Instructional Videos
Instructional videos can support student learning in different ways. Creating the best quality instructional videos usually involves planning. Videos can still be effectively created in short time frames when conditions warrant. Before you invest time learning the tools, think about the following two questions.
Do I need the instructional video?
- Will it help my students achieve the learning outcome?
- Is it redundant to another activity (e.g., reading)?
- Will the video help my students learn? (Please see the common types of instructional videos section below.)
Is there an alternative to creating an instructional video?
Examples include:
- An existing online video
- A short quiz/test
- An essay assignment, a reflection paper, or a minute paper
- A small group discussion
Choosing and Using Video Creation Tools
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Which Video Creation Tool is Right for You?
There are four university-sponsored video creation tools: Camtasia, Kaltura, Video Express, and Snagit. Use the comparison table below to identify the tool that is most appropriate for your instructional needs. CELT consultants can also help you decide which tool is right for your teaching and learning goals.
Feature
Camtasia
Video Express Room
Kaltura
Snagit
Record the instructor through Webcam
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Toggle instructor video on/off during recording
Not directly. Recorded video can be edited.
Yes
No
Yes
Record computer screen
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Record computer system audio
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Record handwriting
With a webcam/ or document camera
Yes
With a webcam/ or document camera
With a webcam or document camera
Pause and resume during recording
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Record from home/office
Yes
No
(KT G20)
Yes
Yes
Cut/trim part of media
Yes
Not directly
Yes
Yes
Highlight cursor or certain areas of screen
Yes
No
No
No
Add annotations (e.g., text, arrows, pixelate)
Yes
No, but can be edited in Camtasia.
No, but can be edited in Camtasia.
No
Upload to Kaltura
Share to computer and upload to Kaltura
Upload right after recording
Upload right after recording
Share to computer and upload to Kaltura
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Camtasia
Camtasia is a powerful and easy to use screen recorder and video editor. Camtasia features allow you to:
- Record your webcam.
- Record anything on your computer screen–websites, software, or PowerPoint presentations.
- Import existing images, videos, and audio to enhance existing videos or to create new videos.
- Use the built-in video editor to add enhancement features such as transitions, cursor effects, zoom-and-pan, and highlight.
- Share your finished video to Kaltura or other sites such as YouTube and Vimeo.
Download Camtasia
Camtasia can be downloaded for personal computers by visiting the Purdue University Community Hub. You will use your Purdue Credentials (not PFW) to login. If you do not know your Purdue Credentials, please contact the helpdesk to find your Purdue username and set up Purdue Boiler key.
To install Camtasia on your university-owned computers, please contact the helpdesk.
Visit the Camtasia Vendor Support Page for more resources.
Edit Videos with Camtasia
The Camtasia editor allows you to trim and cut video, zoom and pan, and add enhancements, including annotations, animations, interactive effects, and fade in/out.
Edit the recording
- Tutorial: Video editing basics in Camtasia (3:52)
- Tutorial: Editing audio in Camtasia (3:35)
- Tutorial: Add annotations, callouts, and titles to your videos in Camtasia (2:51)
- Tutorial: Zoom and pan in Camtasia (3:23)
Add Captions
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Kaltura
Kaltura offers two recording options: Kaltura Classroom and Kaltura Capture. Recordings created with Kaltura are made available through our Purdue Fort Wayne Kaltura Media Vault.
Access Kaltura
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Kaltura Classroom Capture: Record videos in classrooms that are set up with Kaltura Classroom. If you need technical assistance, please submit contact the helpdesk ([email protected]; 260-481-6030) or contact the Kaltura Administrator, Kurt Towsley, at 481-4147.
- Kaltura Capture: Record videos from your home or office computer using Kaltura Capture. To access Kaltura Capture for the first time, login with your PFW credentials to the PFW Kaltura site. After logging in, click 'ADD NEW' and choose 'Kaltura Capture' from the dropdown list. You will be prompted to download the app. After the first launch, you can launch Kaltura Capture as any other app on your computer.
- Kaltura Video Playlist for Instructors: [video]
Edit Videos with Kaltura
The Kaltura editor allows you to trim and cut video, fade in and out, and add interactive hotspots and questions to your videos.
Edit the recording
- Tutorial: Trim, cut, and add fade in and fade out effects using the Kaltura Video Editor. (4:00)
- Tutorial: Add interactive hotspots using the Kaltura Video Editor (2:25)
- Tutorial: Add quiz questions to Kaltura videos (8:30)
Add Captions
You can also visit the vendor’s Kaltura Capture Resources page for additional tutorials.
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Video Express Room
Video Express (KT G20) is a self-service video recording studio that allows faculty and staff to:
- Easily record high quality video in a pre-calibrated recording facility.
- incorporate multiple digital inputs into video, such as PowerPoint slides, movie files, and websites in addition to the video and audio of the presenter.
Please use the guide to reserve the Video Express Room (pdf) through the Video Express portal.
If you need assistance or more information, please contact DCS Online Learning at [email protected] or 260-481-6111.
Note: All academic content created for credit courses using Video Express are currently closed-captioned for free.
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SnagIt
Snagit allows instructors to create high-quality screen captures from their computers. Captures may be still images or videos.
Download SnagIt
- To obtain Snagit (self-supported computer and home request) please visit the Purdue University Community Hub.
- To install Snagit on your university-owned computers, please contact the helpdesk.
Edit Media in SnagIt
The SnagIt editor allows you to trim and cut videos. Still images may be enhanced within the Snagit tool (e.g., add text, shapes).
- Tutorial: Create and edit videos in Snagit (2:53)
- Visit the Snagit Vendor Support Page for more resources.