An educational video can be a great teaching tool or just a fun way to share your knowledge with the world. With easy accessibility and the growing popularity of sites like YouTube (which has over 1.8 billion users), educational videos are a great option for teaching others what you know. The visual and auditory appeal of this type of teaching tool is ideal for those who have a greater ease with visual and auditory learning. Whether your goal is to win a million views or just a small classroom, educational videos allow you to convey information in a powerful and dynamic way.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Take care of the technical details
Step 1. Identify the equipment needed for filming
Do you want to film your educational video with a phone or digital camera, or do you prefer to use a high-tech camcorder and include a microphone? It's important that you evaluate everything you need before starting the video to make sure the process runs smoothly.
- Pay attention to the light. Correct lighting is very important. Therefore, consider filming in a place with natural light during the day or bringing your own lights to a filming location to make the video look good.
- Use a good quality microphone. A good microphone will help you get your message across loud and clear on video. Even a small one can improve video quality significantly.
- Evaluate the objectives of your video. Is your intention to show it in a professional workshop or in classes? In this case, you may want to invest in a higher quality camcorder for a more professional shot. However, if you only want to record it for fun, you may feel more comfortable shooting with equipment you already own, such as a tablet or cell phone.
Step 2. Choose the filming location
An optimal place to film should be one where you feel comfortable and can install the necessary equipment for your educational video. In addition, it is important that it be as quiet as possible to avoid interference in the video.
Approach the location before you start filming, if possible. Pay attention to the noise level at different times of the day and choose the best background to shoot the video
Step 3. Get familiar with a video editing tool
After shooting the video, you may want to do some editing. Tools like Windows Movie Maker (for PC) or iMovie (for Mac) can be very useful for making edits to the final footage. These programs allow you to import and edit videos, add and edit audios, and share the final product online.
Use other technical resources to incorporate cool features. Tools like GoAnimate (which allows you to create cartoons), Google Story Builder (which allows you to create mini movies and video stories) and Stupeflix (which allows you to animate photos and videos in a slide show) will make your video look more professional
Step 4. Visit a site like YouTube
Find a page where you want to upload your educational video to share with the world. YouTube is an excellent option since it has the best tools to work with videos and allows you to embed and share videos easily. Many people choose to upload their educational videos to YouTube.
Watch other educational videos. Before creating your own video, a good idea is to review other creations to know what to do and what not to do
Step 5. Find out what already exists and how to make your video unique
A quick YouTube and Google search for your topic will help you determine the type of video that already exists regarding the topic you want to address.
- Don't be demotivated if you find similar videos. Many people watch multiple videos on the same topic to learn something new.
- Determine how to make your video stand out from the rest. Identify anything you want to know that is not included in another video and be sure to incorporate it into yours.
Part 2 of 3: Prepare to Make Your Educational Video
Step 1. Identify your topic of interest
Pick something you know well or learn something new and share your new knowledge with the world.
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Determine what type of educational video you want to make.
- Do you want to do a tutorial or provide detailed information on a specific topic?
- Do you want to include interactive activities or will you speak throughout the video?
- Prepare an outline of the video structure before you start shooting.
Step 2. Prepare a script
Proper preparation of an educational video is key. Many people (especially those who are camera shy) feel more comfortable speaking during filming once they have rehearsed what they want to say.
Make sure you have the correct information. Before making an educational video, double-check the information to make sure you share correct knowledge. You never know how many people will watch your video
Step 3. Practice your script
The key to creating an educational video and showing yourself as an expert is to convey your message with confidence and security. The best way to gain this confidence is repetition.
- Practice in front of the mirror. Going through the script with no one around to criticize you can be a good way to refine your content and gain confidence.
- Practice with a friend to get their opinion. You may find it helpful to have someone else listen to the script before filming and posting the video.
- If possible, practice speaking from memory without reverting to your notes.
Step 4. Obtain the necessary support material
Think about the message you want to convey and find any supporting material that will make the video clearer and more stimulating for viewers.
- Watch other educational videos to see how they use support materials effectively (if at all). While it's important that you don't copy another creation, you might get inspiration from watching other people's videos.
- Remember that this material can be as simple or complex as you wish. There are no specific guidelines for creating your educational video. The materials you use will be unique depending on the topic you want to present.
Step 5. Do a dress rehearsal or dress rehearsal
Remember that speaking in front of the camera can be very different from speaking in front of the mirror. The more practice you have, the better the video will be.
- If possible, shoot the general or costume video. This will allow you to look at it several times, review your performance, and identify any mistakes you have made.
- Ask a trusted friend to watch the video and provide constructive criticism. An unbiased third party could better identify errors or potential distractions in your video.
Part 3 of 3: Prepare Your Video
Step 1. Recruit someone to film you, if possible
While you can make the video on your own, it can be helpful to have someone take care of the camera so you can focus on the message you want to convey. In addition, the videographer will provide you with instant feedback and will be able to pay attention to things like light and sound.
Step 2. Dress to make a good impression
When making an educational video, it is important that the audience feels that you are an expert on the subject, even if you are not!
Dress appropriately based on the topic of the video. If you want to talk about preparing for an interview, ideally you should dress as you would for this type of situation. However, if you want to explain how to fix an oil leak in your car, you may need to wear different clothing
Step 3. Keep the video concise
Some research has shown that the average attention span is 7 to 15 minutes. Remember this when preparing the video and make sure it is as concise as possible, while continuing to convey your message.
Step 4. Upload your video to the computer
After preparing the video, you will need to upload it to the computer in order to edit it.
Make sure to save the raw footage as a separate document so you can edit it and make changes in the future
Step 5. Post the video
You can do this on a site like YouTube to reach a wide audience. It could even go viral!
- Read the wikiHow article to learn how to edit YouTube videos as a great starting point.
- Consider using the creators page on YouTube. This site will help you improve your video production skills, understand your audience, and give your channel a boost.
Step 6. Ask viewers for comments and suggestions
Your audience is a great source of comments and feedback for your video. Pay attention to how many "likes" and "dislikes" you receive and focus on the constructive comments that are posted.
Ignore negative or rude comments. Pay no attention to personal attacks or criticism that is not constructive
Step 7. Review your analysis
For example, YouTube allows you to see who is watching your video, for how long, the age and location of viewers, and other useful statistical data. This will help you understand the demographics of the people you reach with your educational video.