Lecture Capture
Lecture capture is an encompassing term describing any technology
that allows instructors to record what happens in their classrooms
and make it available digitally. The term is used to describe a wide
array of software, system capabilities, and hardware options. (ELI, 2008)
LEDS regularly consults with faculty to plan for successful lecture capture using a desktop computer capture approach. We are available to assist community members with the creation of digital content in order to reach the appropriate audience during or outside class using Blackboard, WordPress or other webpage where recordings can be shared with the intended audience.
Why is Lecture Capture important?
Students can re-visit difficult concepts at their own pace they may not have fully understood the first time presented
Allow more time for interactions and activities that let students practice, demonstrate and apply their knowledge in-class while learning from each other
Allows non-native speakers of English to re-watch, look up and clarify any misunderstood content covered in class
Students also can use the software to practice presentation delivery and interviewing skills for feedback and coaching
Using recording software installed on a Mac or Windows computer, the desktop capture approach involves the use of a webcam and/or mic to record oneself at the classroom podium with or without screen sharing enabled. The recording application may come with lightweight-editing software and double as the hosting platform and server where the video recordings are stored and accessed. LEDs recommends Ensemble’s Anthem which can be installed on any computer at the College. Other desktop capture applications available include Screenflow and Captivate which are available in the Learning Lab in Library 222. Additionally, Zoom can be used to capture a presentation along with one’s voice and/or video. More information about finding the best tool for your scenario may be found here.
Anthem — as of 8/31/19, Panopto is discontinued
Overview
Anthem is a self-service tool that lets faculty create playback video recordings of their computer display, Power Point or Keynote presentations, along with voice and optional video feed. Its user guide is here.
For faculty who use Blackboard, Anthem can be initiated from within the course and made available to students immediately after class or at a later time. It is also possible to use Anthem without Blackboard.
Equipment
Most podium computers are not equipped with a camera or mic because it is nearly impossible to secure them. IT has loaner webcams available or you may purchase your own. We recommend the use of a webcam that comes with a built-in mic. Media Services loans out Logitech C190 webcams.
Software
In order to have access to Anthem, you must speak with a LEDS colleague in order to be granted permission in the system to create lecture capture. Anthem requires the use of its Recorder application. It is downloaded and installed on your Mac or Windows computer from within a Blackboard course or from Skidmore’s Ensemble webpage. If you are not using Blackboard, contact LEDS for the software link. For use with a classroom podium computer, you must submit an IT Help Desk ticket or contact LEDS to request an Anthem installation on either the Mac or PC computer.
Login to Blackboard Navigate to your course. In the course menu, click on the + and Tool Link. The + symbol is mostly obscured by the white X in the purple box so you will most likely not see it readily. Be sure to the click on the lower right hand corner of the purple box just where a small circle can be seen shown below in the image. The Add Tool Link pull down menu will now display. More information about the steps to enable Anthem.
Tripod-Mounted Video Camera Capture
This approach uses a more traditional live performance setup where a camera is positioned on a tripod at the rear of the classroom and presenters wear a lapel mic to capture audio. Depending on the scope of the project and frequency of recording, this can be a much higher-stakes and resource-intensive approach and set up than desktop capture. Careful planning involving staff support may be required to implement the appropriate conditions to create a high quality video. Software such as iMovie, Screenflow and Adobe Premiere are especially well suited for editing. The final cut is then uploaded to a streaming video server such as Ensemble.
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