1.3 Low-tech, low-complexity video recording
Whilst it can be valuable in some circumstances to utilise high quality video recording equipment and to create polished videos, often in online learning this degree of complexity is unnecessary and can even be detrimental to the learning process.
Activity 2 The potential for low-complexity uses of video
This video highlights the benefits of a low-tech, low-complexity approach to producing video content in online teaching:
Watch the video and make notes about how achievable and effective this method could be in delivering your own teaching online.
Discussion
We really want to get across the idea that video does not need to be an expensive, high-tech venture. This activity is designed to demonstrate how achievable it can be for many teachers, and to help you to think about how it might be useful in your own online teaching.
To demonstrate how uncomplicated, low-tech videos can be effective in online teaching, the ‘Teacher reflections’ videos used in each week of this course were all made by the people speaking in each one, at home, with just regular webcams or phone cameras. A set of guidelines were provided to try to make each video look and feel similar, and we have added the titles and adjusted the volume to be consistent, but that was all the additional work that was needed to produce the videos you see here.
Tip
Even with low-tech approaches to video, certain techniques can make a big difference to the quality and effectiveness of your clips. Keep the camera stable (by placing on a firm surface or using a tripod, for example) and be aware of distracting elements in the background (such as screens, people or pets moving around, or even personal items such as family photographs).