Getting Started with Video & Multimedia

Learners are more likely to make cognitive connections when information is presented in multiple modes. Integrating multimedia (e.g. images, audio, video, etc.) into your course content encourages learners to make connections between text and information received through these other channels.

Using multimedia content can help you develop active learning assignments, team building activities, and facilitate a flipped classroom model. The Center can help instructors work through strategies for a particular project and with best practices for creating assignments that use video or other multimedia tools for teaching and learning.

CTI can consult with instructors who wish to use video to enhance teaching and learning in this areas:

• bringing multimedia into the classroom
• recording lectures for student viewing
• using video conferencing technology to host remote guests or students, to hold online office hours, and allow remote student groups to “meet”
• integrating video posts in a student discussion board

Contact CTI to set up a consultation to learn more about individual tools.

How to Create Your Own Video Content

Preparation and Choosing the Right Tools

• Creating course videos: this process focuses on best practices for developing video content and using it as a component of your course
• Tips for pre-recording lectures: this resource lists some important technical considerations and thoughts on establishing your online presence to help ensure your pre-recorded video segments are effective
• Putting your best self forward: 6 keys for filming quality videos: tips for improving the look of your video recordings
• Compare recording tools: this chart describes the strengths of the various video recording tools supported at Cornell to help you pick the right one for your teaching scenario
• Quick-start guides to online teaching: these pages provide basic information to help you get started using Zoom and Panopto in your courses
• Video editing software tips: descriptions of a few of the available video editing applications you can use for additional functionality not provided in Zoom or Panopto
• View examples of multi-media: Instructor Phil Krasicky's Video Gallary

Studio Space

On-Campus Studio Space

The CTI maintains two self-recording studios that are available to instructors for Podcasting, lecture capture recordings (Panopto), or conducting web conferences.  Both rooms are equipped with high-end media equipment, along with sound-dampening treatments to assist with audio quality.

Additionally, there are a few on-campus studio spaces for faculty to use to create course materials. Find locations and contact information for these studio spaces.

Create Your Own Studio Space

Making a few upgrades to your home or office setup can help you significantly improve the quality of the videos you produce for your courses. The enhanced videos will help you make your courses more engaging, and students will be able to focus more on the content you are presenting than on the production value.

Classroom Technology

Audio Recordings

Instructors needing to deliver course audio to students will be issued an audio recording device which attaches to a lapel (lavalier) microphone. Learn how to use the audio recording system.

Whiteboard Recordings

IT@Cornell also has instructions on creating supplemental recordings of blackboard or whiteboard notes using an IPEVO document camera.

Additional Teaching Technologies

IT@Cornell has prepared descriptions of available tools that can be used in classrooms.

Also, IT@Cornell has a list of building IT contacts who can assist with classroom technologies in your teaching space. These contacts can also help you set up a "dry run" to allow you to familiarize yourself with the technology you will need to use when teaching an in-person class with remote students.

Faculty teaching in-person with students attending remotely may want to explore the technology available in their classrooms to familiarize themselves with the way their course will operate. IT@Cornell has prepared an overview of classroom audio-video technology.

Video Accessibility & Captioning

Ensuring the accessibility of video & multimedia content is an important part of creating a course in which all students can benefit from the information and activities you design. These considerations and resources can help you create accessible video & multimedia content through captions and other assistive mechanisms.