are the brightest object in the picture. If you have a light source behind you, such as a window or a lamp, it will over-expose the scene and cause you to appear in silhouette. Facing the main light source, or placing a warm light in front of you, is ideal.

Similarly, try to avoid strong light from above or from the side, as this will cause unwanted shadows across your face.

Find out more

We have combined all of this advice into a handy 4-minute video.

Your device's built-in microphone is probably good enough for most videos. Try to record in as quiet a place (and at as quiet a time) as you can. If you have problems with ambient noise – traffic, computer fans, loud neighbours, dogs barking – then a cheap lapel microphone can help. But more often than not, it's not that big a deal and you don't need to spend a lot of time worrying about it. The world is a noisy place, and so long as the background noise isn’t TOO loud or overpowering, it’s fine.

However, do try and turn off any noticeably loud and distracting machines if you can, close your windows, make sure your mobile phone is on silent, and place programs such as Teams into do-not-disturb mode to disable notifications.

Finally, before recording a video, also try to do a sound check. Record a quick video and test that audio quality and volume are exactly as you want them. Most video recording programs also feature a volume meter to help. Try to keep your voice levels in the high 'green zone', as speech in the red zone will be too loud and may distort.

How you present your content will depend on the subject and tone of your topic. However, always be clear about what you want to say before you start, speak clearly and with enthusiasm, look into the camera as much as possible, and try to keep your message concise and to the point.

You can prepare a script to help you deliver your content, but we recommend creating an outline with three or four key points instead. This helps you present a more authentic, natural sounding video; one where you look down the camera lens and speak directly to the student. Aim to sound like you are talking about your subject to a friend rather than giving a presentation to an audience.

Also, remember that videos do not need to be perfect. Don't worry if your videos have a few small hiccups, corrections or long pauses. These can be edited and removed afterwards... if time permits.

Video length

Expectations and attention spans make it difficult to consume videos that are too long. Try to keep your video recordings as short and as concise as possible, and certainly no more than 20 minutes long for video lectures.

Videos that are shorter - between 3 and 6 minutes long - are easier for students to digest, and can be achieved by strategically breaking apart complex topics and removing content that isn't absolutely necessary.

Video format

Videos should be produced in MP4 or MOV format for upload to ReCap.

Quiz questions in videos provide a helpful way to pause the video delivery and check understanding. Quiz questions can be added to videos (and audio) files on ReCap and to videos on Microsoft Stream.

• ReCap Editing and adding material to recordings (.docx)
• Add a survey, poll or quiz to a Microsoft Stream video (Microsoft)