MOOC about MOOCs: design and develop high-quality MOOCs: In depth content - Self Video Recording

You can use your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Don’t think a smartphone is less professional: sometimes it’s even better than a PC simply because it’s more modern.
If you are recording with your smartphone, make sure the device is perfectly still, whether you are using a tripod or someone else is recording you.
Check the camera settings to use the highest possible resolution (ideally Full HD 1920x1080). If using a smartphone, the rear camera usually offers the best resolution.
Make sure the lens is clean!
You can use a second device to record audio only.
If you don’t know how to record yourself, we recommend Open Broadcaster Software if you are using a Windows computer. If you are using a Mac, you can use QuickTimeinstead. If you are using a tablet or smartphone, just use the camera app.
No logos or written words in the camera frame (unless they are related to your work or institution). Also, check your clothing.

Do a test before starting the actual recording: check audio quality and speech speed to make sure your words are clearly understandable.
If someone is helping you with the recording, remind them not to touch the microphone while you are speaking.

The place should be quiet and not subject to sudden noise changes (doors opening unexpectedly, windows open to traffic, etc.).
The light should be balanced! Make sure natural or artificial light is sufficient to evenly illuminate your face. Too much white light isn’t good either — your face shouldn’t look too pale. Try to avoid neon lights.
Be careful with backlighting: don’t stand with your back to a window.
Choose a background suitable for your speech (a bookshelf, a wall with a meaningful picture, etc.).
Prefer small spaces over large ones: the larger the set, the more the sound echoes.

If you are using a smartphone or tablet, keep it horizontal, not vertical.
Choose a framing that suits the location (at home, in the lab, etc.). Keep in mind that the farther away you are, the less clear the audio will be.
The camera should be aligned with your body — not too high, not too low. Ideally, it should meet your gaze.
If you are reading your speech, try to keep the text (printed or on a screen) as close as possible to the camera so your gaze is directed toward both.
Make sure the focus is on your face.
In the camera frame, your head should not be at the point where the diagonals intersect but slightly higher (otherwise there will be too much empty space above your head).
You can choose to stand or sit; avoid standing in the center of the frame — in most cases, it’s better to stay slightly to the right or left.

Write your speech before recording and save it for future needs (see all the guidelines provided in Week 2). You’ll be more fluent if you have the text available. Try reading it aloud to test timing, pronunciation, and fluency.
If you’re reading, remember to use a natural tone, as if you were speaking to someone rather than reading. Keep the pace lively and engaging.
If you’re reading, you can use the following online teleprompters:

Remember to do a test recording at the same time of day as the actual recording, so the lighting is the same.
It’s not necessary to record everything in one take; you can divide the storyboard into several sections and record them as separate clips.
After starting the camera, stay still and silent for 2–3 seconds, then start speaking.
If you make a mistake: stop, pause, and restart from the incorrect sentence — we’ll fix it later.
Once you finish speaking, stay still and silent for a few seconds, looking at the camera (this will help us with editing and cutting the video).
Watch your recording: make sure there’s no background noise and check that you said everything you intended to, especially if you did multiple takes or clips.

Save or print all this useful information to independently produce effective videos — you can find it all gathered in this infographic.

You can download it for free at this link: