VIDEO FOR EXTENSION

The why, and how of video for education and extension.

November, 2010

WHY USE VIDEO

• Reuse – record once and unleash on the world• Preservation – captures time unfolding• Demonstration – effectiveness in documenting

technique• Low cost – relatively speaking

TYPES OF VIDEO

• Educational– Interviews– Demonstrations– Discussion

• Promotional– Outside the scope of this presentation

EARLY EXPERIENCE -DEMONSTRATING TECHNIQUE

• Grafting – video developed by Ken Mudge to demonstrate grafting techniques 1999

• Used (and still in use) for distance learning.• Precursor of many of our educational videos

– Examples include• Marcia Eames Sheavly - Watercolor• Forest Farming • Beginning Farmers

INTERVIEWS - PRESERVATION AND EDUCATION

• Oral history– Jim Spero example

• http://bit.ly/cdvy2S• Research Narrative

– Scientifically Speaking• http://bit.ly/aIH5DW

CREATING VIDEOS

• The basic elements:– Hardware

• Cameras, microphone, etc– Software

• Editing, compression– Topic (and people)– Planning

• Storyboards• Release forms

HARDWARE

• Cameras– SONY HD Handycam (model varies)

• Consumer and pro/prosumer models• Cost $450.00 - $Thousands

• Tripod– Sony,Slik,Manfrotto

• Better not to skimp, but budget dependent• Audio

– Azden WLX-PRO Wireless Lavalier System• Not the most expensive, but we’ve had good luck

with this lavalier mic system

HARDWARE, PART 2

• Computer:– PC:

• Minimum 2 GB RAM, 4 or 8 better• Hard Drive(s) – Bigger is better, 2 drives is better,

too.• USB 2 (minimum) and firewire ports• Good video card (512MB, ATI)• Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 (or faster)• 64 bit processor if using Premiere Pro CS5

– Mac:• Minimum 2 GB RAM, 4 or 8 better• Has built in firewire, usb, etc…

SOFTWARE

• Multiple Options– Dependent on operating system

• For PC’s:– Windows Movie Maker– Pinnacle Studio– Adobe Premiere

• For Mac:– iMovie– Final Cut Express– Final Cut Pro

– Camtasia Studio• Great product for many uses, not technically a video

editing product

NEW, EMERGING VIDEO DEVICES

• Cellphones, flip video, Kodak Zi and related small objects.– Advantages:

• Lower cost• Portable• High quality vide

– Disadvantages:• Poor audio quality• Steady hand needed

Storyboarding is key to both planning and the success of your project.

In the case of an interview, well planned and thought out questions replace the storyboard.

PLANNING WITH STORYBOARDSStoryboarding is:• A sketch of how you want to

organize your video.• Helps define the focus and key

moments you want to capture.• Will help reduce editing time.• Is not a work of art.

INTERVIEWING FOR VIDEO

• Know your topic• Prepare your questions in advance• Do not fear silence• Think conversation, not interview• Ask for explanations of technical terms• Pay attention – people are more open and

responsive when they feel like they are being heard.

• Pay Attention – listen deeply and follow up – on either what is said, or what is left unsaid.

IMPORTANCE OF GOOD AUDIO

• People will, generally, forgive poor image quality if the audio is good.

• Test audio before you begin filming.• Always have spare batteries if your mics need

them.• If you are relying on the built in audio of your

video camera:– Minimize extraneous noises.– Be close to your subject.– Do not film outside on a windy day.

EDITING VIDEO

• Can be time consuming:– Storyboarding can help reduce the time

needed.– Current hardware helps (it is possible to edit

video on a 6 year old Dell laptop running Linux, using open source tools, but just because something is possible doesn’t make it reasonable).

– Just getting started? Use the simplest, most basic tool ( Moviemaker, iMovie).

– Save the original footage, project files, etc…. Just in case.

CREATING VIDEO FROM PICTURES

• Compelling and informative video can be made using still pictures and narration.

• Advantages:– Lower cost– Faster time to the web– Easy to learn and use software

• Camtasia Studio – an excellent software package all around.

HOSTING

• Youtube– Large audience– Easy upload– 10 minute limit on video length.

• Vimeo– Less well know– Easy upload– 500mb per week upload limit– Can control who has access

PARTICIPATORY VIDEO

• Turning the camera over to your “stakeholders”.• Focus on process, rather than product• Can empower a group or community to tell their

own stories.• Means giving up control.• Merits it’s own presentation, someday……

LINKS AND CONTACT

• All links and a copy of this presentation:– http://

spstaff2.cce.cornell.edu/Information_Technology/Pages/VideoforExtension.aspx

– http://bit.ly/92iU7U

• Contact:– Paul Treadwell– pt36@cornell.edu