MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are undoubtedly the most popular self-learning method today. However, for a MOOC course to be successful, one of the biggest challenges, apart from platform management and course content, is transforming a teacher's daily lectures into attractive instructional videos. Engaging instructional videos have the power to ignite and captivate students' learning enthusiasm and interest. Although video production is a routine task for professionals in the broadcasting industry, for schools, it poses a formidable obstacle. This is primarily because schools have practically relocated an entire television studio onto the campus, resulting in significant budget costs and challenges in program production. This is the current reality faced by many schools. In fact, the production of instructional videos for MOOCs is entirely different from television program production. Below, we present several common production methods with their pros and cons for your reference.
(I) Seven Common Instructional Video Production Methods
(a) Laptop Webcam Recording: Many laptops on the market come equipped with webcams. Paired with screen recording software, instructional videos can be easily created.
[Environmental Requirements] None
[Advantages]
[Disadvantages]
(b) Electronic Drawing Board: The most famous example is "The Khan Academy." With a drawing tablet and screen recording software, the video only shows the input screen with voice narration, keeping the teacher out of the frame.
[Environmental Requirements] None
[Advantages]
(c) Automated Lecture Recording: Utilizing tracking systems to achieve automatic camera switching, adjustments can be made based on the size of the classroom.
【Environmental Requirements】 Standard classrooms are sufficient.
【Advantages】
【Disadvantages】
E-Learning: Similar to an electronic whiteboard, it can project digital teaching materials onto the screen, allowing direct annotation using an interactive electronic pen, making program production easy. 【Environmental Requirements】 Four meters wide, five meters deep.
【Advantages】
【Disadvantages】
Multi-camera Shooting: Utilizes multiple cameras simultaneously capturing various angles, with a broadcasting machine switching between scenes based on real-time needs.
【Environmental Requirements】 According to instructional needs.
【Advantages】
【Disadvantages】
Virtual Studio Broadcasting System: Teachers shoot in a studio equipped with a large green screen, using background removal and virtual backgrounds/animations to create various instructional programs. Currently, this type of program production has matured, featuring simple and cost-effective equipment, delivering the best results.
【Environmental Requirements】 Single-setup: Three meters wide, six meters deep; Dual-setup: Five meters wide, eight meters deep.
【Advantages】
【Disadvantages】