Producing a great class on Skillshare doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few tools, you can record high-quality videos in your own home. We’ve put together these tips to help you get started.
When thinking about the best way to present your class content, there are 3 main formats we recommend:
Screencast Presentation
A screencast presentation is a combination of recording yourself and and a slide presentation that you prepare ahead of time in a program like PowerPoint, Keynote or Prezi. Slides allow you to deliver your content in a visual way to help your students understand the information.
Screencast Workflow
If you’re teaching a particular software like Photoshop, we recommend using a screencast workflow in which students can watch what you’re doing on your screen as you talk through your process.
For screencast presentations or workflows, you’ll need to download a screen recording software like Camtasia, Quickcast, or Screenflow.
Video Workflow
If your workflow is not done on a computer, you should record yourself working through the process of whatever you’re teaching. To record yourself working or speaking, you probably already have a tool that will work great. Check out these options:
Webcams:
A webcam is the quickest way to record yourself since you probably already have one built into your computer. Use third party software like EvoCam or iGlasses for Mac to control the white balance, brightness and contrast to make sure you look great. Place the webcam a bit above or at your eye line so it is pointing downwards slightly.
iPhones or iPads:
Quite possibly the most versatile piece of equipment you might already own is your iPhone or other mobile device. It can record video and decent-quality audio, and even turn into an additional light source if need be. Make sure you steady your iPhone by placing it on a tripod, using something like the Glif Tripod Mount, or even construct a tripod yourself.
Point & Shoot Digital Cameras:
Today’s point and shoot cameras are very powerful, and you or a family member most likely already have one at home. The basics for shooting with a point and shoot are pretty much the same as an iPhone in that you’ll need a tripod and way to record audio.
Audio tips
Recording clear audio is just as important as capturing great footage. The most basic rule is simple – the closer the microphone is to the source (your mouth) the better it will sound. Using your iPhone is a great option, but be sure to follow these tips:
- Whether you’re shooting with your webcam, point and shoot, or HDSLR, using your iPhone to record sound separately will make an enormous difference and be better than any microphone mounted to your camera.
- Come up with creative ways to get it as close to you as possible: if you don’t want to hold it, put an iPhone upside-down in your shirt pocket and hit record.
- Use Apple earbuds which have a microphone built-in. You can use something like a paper clip to attach the earbud microphone to the inside of your shirt.
Head to the Teacher Help Center for more tips and tricks, and start creating your class today!
Written by:
