Video announcements keep the human touch in online communication. Video allows you to convey a great deal of non-verbal communication through facial expressions, body language, and voice tone. As long as you provide the same ‘message’ in written format, you can communicate with students virtually while displaying empathy and reassurance.
Canvas Media Recorder + Transcript
You can record a video message using the built-in media recorder in Canvas. However, this should only be used for temporary messages (i.e., announcements, feedback, etc.) These videos cannot be captioned, so using them for a lecture leaves out students with audio or visual impairment. If you are looking for a simple process for creating a video lecture, follow the steps for using Zoom.
Process:
- Write your script in a Word Document or Google Doc
- Record your video using the Canvas Media Recorder.
- Upload your transcript as a File or copy and paste the link to your Google Doc.
- If you link a Google Doc, be sure the document is shared as ‘anyone with the link can view.’
- Beneath your video type, ‘Read a Transcript of [name of video].’
- Hyperlink ‘Read a Transcript of [name of video]’ text to your Word File or Google Doc
Suggested uses:
- Announcements
- Reminders and/or brief overview of upcoming items/events
- Providing verbal directions to go with written direction
- Humanized ‘check-ins.’
- Feedback on student work (Only provide video feedback if you know a student does not have any visual/audio needs)
What do you need?
- A script, so you can provide the same message in writing.
- A quiet place to record (consider what’s behind you when recording).
- Earbuds with a built-in microphone to improve audio quality
Limited Recording Options:
- Videos cannot be downloaded for captioning
- The video will only capture you talking. You cannot screencast over additional media (i.e., presentation slides)
- You cannot edit your video
