INSTRUCTOR’S GUIDE TO VIDEO ASSIGNMENTS

Advanced Assignment

While anyone can make videos using their phone or zoom, an engaging, shareable video takes some technical skill. This section offers resources that will help you learn how to record high-quality audio and video clips with basic (free) tools and stitch them together into a full video.

  1. Think about videos you love to watch and browse the tutorial videos in this guide to get a sense of what kind of video you can make.

  2. Write the script for your video.

  3. Record yourself reading out your script using your phone, camera, or zoom.

  4. Record “B Roll” footage of related visual content to use in your video or find creative commons images to mix between clips of you speaking. 

  5. Find free creative commons music and sound effects online to use in your video.

  6. Edit your footage together using iMovie (Mac computers), Windows Movie Maker (Windows computers), or another free video editing software. 

  7. Add background music at a low volume to play under your video.

  8. Upload your video to YouTube and submit the link to your professor or submit the video file.

Ready to get started? Check out some tutorials and example videos.

Students might encounter the following questions through this assignment:

  • Does a video essay differ in content from a written essay? How much, if at all, do I need to alter my writing style for a spoken video-essay

  • How can video and images be used to enhance my argument?

  • How do I record a video? What are ways I can use video editing software to make a higher quality video? 

  • How do I make a video that has pleasing visuals and audio? What skills do I need to accomplish this?

  • Can a simple video recording of a spoken essay make an equally effective argument as a more complex video that combines multiple clips, transitions, images, audio, etc.? What role does video editing serve in making a compelling argument?