This course will show you how to plan, record, edit, and post short how-to style videos. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to build on existing skills, you will find everything you need to get started here.
Why Video?
Video is a powerful tool for reaching audiences, but not every situation calls for one. Recorded videos work especially well for instruction and how-to content with a strong visual component, emotional connections and outreach, and content shared on social media platforms such as Instagram.
Some projects are better suited to text. Written material can be reviewed faster and non-linearly, making it a better fit for content with tables, extensive references, or straightforward descriptions. You are the expert on the most appropriate medium for your audience.
Just like fact sheets and presentations, video content should be relevant and culturally appropriate. Consider reviewing the Audience and Need materials on the Learning and Development website for more information on needs assessment.
About This Course
This course was developed with input from the Online Video Clinic Team and UC ANR Strategic Initiative leaders. It is designed to provide the core skills needed to produce simple how-to videos for hosting on a personal or UC ANR-managed YouTube channel. By the end, you will have enough skills to make a basic video of 2 to 5 minutes in length. Larger or more ambitious projects will require additional practice.
Do not be afraid to experiment throughout the process — mistakes are great learning tools, and your skills and confidence will improve with each video you make. When you first see or hear yourself on video, it can feel unnerving, but your knowledge and expertise are what viewers are seeking.
How to Use This Site
This site was originally developed to accompany the Online Video Clinic webinar series held in Spring 2020. All materials from those sessions are incorporated here, including the webinar recordings, and the site functions as a standalone resource that anyone can work through at their own pace.
If you are a complete beginner, complete each section in the order shown in the navigation. Topics are arranged in a logical sequence that builds on itself as you progress, and some sections include sub-pages with additional content that can be revisited later as needed.
The website sections contain more detail than the webinar recordings. If you are unsure which to follow, start with the website and use the webinar segments to reinforce specific skills — each recording includes time stamps for the topics covered.
If you have previously used video tools from the Learning and Development website, you will find them incorporated under the appropriate sections here.
Video Clinic Learners
Webinar recordings from the Spring 2020 Online Video Clinic series are available under the Getting Started section.