Avoid the Talking Head! Creating engaging and effective
instructional ‘video’
While you wait:• Think of something to
finish this sentence:“I like ___________
• Then DRAW a picture or symbol to represent that item.
“I like making videos.”
Not Just the ‘Talking Head’: Creating engaging and effective
instructional ‘video’
Duren Thompson
• Professional Developer – Education
• Dang Yankee
• Adult Literacy/ESL
• ‘Low-tech’ tech geek• Online/blended learning• Flipped learning• Gamification• Learning disabilities
Creating Video: The Talking Head
The Elmo Saves the Day
Diving the RMS Rhone
Need image
Creating Video: The WRONG Way
WHY?
1. Purpose2. Audience3. Approach4. Storyboard5. Edit & Revise6. Script & Materials7. Practice8. Record9. Review/Edit10. Disseminate
Planning Steps
Why Create Video vs. Finding Video
Why Create Video vs. Finding Video
• Personal Connection
Why Create Video vs. Finding Video
• Personal Connection
• Customization / Individualization
Why Create Video vs. Finding Video
• Personal Connection
• Customization
• Local Context
Why Create Video vs. Finding Video
• Personal Connection
• Individualization
• Local Context
• Speed
Let’s Make a Video
Purpose/Audience
• Form a personal connection
• SHORT Intro video
• Manage expectations
• Survey Tech Issues
• (ESL) practice common intro
Structure (ESL)• Sound – tone, local accents
• Facial expression, lip position
• Body language/gestures
= ‘Talking Head’
Storyboard
Hello Name &I Teach
And I…
ScriptHello,
my name is __________________
I teach and I…_____________, ___________
PracticeHello,
my name is __________________
I teach and I…_____________, ___________
Record!• Choose Actor and Camera operator
• 2 minutes to make video
• Return to room
• Reflect on the process (and result)
Reflections
• What surprised you? Or stood out?
• Is it OK? Need to redo?
• Anything you would change?(to better meet need/purpose)
• Thoughts on the process?
Planning is KEY
1. Purpose2. Audience3. Approach
Planning is KEY
How LONG should it be?
How LONG should it be?
2 to 5 min
The ideal length for instructional screencast videos by Ellis Pratt
How LONG should it be?
2 to 5 minshorter is better!
What is the CRITICAL INFORMATION?
Focused
(or chunked)
FAIL!
Audience Needs
Instructional Purpose• Set – activate prior knowledge?
• Deliver key concept(s)?
• Show range of examples?
• Demonstrate process?
• Provide practice?
• Project instructions?
StructureWhat approach to use.
Exampleshttps://clee.utk.edu/avoi
d-the-talking-head/
RIM StructureRecorded Instructional Multi-media
Most Compelling
Most Compelling ≠ Always BEST
RIM Formality• One-time or repeated use?
• Topic: simple or complex?
• Purpose?
• Private or public?
4. StoryboardPlanning is KEY
4. Storyboard5. Edit & Revise6. Script & Materials
(Edit & Revise again)
Planning is KEY
Planning is KEY7. Practice
PRACTICEPRACTICE!
Planning is KEY7. Practice
PRACTICEPRACTICE!
But let yourself shine through –little mistakes are OK!
8. Now CREATE!
(2 copies)
9. Review/Edit10. Disseminate
Planning is KEY
YOUR Rights!All Rights Reserved
OR
Accommodations
How much TIME does this take?
1. Purpose2. Audience3. Approach4. Storyboard5. Edit & Revise6. Script & Materials7. Practice8. Record9. Review/Edit10. Disseminate
Process Review
The BIG ideas1. PLAN your RIM/Video2. Match RIM to
Purpose/Learner3. Dare to create!
(but keep it short!)
YOUR NEXT STEPS
Evaluations
Duren Thompson
Plan a VideoCHOOSE ONE:
1. There, they’re, their
2. The water cycle
3. Area vs perimeter
4. The 3 branches of US government
5. How to boil pasta
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