Video Tools & Software
Now that you’ve seen the many types of video options out there, here are a few internet-based software products for easy video production. Most offer free accounts with upgrades to monthly subscriptions for added features and extra cloud-based storage. Some offer both synchronous (live, real-time) and asynchronous (on-your-own-time) platforms. Internet-based video recording tools require a webcam and microphone. These are often built into desktop computers and laptops, but higher quality external cameras and mics are recommended. Most tools are mobile-friendly, so they allow for video recording using your smartphone. Here are some of our favorites:
YOUTUBE (www.youtube.com) – “Broadcast Yourself”
Want to start out simple and casual? Start an account to record directly onto YouTube, the world’s most popular video streaming site. Although this is quick and easy, even using your smartphone, it may be more difficult to capture high quality videos that will have some longevity.
ZOOM (www.zoom.us) – ‘Flawless video. Clear audio. Instant sharing.”
Zoom is often used for live, online, video-conferencing for up to 50 attendees. Zoom rooms include chat options, virtual breakout rooms, shareable workspaces and whiteboards, and even closed-captioning. With its HD quality video and audio, Zoom can also be used for video recordings to be viewed later.
VOICETHREAD (www.voicethread.com) – “Communicate – Collaborate – Connect”
VoiceThread is an asynchronous video recording tool that allows for online discussions where group members can contribute and converse on their own time in video, audio, or text. Instructors can record full-screen or onto presentation slides that allow for ‘threaded’ comments added by others.
LOOM (www.loom.com) – “Free Screen & Video Recording Software”
Loom also provides multi-window screencasting with picture-in-picture video narration. While they
often publicize their product for business uses, Loom is also an option for creating instructional videos
viewable online.
SCREENCAST-O-MATIC (www.screencast-o-matic.com) – “Video creation for everyone.”
Screencast-O-Matic is a next-level online video tool because it provides both video recording and editing. The online video editor requires a bit of time investment but is a fairly easy way to do stops/starts, cuts/pastes, and video transitions in order to avoid re-recording.
TECHSMITH RELAY (https://www.techsmith.com/relay) – “Drive Student Success with Video”
TechSmith Relay is a video creation and sharing platform that boasts LMA integration with Moodle, Blackboard, Canvas, etc. so that teachers and students can easily share videos. Video quizzing is easy to add and increases student engagement. It recommends using Camtasia for high-quality editing.
CAMTASIA (www.camtasia.com) – “The Best All-In-One Screen Recorder and Video Editor”
Ready to edit? Camtasia by TechSmith has a video editing studio that helps you create professional-looking videos with all the bells and whistles. Record you or your screen directly into the software, or load MP4s made in other apps. Camtasia is worth the nominal time and money investment.
VIMEO (www.vimeo.com) – “The High-Quality Home for Videos”
Looking for somewhere to put it? Vimeo is an ad-free open video player and platform that offers storage, hosting, sharing, and distribution of your high-definition videos. Paid accounts can be set as private for internal distribution only.
HD CAMERA & VIDEO RECORDING STUDIO - Lights! Camera! Action!
Ready for the big leagues? It might be easier than you think. A $1K investment will get you a high quality, high defintion camera and boom mic (clear audio is crucial!). You will need some DIY video production lessons (check out how-to videos on YouTube!), and it will be helpful to get some stand-up professional lights. But the studio setting can be as simple as a comfortable armchair and a white screen or bookcase as a backdrop. You'll want to invest in Camtasia or some other editing software to edit your productions.
ONE BUTTON STUDIOS - No experience required
One Button Studio is a simple hardware-and-software combination that allows non-technical users to enter a small room or kiosk with lights, camera, and microphone, click on a button, and automatically record. Penn State and Univ of ND use this third-party button technology and other universities are setting up similar self-contained video production options. For more info see:
https://library.educause.edu/resources/2016/5/7-things-you-should-know-about-one-button-studio.