Most videos are made using a video camera. The most useful (because ubiquitous) video camera is the one that comes with smartphones, and most high school students have these with them at all times. It is not difficult to record video on a smartphone. However, to make high quality videos takes some preparation and skill. There are aspects of lighting, sound, video stabilization, focus etc. that all need to be considered. But perhaps the most challenging aspect of video production is the editing of the video, both in terms of the learning of the editing tools, and the telling of a coherent story. These challenges can be overcome, and we address these in a future post. However, there are even simpler and easier ways of making a peer modelling video, and these may be suitable depending on the student project.
SCREENCASTIFY
This peer modelling video was made using the SCREENCASTIFY app (extension for Chrome Browser):
SCREENCASTIFY
This peer modelling video was made using the SCREENCASTIFY app (extension for Chrome Browser):
To make this video, Jackie took photographs of her artwork and made a slide show with them using Google Slides.
She then put Google Slides into Presentation mode, and used Screencastify to record her computer screen and voice as she 'presented' it. Screencastify has basic editing for free. Jackie wanted to add music, and other video at the end, so we downloaded the Screencastify video and then did extra editing in another video editing app. However, Screencastify now has an upgrade package, that includes a video editor and there are discounts for educators. This might be easier for those that do not want to learn to use a more complicated video editing app.
ADOBE SPARK
Perhaps even easier to use than Screencastify is the Adobe Spark app. Again, this effectively makes a video out of still photograph slides, and you can record your own voice over each slide, and add music too.
OPEN BROADCASTER SOFTWARE
Like Screencastify, OBS is a screen recording app; but, you must download and install it. You will probably want to edit the video in a video editing app as it is very difficult to make a video in one take without errors (although sometimes it is worth a try, and a few errors can even make the video 'more natural'.
ADOBE SPARK
Perhaps even easier to use than Screencastify is the Adobe Spark app. Again, this effectively makes a video out of still photograph slides, and you can record your own voice over each slide, and add music too.
OPEN BROADCASTER SOFTWARE
Like Screencastify, OBS is a screen recording app; but, you must download and install it. You will probably want to edit the video in a video editing app as it is very difficult to make a video in one take without errors (although sometimes it is worth a try, and a few errors can even make the video 'more natural'.