How long should the final video project run?

Approximately 10 - 12 minutes, depending on your material and on the number of individuals on your team.

Does the video project have to have a title?

Yes, and the names of the team members must be clearly visible.

Does every video project have to cite research?

Yes, every project must conclude with a slide of sources used (much like a bibliography). Use whatever format with which you are comfortable (APA, MLA, ...).

Is it OK if the video has no audio? How about only background music?

No and no. Each team member must have a "speaking" part in the video project.

Approximately how much time should I allot for each slide?

You don't want to go through your presentation too quickly; you also don't want to narrate the same slide for a very long time. Assume about 1 minute per slide. So, for a 1- minute presentation, you should not need more than 10 slides.

Can I see examples of previous student term projects?

Sure. See the course website.

I've never made a video before? Can you give me some pointers?

There are a number of methods you can use, all of them fairly easy. For example:

MS Powerpoint

Use MS PowerPoint to create the slides that will be the video portion of the project. Then add narration to each slide for the audio. As long as you are using a fairly recent up-to-date version of PowerPoint, you can then turn your slideshow into a video. It's a good idea to "Optimize Media Compatibility" the file in preparation for exporting to video. Then export the pptx file as a video (mp4). Make sure you wait calmly for it to finish; this may take some time.

Prezi

Use Prezi.com to create and save your presentation

Video Capture

Make the presentation in real time and space and record it with a video camera. Some ideas about how to do this may be found in this article [https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/how-to-record-your-computer-screen/]. Alternatively, use a screencasting video capture tool such as Screencast-o-matic [https://screencast-o-matic.com/]. Screencast-o-matic is a cloud-based browser-based screen video capture technology. Basically it creates a video of whatever you show on your computer screen along with your own narration. It’s just like doing a “real” presentation but without you appearing on screen (just your voice).

Screencast-o-matic

The free level of Screencast-o-matic will very likely do everything you need for your presentation. If you find you need an upgrade (say, for computer audio in addition to your narration using the mic), the next level is pretty cheap.

Camtasia

Camtasia is the gold standard for screen capture and it's pricey. There is a free trial, however, for 1 month.

Zoom

Perhaps the most efficient way to create a presentation is to do it using Zoom and record the "meeting."

On a Mac

Do you use a Mac? It comes with high-quality built-in software for video creation and editing. One way to do this on a Mac is to create in Powerpoint and then import the slides into iMovie.

Embedding Streaming Content (e.g. YouTube)

Whatever technology you choose (see above), you may find you would like to incorporate brief video clips into your presentation. Want to insert video clips into your Powerpoint slideshow? Here are some ways to do that: https://www.wikihow.com/Embed-Video-in-PowerPoint. Of course, if you go the Zoom route, your videos are played in real time.

Link or Embed?

Since your goal is a final video of your presentation - without any manual controls - you will probably need to embed the clip.

Where can I learn more about YouTube embed codes?

Here you go. http://leaderswest.com/2012/10/10/youtube-embed-options-can-make-your-videos-look-less-youtube-y/

How long?

Clips should be brief, chosen to illustrate your presentation rather than substitute for it. Any one clip should easily be shorter than 60 seconds.

Attribution:

No matter how short or long, if your clip is not your original work, you should include a standard citation to the original content provider.

Fair Use and Best Practices for Video Clips

http://cmsimpact.org/code/code-best-practices-fair-use-online-video/

What do I do when my video project is complete?

Upload to a video streaming site like YouTube or Vimeo and send the url to your instructor. On YouTube it's a good idea to choose "Unlisted" for your video upload.

How long will it take me to do this project?

Once you start it won't take you long at all. The planning phase may be long. You may find you change your plans as you go along. Start early. Worst thing that can happen is that you finish early.

What resources are there on campus that I can make use of?

In the non-Coronavirus universe (i.e., the future Utopia) there are a lot of ways to use the Newman Library, which is a great resource for these projects. You can

• • reserve a study room, so that you have a quiet place to work and to record your presentation.

  • borrow a video camera and a tripod.

  • borrow a laptop with MS Powerpoint.

Can I put this on my resume?

Absolutely. Employers are very interested in project work that you have done for your courses. You should always highlight these on your resume. Linking to media (websites, images, videos) shows that you are proud of your work and makes you look good.