FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create a pre-recorded lecture?

Technologies for Recording Lectures

• Use Zoom to record your lecture. If you are a beginner, get started at Zoom at Penn State Resources.
• If recording at home/office, test your mic and webcam and record your lecture to the cloud.
• If recording in a GPC classroom, download and follow along with Teaching with Zoom in a General Purpose Classroom.
• Share the video to your Canvas course using the Media Gallery.

Note:

• Videos recorded in Zoom (and saved to the cloud) will be saved in your Penn State Media Space in Kaltura.

Key Considerations when Recording Lectures

• Keep it short. For students who have been raised on YouTube, short 5-10 minute videos are best. Chunk up longer videos into shorter topics or chapters.
• Prepare well but talk naturally. Rather than reading a script, talking naturally from your notes is more engaging. It doesn’t have to be perfect, so correct mistakes just like you would in a live lecture.
• Position the camera so you are looking slightly up. Avoid looking down at the camera. Position your head in the top third of the screen.
• Pick the right location. If you are recording at home, try placing a neutral wall behind you with a light source in front. Avoid backlighting like a window behind you. Try different locations to vary your background, or use a virtual background.
• Look directly at the camera lens to engage your students most effectively.
• Use a good microphone. Be sure your students can hear you well. Good audio is actually more important than good video. Be aware of background noise, since it can be hard to improve sound quality after the recording.
• Tell a story. Students can lose focus if they are presented with just facts and figures. They’ll have more of a framework for remembering the content if you weave it into a narrative format.
• Remember to smile!