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Types of Video
Many people underestimate the number and value of different types of video. Each has its own unique advantages for different audiences. As seen in the figure below, video can be recorded with an "expert" speaker as the main character; other video can be recorded presentations like PowerPoints or animations. Which video type is best for you? The short answer is: it depends.
For educators looking to disseminate information to an audience, many video creators choose "talking heads" or presentation slides/Screencastify-type video recordings. This allows information to be replayed multiple times to absorb or reflect on information. In contrast, live video, conversations, on location and green-screen video often allow the audience to watch the video in real time as well as post-recording. In addition, on-location and green-screen video allows the audience to see images and on-site imagery that otherwise may not be captured in a studio setting.
Our suggestion is to consult with other video experts about their preference for end-user video viewing. Often times, other educators can offer feedback about the types of learning experiences that might best suit the learner or the audience. For beginners just dipping their toes into video, we suggest starting with simple video recordings in a studio or authentic learning setting where the focus can be on you--the content expert.
Pre-Recorded Video:
Here is an overview chart of some options for producing video for eLearning, followed by some brief descriptions and benefits:
Appendix 1: Typology of Video Production Styles [chart]. Reprinted from "Video and Online Learning: Critical Reflections and Findings from the Field," by A. Hansch, L. Hillers, K. McConachie, C. Newman, T. Schildhauer, P. Schmidt, 2015, HIIG Discussion Paper Series(2), p. 18.
Descriptions
Talking Head & Tablet Capture: Consider using these models for lecture style information. These are often useful for online or Massive Open Online Coursework.
Presentation with Voice-Over, Screencast, Text Overlay: Voice over is often used as a means for instructors to expand upon or explain static PowerPoint information to learners. Voice-over can also be used as an accessibility feature for auditory learners. Similarly, text overlay provides a means to highlight important information to the learner and may support visual or hard of hearing learners as an accessibility feature. Screencast is a form of presentation with voice-over, most often used with PowerPoint or other visual presentation software.
Picture-In-Picture: Picture-In-Picture is a way to show two videos at once. Oftentimes, lectures or talking head videos use a smaller picture-in-picture video recording to display information that the speaker is referring to. This helps the learner or viewer see the lecture and also see recorded visual information--double win!
Paper/Whiteboard/Demonstration: At first, paper and whiteboard recordings may seem a little bit "old school", but they have have actually made a comeback in recent years. As more and more learners have sought step-by-step, replay-able media for detail-oriented content, video experts have relied on human explanation through visual means (think: paper and whiteboard) to help convey sequential or solve-able information.
Animation: Often used for explainer videos and brand stories, animation can be an incredibly engaging video strategy and is frequently used to illustrate or explain a concept in an entertaining way. There are different kinds of animated video including 2D and 3D animation, motion graphic videos, and stop-motion animation like cutout animation or claymation.
Classroom Lecture, Recorded Seminar & Webcam Capture: Recording video--whether classroom lecture/seminar or webcam--allows the presenter to post and share recorded information with virtually anyone. Lecture and recorded seminars are a benefit to students who may want to watch the content repeatedly or on delayed time, or who may have missed out on the in-person learning altogether. Additionally, webcam is one of the simplest ways for those new to video to record simple video from the comfort of their computer.
Interview & Conversation: Interviews or recorded conversations are a great way to bring dialogue and two-way conversation into video. Consider using interview or conversation between multiple people for content that benefits from diverse or dissenting viewpoints.
On location & live video: Frequently completed together, on location and live video allow viewers to watch in real-time and in real places! Consider using on location and live video to to report or share information in a relevant/important location for the viewer.
Green Screen: A green screen video recording--most often seen with weather or news broadcasting--allows a superimposed video to appear behind a person. In film-making, green screen lets you drop in whatever background images you want behind the actors and/or foreground. Using green screen can help bring film-making and scenes to life for those watching.
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