EDUC 730 Explanations and Comments by David R. Abraham, Ph.D.
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INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO PROJECT INSTRUCTIONS
The flexibility of video allows compression and expansion of time and space, making it a
powerful instructional tool. An instructional video should address 3 to 5 specific learning objects
for a specific audience of learners. The video you plan and create must be instructional in nature
and work to form associations between concepts, provide historical or social examples, or
demonstrate how something works.
For this assignment you will capture a minimum of three separate video segments and then using
editing software to edit and merge your segments to produce a quality instructional video with a
length of between 4–6 minutes. Make it fun and informative and use techniques to engage your
learners. Speaking of fun, the young man in this video sings with Himself!! Pretty amazing. See
Instructional Video Project Example Michael Jackson Medley Video.
The mark of a good video is the ability to take a person who has very little experience or
understanding on a concept and help them reach the learning objectives identified which might
include accomplishing a task. If you purchase the game Throw Throw BurritoTM, the
instructions within the box invite the players to grab their phones and pull up the YouTube video
to see how to play. See Instructional Video Project Example Throw Throw Burrito – How
to Play. During this short 4 minute and 41 second presentation, the audience learns how to play
and the rules surrounding the game. Sure, the players could have read the pdf instructions, but
the video engages the audience and teaches the skills necessary to play the game.
You can see additional examples of instructional videos on the Instructional Video Project
Assignment page. Please note that, in each of the examples, points may have been lost based on
missing components identified on the rubric for this assignment. Once your video is complete
you will upload it to YouTube and share the link as part of the Instructional Video Template,
where you will describe the following:
The Value for Instruction
In a single paragraph, you will describe the instructional video and your choice to either
personally explaining, demonstrate a skill, or teach a concept. Briefly discuss the quality of your
video as a valuable resource that you will continue to use.
Focus and Audience
Focus the instruction on three to five specific learning objectives for a target audience. Define
your audience in a sentence or two and list the objectives.
Engagement
In a paragraph, you will discuss how you created interest in your video in order to engage the
learner.
Commented [DA1]: Broadly defined, a learning object is
any element within an instructional environment to create an
instructional moment. In general, any instructional
experience that includes an objective, a related activity, and
an associated assessment is a learning object.
Commented [DA2]: Without entering the technical
elements of video creation, a segment is a section of video
that includes an entire set of sequenced actions.
Examples:
Segment #1 - The smiling face of a 3-year old hearing her
mother say, “Make sure you brush your teeth.”
Segment #2 – The 3-year-old pulling a stool to the side of
the sink, standing up, picking up her tooth brush.
Segment #3 – the 3-year old brushing her teeth
In the final edit, each segment is sequenced for a
proportionate length of time. Think of your instructional
video being composed of at least three segments.
See YouTube illustration referenced and explained on p. 5
You may choose any topic for you video. Students have
presented videos on cooking, on collecting honey, on fire
safety, on carpentry, on grilling a steak, on throwing a
frisbee, on teaching children bake cookies, on teaching a
song in French, on making a guitar case, and so many more
outside of academic-related topics.
Commented [DA3]: Helping learners enhance attentivity
to the lesson. One easy way is for your audience to see you.
Use a full-face image (appropriately positioned) for about 10
– 12 seconds at the beginning and for the same length at the
conclusion. During the main body of the video, you could
use an image inset (top right or bottom right) or none, with
your voice coming through clearly. Please do not worry too
much about this suggested feature. The idea is to connect
with your audience in a concise, clear, and compelling
manner.
EDUC 730 Explanations and Comments by David R. Abraham, Ph.D.
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Explanation of Use
In this section of the template you will explain how you plan to use this instructional video with
your learners and you will discuss how the video connects to the standards of the broader
curriculum.
Reflection
In no more than 2 paragraphs with 3-5 sentences each you will reflect on the process of creating
the instructional video, defend the choices you made for video capture and recording (cameras
used, etc.), images and sounds, and share why you selected the video editing software used.
Link to Instructional Video
In this portion of the template you will share the link to view your instructional video.
Types of Shots
You are to include a minimum of 3 types of shots and these should be thoughtfully planned in
order to add interest and value. On this portion of the template you will identify the time stamp
on your YouTube video where each shot type can be found.
The following section provides tips and additional information for the project.
Planning the video
1. Have an idea. This is important. A good idea is fairly easy to implement and follow.
WRITE IT DOWN.
2. Refer to the rubric for this assignment often. Your video needs to be between 4 and 6
minutes long.
3. Have a plan. The better you plan the less time the whole project will take. This is true in
life in general but it is doubly so in video editing. Storyboard out your idea. Figure out
what shots you’ll need, what environment the shots should be in. Iterate!
a. Do you need any special props or extra hands or expertise to help out?
b. Do you need to use a “green screen or green wall” to achieve the effect that you
want?
c. Do you have a preset idea of what you want to say or are you just filming
something that is happening spontaneously?
d. What are you going to wear?
e. How much time will it take to film? It will take longer than you think, allow for it.
f. Will you need special sound effects, if so what are they and where will you get
them?
