How to create engaging video presentations for the classroom

Online and flipped learning classrooms continue to grow not only more popular in higher education, but also more vital to the success of both students and faculty.

Because of this, creating engaging video presentations is more important than ever—and it doesn’t have to be difficult!

VidGrid is the easy solution for colleges and universities that need to seamlessly implement an online video platform that integrates with existing learning management systems like Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, and more.

Versatile functionality and intuitive features are only half the battle, as content creators need to make the most of their screen time to help students maximize what they learn through video.

While every content creator has their own personal style, all will find that making videos more engaging will increase their audience’s understanding of the material.

Here are five simple rules to help create engaging video presentations for the classroom.

Rule #1: Be concise

People have short attention spans, so videos that are 5-10 minutes are ideal. When longer videos are necessary, break the content down into chunks that can be delivered like chapters in a book.

Use headers and key points in each section to help the audience digest the material. This can also be helpful for the content creator, as sections are much easier to re-record if an update is needed to keep the lesson relevant.

Rule #2: Repeat, but don’t be repetitive

Audiences will quickly zone out if they feel like they are being told the same thing over and over again. But hearing something just once risks it will be forgotten or not comprehended.

So important takeaways should be emphasized by including them on-screen while the audience is hearing them, and can be repeated by the video creator with a verbal acknowledgement that what is being related is vital to the lesson.

This interruption to the cadence of the presentation will be jarring enough to ensure the audience understands the gravity of a specific piece of information.

Rule #3: Use visuals wherever possible

A litany of text-heavy Powerpoint slides is certain to turn off an audience. People don’t need to read all of the same words on screen as they’re hearing from the video’s narrator.

Instead, spark the interest of each individual by providing images, animations, graphs, or other items of visual interest that supplement what the audience is hearing.

This will allow individuals to take in the information and write notes in a way that makes the most sense to them for better understanding and recall.

Rule #4: Ask questions

This is where VidGrid’s platform truly shines, as individual questions or small quizzes can easily be inserted throughout a video. The learning instantly changes from passive to active as a result, as each individual can be posed with questions related to the material they just watched. Answers can be required to continue watching the video, or can be optional throughout.

The content creator can also request feedback at the end of a video with comments or questions on the subject matter, or comments about the video itself—anything from pacing to production value—to help inform the creation of future videos.

Rule #5: Be yourself

Personality in and of itself is engaging. Think about it this way—do you prefer to listen to someone read prepared remarks, or discuss something off the cuff? Most people would prefer the latter, as it shows the interest level and the knowledge of the person delivering the information.

So while an outline and/or notes are certainly helpful, try to deliver some of the content without a script. Sure, there might be a minor hiccup here or there, but that just makes the individual on screen feel more human and relatable. And if there is a major error or the delivery just didn’t feel right, it can always be re-recorded.

Also, be sure to look directly at the camera. The audience will then feel like they are being spoken to directly as if part of a regular conversation.

For more tips on creating an engaging video or for more information about VidGrid, check out our video resource library!