Ideas

Here are some ideas for what you and your students can do with digital video, and how to get started. Browse down the page for full descriptions for each item. We’ll add some specific examples from around Duke as the semester progresses.

• Create a video to demonstrate a group project or activity
• Record a short video reflection in response to a discussion, reading or assignment
• Document a rehearsal or performance
• Create an original work designed for video
• Capture primary source materials for a research project documentary
• Record “Just in time” video to enhance group activities or provide peer feedback
• Set up a guest lecture in video, given by an off-campus expert
• Excerpt academic video content from iTunesU
• Record video commentary on an image, audio or video file

Duke faculty who would like to learn more about these or other ways of using digital video may request a consultation with a CIT staff member.

Students can create a video to demonstrate a product, tool, or program developed for a class assignment. In preparing the video, students learn how to craft an effective message by identifying the most important points they want to make about their work. The video could be used in place of, or as a supplement to, a traditional presentation and could also be used as an example in later semesters for students who are working on similar assignments. To carry out a project like this, you need a video camera and access to video editing software. Some instruction on storyboarding (planning the content of the video, scene by scene) could also be helpful.

Recommended DDI resources: miniDV kits, standard definition hard drive video kit

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The video tools available today make it very easy to record a short video response to a class discussion, a reading or other academic activities. This doesn’t even need to be considered a “project”, since a short response can be recorded and uploaded to a course Web space in 10-15 minutes or less, from start to finish – no video editing necessary!

Recommended DDI resources: Flip video camera, Web camera

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In some disciplines, students create skits and perform theatrical or musical works. In these cases, students may create a short video that captures an individual rehearsal or performance or tells the story of the work they’ve completed over time in preparation for a performance. Technical needs depend on the length of the recording and whether any editing is needed after the video has been recorded.

Recommended DDI resources: Flip video camera or Web camera (for short recordings with limited editing needs); : miniDV kits or standard definition hard drive video kit (for longer recordings or projects that involve editing).

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Students in some classes design advertising campaigns or public service, and the end result for these might be a short video that can be shown and tested within the Duke community. In other classes, students work in groups to develop or adapt stories to create a short movie, sharing responsibility for all aspects of the production from scripting, shooting, and editing. To carry out a project like this, you need a video camera and access to video editing software. Some instruction on storyboarding (planning the content of the video, scene by scene) could also be helpful.

Recommended DDI resources: miniDV kits, standard definition hard drive video kit

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Some students may wish to record interviews to document the experiences of a community group or to provide background and context for a historical research project. Students can record video footage of these interviews and then use excerpts within presentations or a multimedia-enhanced research paper, or they may create a short documentary about the subject of their research. Resource recommendations depend on the length of the recording and whether any editing is needed after the video has been recorded.

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Video doesn’t have to mean a big project that takes a long time to complete. Students can use simple video equipment to record a quick presentation of the results or conclusions from a breakout group session. Faculty may also record class presentations or debates so students can review and provide additional peer feedback after the class session is over.

Recommended DDI resources: Flip video camera, Web camera, miniDV kits, Webconferencing/streaming kit

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Bring an expert from another institution into your class without the expense of travel! As long as the person on the other end has a Web camera, you can use Web conferencing tools to have the expert speak to your class live on video. Students can submit text questions and interact with the speaker as much as you wish. Provided the speaker has given permission in advance, you can also record the presentation for later playback.

Recommended DDI resources: Adobe Connect Web conferencing software

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The free Apple iTunes U service contains a wide range of academic content in video form from Duke and many other institutions. You can download these videos to your computer and use in your courses. Students may also wish to use excerpts from these in presentations or as background for research projects. The inexpensive QuickTime Pro software makes it easy to trim iTunes U video

Recommended DDI resources: QuickTime Pro (available to students in the Multimedia Project Studios; available to Duke faculty in the CIT lab or through a DDI grant)

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Have you ever wanted to record commentary on a video clip you use in class, for student viewing outside of the classroom? Would you like to have students record their reactions to an image, audio clip or video you are studying? All of this and more is possible through the Voicethread tool Duke is piloting in Fall 2008. Voicethread is Web-based; all you need to record your commentary is a microphone or Web camera.

Recommended DDI resource: Voicethread (Duke faculty can apply to participate in our Fall 2008 pilot).

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