4. Write a “script” that you can follow and be sure you don’t forget anything. This way you
can also do a take a couple of times in case something goes wrong.
5. Think about your music carefully. If it is important to the film it is important to keep it in
mind from the start. Music is very powerful: use it wisely. Don’t use music for the entire
Commented [DA4]: Include lessons learned that you can
share with others and incorporate in your next video
Commented [DA5]: Example #1: the view of your
classroom from the back – this is wide angle that gives
viewers a broad view of your classroom, learners, setup up.
White board, among others.
Example #2: a close up of a child’s hand holding a pencil
and writing a word or shading a drawing
Example #3: a mid-range shot of the teacher pouring water
into a beaker to measure a specific volume
Commented [DA6]: This identifies the approximate
mm:ss where a specific segment starts. Go here for a simple
video to add time links to a your YouTube video description.
Commented [DA7]: Creating a script and a storyboard is
helpful as you develop and sequence your video.
Commented [DA8]: Instructional videos are most
effective when not accompanied by music. One of the
reasons is that it causes cognitive overload to the auditory
channel. Music clashing with your instructional narrative. I
strongly suggest using music for the Introductory and
Concluding sections of your video.
Commented [DA9]: We no longer use film but digital
medium
EDUC 730 Explanations and Comments by David R. Abraham, Ph.D.
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length of the video but do use it to create interest at the beginning, middle, or
end. Overuse can be distracting to the learner.
6. If you are going to use the microphone directly from the camera or video recorder, make
sure that the camera is picking it up well enough. You might need a mic or some other
plan of attack. Place the mic close to the subject and point it away from (undesired) noise.
Sound is often more important than visuals or pictures.
7. **Always take more film on the beginning and end of every take than you need. It will
make editing easier. Give yourself a little extra recorded content to play with.
8. Once you have written a great plan and implemented it you will likely have unedited
video segments with much more footage and content than you’ll actually need.
Implementing the Plan
1. When videoing, use a tripod whenever possible.
2. Avoid frequent panning and zooming – it can cause visual distress.
3. Balanced lighting is important. Get a good contrast between the subject & the
background. Be conscious of light sources & shadows on your subject.
4. Get in as close as possible to your subject – this heightens impact and improves audio.
You might also ask your actors to speak up!
5. Follow the rule of thirds, frame off-center
6. Record a few seconds before a scene starts and after it ends – this provides you with
footage to make transitions.
7. Be sure that date and time is set on the camera, that NightShot is turned off, and that all
video is shot in the same aspect ratio (i.e., either 16:9 widescreen or 4:3 traditional
broadcast).
8. Follow your curiosity on the day of your shoot. Overshoot! Get more than you think you
need! More stuff gives you more options when editing. Longer takes allow you some
wiggle room for transitions.
Editing the video
1. Make sure you set aside a large block of time for the video editing itself.**Video editing
is not a fast process!
2. Title/Opening and Closing Credits are essential.
3. When capturing video to the computer, be sure that capture format is set to “DV full
quality.” Then click on Settings and in the Capture Source tab set scene detection to
“automatic based on shooting time and date.” “Automatic based on scene content” is a
second-best choice if the “time and date” option does not detect scenes.
4. Make a rough cut of the whole film then go into details. Iterate. Cut early: when in doubt,
edit shorter cuts. Also choose a style that works with quick cuts- don’t get swallowed up
by the mechanics.
5. When editing, use the Save As command frequently and save your project with a
different name (e.g., add an incremental number to the end of the name). This can be a
lifesaver if you need to go back to a previous edition of the project or if the software
should experience an anomaly.
6. If any scenes are too light or too dark, you can use Auto Color Correct, and then move
the brightness slider as needed. Note that this will adjust the brightness of the entire clip.
Commented [DA10]: This is important to a quality
Instructional video. Shoot a 10-sec segment and test for
sound, broad lighting, composition, among others. Do not
wait to check all of this at the end of the shoot.
Commented [DA11]: See images on pp. 5 & 6.
Commented [DA12]: Not all cameras will include this
feature
Commented [DA13]: Do not become overburdened by it.
You are not editing a full-length production. Follow your
storyboard. Present a clear and simple sequence of segments.
For Windows, try the built-in video editor. For Mac, try
iMovie.
Commented [DA14]: This is no longer an option on
digital cameras and cameras on smartphones.
EDUC 730 Explanations and Comments by David R. Abraham, Ph.D.
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7. Keep it simple; avoid superfluous animated transitions and shorter is almost always
better. Also keep a critical eye.
Create your instructional video using several of the following types of technologies:
• Screen Capture video using ScreenCast-o-Matic.com or similar screen recording
software.
