Capturing (video and audio recording) student activities, for example – role-play sessions for use as formative reflective learning materials can be an effective teaching and learning practice. As part of its suite of multimedia enhancement tools DMU has the facilities in many of its teaching spaces for academic staff to employ this approach.
Click here to see a DMU case study of this approach in practice
The information below provides key information and step by step guides about how to use this approach in practice.
It is advised that before trying this approach you discuss your requirements with your Faculty ELT Project officer
Prior to the session
1. Identify the appropriate AV equipment for the classroom in which the session is taking place
Video camera
If the room has a ceiling mounted video camera (see image below) ensure that it can be positioned to adequately capture the activities. In some rooms ceiling mounted cameras cannot be positioned to record the middle of the classroom.
If the room has no ceiling mounted video camera, you will need to borrow a USB web camera from AV services
If using a USB web camera ensure that it is positioned in such a way as to capture the required activity.
Microphone for recording the audio
Ideally you should use a room in which there are ceiling microphones, as this will effectively pick up any sounds from the middle of the room.
If the room has no ceiling mounted microphone(s), you will need to borrow a USB microphone from AV services
Ensure that you position the USB microphone as close as possible to the activities that you are recording.
2. Obtain participant consent
Prior to the session you must ensure that consent has been given by all participants in the session. [Tell me more about consent]
During the session
Making the recording
To use the Panopto software for recording classroom activities:
1. Connect all required devices
– Web Camera (if necessary)
– USB microphone (if necessary)
2. Launch Panopto
3. Select the Blackboard shell to which this recording will be assigned (as is usual practice)
4. Select the required devices
ensure that any video device is de-selected as a primary source and added as a secondary source
– ensure that the Capture PowerPoint option is NOT selected
– ensure that the level of the audio is loud enough
5. Begin the recording
6. Stop the recording and follow the usual post-recording procedures.