How to Create
VIDEO LESSONS
A guidebook for K-12 educators
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If you’re new to creating videos for online learning, this guide will help make that
process a bit easier for you.
There are 3 big ideas to keep in mind with video: it needs to be engaging, concise,
and easy to watch. To support you with that, this guide includes:
1. A video with an overview of planning, creating, and sharing a video presentation.
We do this from the perspective of creating a PD session, but you can easily use
this for any lesson or teaching experience you’re recording for online use.
2. A video editing cheat sheet with the 7 steps you’ll need to edit and share your
videos (this is great to use alongside the video presentation).
3. A list of video recording resources you can use which are simple, yet effective.
4. Key tips for making your video shine
If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, take a breath and step away for a few
minutes. You CAN do this! But video creation and editing requires a learning curve. So
just acknowledge that you’re learning and give yourself some grace. Then, come back
to your project and keep trying.
Step 1: Watch this Video Tutorial
In this 2-part video, you’ll be able to
Tutorial: How to follow along as we build a video lesson
Create a Video from scratch using both iMovie and
WeVideo.
Lesson
WATCH HERE
Having trouble adding YouTube videos to Google
Classroom?
Watch this video tutorial on how to make them
accessible for your students.
KEY TIPS FOR
MAKING YOUR VIDEO SHINE
You don’t have to be a Hollywood producer to make your video production stand out.
In fact, the less effects you add, the better! Instead, focus on these 3 areas to make a
big difference in your video quality.
1 LIGHTING
Having good lighting helps people see and connect with you.
PRO TIP: Use natural light from a window or lots of lamps set up behind the
camera. Don’t have lights behind you as it will cast a shadow.
2 SOUND
People will often forgive poor video quality, but they will not forgive bad sound
quality! When recording, try to be in a room with carpeting or rugs to dampen any
echo.
PRO TIP: use a microphone if you have one or headphones with a mic. Speak
clearly and a bit slower than your normal pace.
3 VIEWING AREA
Make sure you’re using a tripod or your recording device is being held steady by
another device. NEVER hold your camera to shoot video.
PRO TIP: Check the angle of your camera to your face. It should either be straight
on or slightly above you. Do NOT look down at the camera - all people will see is
your nostrils.
BONUS TIP
To capture a similar feeling of being in-person, you’ll need to be a bit more animated on camera. Make
sure to smile often, use hand gestures, and add movement where appropriate.
