Your Teaching, On Demand

Instructional videos let students learn at their own pace, review as needed, and access your teaching even when absent. They are essential for flipped classrooms and increasingly useful in any teaching model.

When to Use Video

Flipped classroom content delivery
Absent student catch-up
Parent resources (how to help with homework strategies)
Demonstration of procedures or techniques
Review before assessments
Substitute plans

Creating Effective Videos

Keep Them Short -- 5-10 minutes maximum. Research shows engagement drops dramatically after 6 minutes. If you need more time, make multiple short videos.

One Topic Per Video -- Cover one concept or skill per video. This makes them easy to find and rewatch.

Plan Before Recording -- Outline what you will cover. This prevents rambling and keeps videos focused.

Talk Naturally -- Use a conversational tone, as if explaining to one student. Do not read from a script.

Recording Options

Screencasting -- Record your screen while narrating. Great for slides, websites, and digital demonstrations. Tools: Loom (free tier), Screencastify, OBS Studio (free).

Document Camera -- Record your hands writing or solving problems on paper. Best for math demonstrations and science procedures.

Whiteboard Recording -- Record yourself at a whiteboard or using a digital whiteboard. Closest to in-class instruction.

Face to Camera -- Record yourself speaking. Best for instructions, introductions, and relationship building.

Production Tips

Quiet environment (close the door, avoid background noise)
Good lighting (face a window or use a desk lamp)
Stable camera or screen recording
Speak clearly and at a moderate pace
Use visuals alongside narration

Sharing and Organizing

Create a YouTube channel (unlisted videos for privacy), use Google Drive, or post in your LMS. Organize by unit or topic so students can find what they need.

Accessibility

Add captions (YouTube auto-generates them, then edit for accuracy)
Provide transcripts or notes
Use high contrast and large text in visuals

Creating Video Lessons: A Teacher Guide