Instructional Videos

To address learner preferences and complex topics, it is often helpful to present content in a variety of ways. Instructional videos are an alternative way to present information and are encouraged for all delivery modes, not just online learning. Video provides ways for students to review content, revisit difficult topics, and allow for more active learning to occur with the instructor. Further, enhancing your course with instructor-led videos provides an opportunity to convey material through both auditory and visual channels, creating a multisensory learning environment.

Creating and editing instructional videos does require some technological and editing skills. However, the following information will help support you with your video development.

These suggestions will help you design instructional videos that will guide and support your students.

• Keep videos brief and focused on learning outcomes
• Maintain instructor presence
• Use audio and visual elements to convey appropriate parts of an explanation
• Use signaling to highlight important ideas or concepts
• Use a conversational, enthusiastic style to enhance engagement
• Embed videos in a context of active learning by using guiding questions, quiz questions, or associated homework assignments

UB has several resources for recording and editing instructional video. Refer to this list for guidance and support:

Using materials found on the internet without permission opens the possibility of copyright infringement. Assume that everything is copyright protected unless otherwise stated. If in doubt, seek permission from the original author, advice from a copyright expert or look for legal use clauses from the original source.

Panopto is the UB supported instructional video tool that allows you to record, edit and publish audio and video content directly from your computer or mobile device. Panopto has additional features such as embedded questions, closed captioning and integration into UB Learns.

Once you have recorded your instructional video, the next step is to ensure that it is accessible for all students. This can be done by adding captions and/or downloading a transcript. If using automated captions, review them for accuracy.

Integrate your Panopto account and UB Learns course to upload and share your instructional videos.

There is only so much information that we can process at a given time. Accordingly, there are certain techniques that you can employ as you create your videos to engage your students without overwhelming them. Short, clear, succinct videos are best due to our brain’s cognitive constraints. Additionally, chunk content into easily digestible pieces that will not cognitively overload your students.

Technical considerations are another element to consider. It is necessary to review the quality, vocal clarity and background noise as anyone of these can interfere with the effectiveness of the video.

Use the video rubric and Panopto how to handouts to help you create an instructional video.

• Step 1: Review the following prior to creating your video:
  • align to the learning objectives and outcome(s)
  • help your students understand and apply specific concepts
  • chunk content into digestible pieces
• Step 2: Design your video considering these questions when building:
  • How will the video help students achieve the learning outcomes?
  • How will the video orient students (e.g., connect to each unit component)?
  • Is the video authentic, relevant, interesting, and meaningful for students?
  • Does the video provide students with the tools necessary to process and analyze key concepts and issues?
  • How will you include an opportunity for students to reflect and evaluate their learning experience? (e.g., embedded comprehension questions)?
  • Is the video inclusive and equitable for all learners?
• Step 3: Use the resources on this page to record and edit your video