Long gone are the days when students have to sit through a lecture in a classroom and furiously scribble down notes on paper. Now they can watch video presentations in their own time and at their own pace, helping to make the learning process a whole lot easier. Whether you host a virtual conference or record lessons on your computer, this guide shows you how to take your skills and knowledge to the next level when creating your very own e-learning video.
Free screen capture versus paid versions
New to video recording? It may be tempting to choose a free screen recorder. While a free version is perfect for playing around, especially if it’s your first time using the software, there will inevitably be a catch!
To begin with, both versions have very limited features when it comes to editing video and audio and you won’t get the same sound quality as with a paid program. An advanced, video capture platform such as Replay Capture Suite 2021 has a range of editing options that allow you to connect your audio interface to an external microphone significantly increasing the quality of the sound.
Another disadvantage of open-source technology is that it can be tricky to set up and use. With Replay Capture Suite, however, you will have a dedicated tech support team on hand to guide you through the software so you can feel confident you are making full use of its capabilities.
What is some equipment for e-learning?
The idea of creating your own lecture recording can be quite daunting at first – but don’t worry once you have the right tools, it will be plain sailing! Here’s a list of everything you need to create the best possible online learning experience:
- Desktop or laptop
- Webcam
- Noise-canceling headphones
- External microphones
- USB hub
- Screen recording software
How to create an e-learning video from scratch
Five steps to follow to create a great online lecture or educational webinar:
- Choose an engaging subject matter
Choosing the right topic is vital. Decide what you want your students to have learned by the time they’ve finished watching your video. If you’re creating a lecture capture to share online, consider why students would click on your video in the first place. Once this is clear in your mind – the next step should be a breeze!
- Write out a storyboard or a script
Put pen to paper and come up with a structural narrative of how you want your video to go. Memorize a few key phrases and then practice, practice, practice until you get the flow you desire. Don’t forget to time yourself – a well-thought-out video should be no longer than 20 minutes. You can always trim off a few minutes during editing so you don’t run over.
- Record your screen
Recording high-quality footage is a challenge. Your voice needs to be clear and intelligible and you’ll need to speak at a pace that your listeners can easily follow. Choose screen capturing software like Meeting Recorder Plus to allow you to record your lecture in real-time. If you make a mistake, Replay Capture Suite 2021 also has a video editing tool that lets you split and merge your video and audio files without jeopardizing the quality of your video. This can save loads of time and can be really useful if you need more time to explain a certain point.
- Edit the video
Now here’s where the fun begins! Use a video editor to cut out the sections you don’t want and keep the sections you do. You may have to watch the video footage back and edit it a few times before you achieve a polished final cut. Once you feel satisfied, move on to the final step.
- Share your lecture
Good work! You now have a well-paced and solid educational video to share at a virtual conference or as an online course. You can also upload it to a video-sharing website such as YouTube to make it accessible to subscribers interested in your topic. Remember to ask for feedback from students or colleagues to find out what aspects of the video worked well and how you can improve the second time around.
Discovered a newfound passion for creating online videos? Download the latest version of Replay Capture Suite 2021 so you have all the tools you need on one platform. Also, if you enjoyed this article, don’t miss out on How to Record the Perfect Live Streaming Video for plenty of helpful tips.