Creating videos for online learning

Question 1

Why use video in online learning?

Answer 1

Spark interest in your subject
Increase engagement
Encourage active learning
Highlight key concepts

Question 2

What is the ideal maximum length for a video?

Answer 2

5 minutes. Engagement significantly falls away after this.

Question 3

Name two examples of how you can enhance the narrative of the learner journey with video?

Answer 3

Tell a story
Introduce case studies

Question 4

Video types: what does PTC stand for?

Answer 4

Piece to Camera: presenter talks directly to camera, usually one person, often to convey information

Question 5

What are some golden guidelines for videos for e-learning?

Answer 5

1) Keep your video short (5 mins or less) and focused on learning outcomes.

2) Present in a friendly, conversational and enthusiastic way.

3) Pose questions and include active learning opportunities (e.g. problem solving).

4) Use visual elements to enhance content (e.g. to highlight key points).

5) Be creative with visuals, stories and people you include to strengthen the narrative.

Question 6

Video types: what is an interview?

Answer 6

one speaker talks to one or more other people

Question 7

Video types: what is a vox pop/ voice of the people?

Answer 7

Asking people on the street for their opinion on a subject

Question 8

Main shot types: WS

Answer 8

Wide shot (WS) - shows the whole of a scene, good way to intro new location or start new part of narrative

Question 9

Main shot types: GS

Answer 9

Group shot (GS) - group full of people, can help viewer understand each person’s relative position

Question 10

Main shot types: (2-s)

Answer 10

2 shot (2-s) - type of group shot, in the space in relation to each other (e.g. mirrored)

Question 11

Main shot types: LS

Answer 11

Long shot (LS)- one or more people, ‘head-to-toe’, full body in shot

Question 12

Main shot types: MCU

Answer 12

Medium close-up (MCU) - similar to mid shot but person’s head and shoulders, can help viewer relate to someone, general rule: place bridge of person’s nose about 2/3s up the frame, if person looking out the frame > leave space in front of them/position bridge of nose around middle of frame horizontally

Question 13

Main shot types: CU

Answer 13

Close-up (CU) - frames someone’s full face, shows viewer the subject’s full emotional reaction to a topic

Question 14

Main shot types: BCU

Answer 14

Big close-up (BCU) - rarely used, focused tightly on someone’s face or reaction

Question 15

Other shot types: C/A

Answer 15

cut away from your subject to a different angle or piece of footage, can often continue with same audio track of person speaking from last shot to e.g. thing person was talking about

Question 16

Other shot types: O/S

Answer 16

Over the shoulder (o/s) - showing one person’s perspective maybe asking questions, include shoulder and/or back of head

Question 17

Name 5 top scriptwriting tips

Answer 17

1. Use clear informal language
2. Keep it short
3. Create a clear structure
4. Read your script aloud
5. Practice presenting

Question 18

Learners are more likely to press play if…

Answer 18

…they know what they will gain from watching.

Write a short, accompanying text introduction (max 150 words).

Question 19

Setting up your shot for an interview: what are important considerations for location?

Answer 19

1. Film you interviewee in a studio or in an appropriate location (e.g. scientist in a lab)
2. Choose an area with enough room to separate the interviewee from the background to add depth
3. Choose a quiet location
4. If you are outside, shoot in either sunlight or shade, not both

Question 20

Setting up your shot for an interview: other considerations not related to location

Answer 20

1. Position the interviewee horizontal to your camera so both eyes are visible
2. How long is the interview? Do you need a tripod? Are you both going to be in the shot?
3. Consider shot sizes and choose the one best for the type of video you are shooting

Question 21

What are some important considerations when preparing your interview/ee

Answer 21

1. Chat to your interviewee and put them at ease.
2. Explain what the process is.
3. Give them time to answer.
4. An interview should be a dialogue, so be prepared to ask the interviewee to expand on interesting topics.
5. Use warm-up questions to help the interviewee relax.
6. To make editing easier, don’t speak when the interviewee is speaking.
7. Take your time and pause between questions.
8. Remember to monitor the camera to ensure you are obtaining the shots and look that you set out to achieve.