•Live Action Video using an actual video camera (avoid using your cell phone unless this
is the only recording tool you have available. If the cellphone is used you must hold the
phone horizontally and not vertically to capture the recording. This will better allow for a
16 by 9 ration).
•Piece-together a minimum of three video segments using editing software such as
MovieMaker, iMovie, WeVideo, or Adobe Premier.
•Host video on YouTube and share the link as part of your submission.
For the final product make sure that the instructional video:
•Is between 4–6 minutes
•Is uploaded to YouTube and link shared with no privacy blocks
•Is edited and rendered in widescreen (16:9 ratio)
•Contains the required screens
oTitle Slide/Screen
oList of objectives, steps, or instructions
oCredits slide-cite all sources and contributors
•Has smooth transitions (rather than harsh cuts) and sounds are well-balanced
•Uses at least one selection of music
• Includes at least two transitions such as
oCut Dissolve
oWipe
oFade
•The video includes 3 types of shots (1 pt each)
oWide-Long
oMedium
oClose
•At least three separately recorded segments are combined into one video.
•Video editing software was used and 2 more additional features were added such as
captions, images, or animations.
Commented [DA15]: This is my application of choice.
Please read my “Creating Audio-Visual Presentations” on
p. 8.
Commented [DA16]: Do not worry about this feature.
EDUC 730 Explanations and Comments by David R. Abraham, Ph.D.
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Segmenting: Illustration from a YouTube Video
Nicki Sizemore, a contributor to the Test Kitchen, captured an excellent video on “How to
Segment an Orange” Following a brief introduction, she presented an easy and efficient way to
segment an orange in 11 video segments. Watch the video through. On the second time, pay
attention to the video segments that begin at 0:03; 0:13; 0:27; 0:32; 0:36; 0:58; 1:03; 1:07; 1:16;
1:34; and 1:37 respectively. Note how the editor sequenced the segments to make this an
effective instructional video that is merely 1:44 in length.
The requirement for this assignment is that your video include three to five segments.
EDUC 730 Explanations and Comments by David R. Abraham, Ph.D.
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The Rule of Thirds
Composing parts/elements of a photograph on an imaginary 3 X 3 grid. This grid divides the
image into thirds both horizontally and vertically. The human eye is drawn to an image when the
object of focus is on or at the intersection of the horizontal and vertical lines. A good photo
editor will provide cropping functions to create a photograph that follows this rule.
Mid-range silhouette (most likely taken with a 50 mm lens)
Image from McMurray Art Room
EDUC 730 Explanations and Comments by David R. Abraham, Ph.D.
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Creating Audio-Visual Presentations
Begin with a storyboard—a visual outline of your video. Today, PowerPoint includes numerous
features to help you outline your video. Often the facilities of PowerPoint make it the basis for
effective instructional presentations. Next, develop a script, which is a text-based narration for
the sequenced presentation. Again, PowerPoint is useful to enter your presenter’s notes and
become familiar with presenter-related features. Then, record your narration while sequencing
through your slides. You can include audio and video as needed. Capturing video with your
smartphone is often a preferred method. Finally, save your file in a video format. PowerPoint is
an effective tool to create a presentation for an instructional purpose. If needed, you can also
record your screen and related audio before embedding them onto a PowerPoint slide (Office
365, 2019, 2016, 2013).
You could also record your computer screen using screen capture software. Screencast-O-Matic
is a screen capture software that is relatively easy to use. You could download a free version
from the website. The limitations of this version include an embedded logo and video lengths of
no more than 15 minutes. Check out the multi-year subscription pricing; you might find a
reasonable price. The “Beginner’s Guide to Screencast-O-Matic’s Free Screen Recorder”
video’s clear directions are helpful to create videos off your screen. The Easy Editing Guide to
Screencast O Matic’s Video Editor will give you the basics of editing the file you created using
Screencast-O-Matic. After you create and edit your file, you need to upload to YouTube or a
filesharing site. How to upload a video to YouTube gives you the steps needed to accomplish this
task.
While these are two relatively simple ways to create an audio-visual presentation, you will find
several others suitable for your Instructional Video. Select one with which you are familiar, that
provides the best features, and meets the purpose of this assignment. Check out the free versions
of ClipChamp (supported by Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge), Animoto, Canva
MovieMaker 10 for Windows 10, and iMovie. for simple video editing. You are merely shooting
three clips and piecing them together, adding appropriate music, and your narration for this
project.
EDUC 730 Explanations and Comments by David R. Abraham, Ph.D.
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Another way to create a presentation is with Zoom. Garr Reynolds a renowned teacher and
presenter gives detailed, valuable, and practical advice. Check out his “Presentation Tips.” The
one that is pertinent for the IVP is “How to use Slides as a Virtual Background in Zoom.” I think
you will find this information valuable as you design and deliver presentations for your students
and peers.
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