Do you have to turn on the lights, buy a microphone, and set up a camera to shoot when building an online courses? 

For those of you who don’t like to show your face, or you don’t have that much budget for shooting, we recommend you to use “Screen Video” to create the online course.

The advantage of screen recording is that there is no need to purchase paid software. Generally, computers have built-in software, and there are many free software on the Internet. Because the shooting is in control of your own hands, you don’t need to show up for the whole process of video recording, you can use fragmented time to complete one by one, and save the time for dressing and makeup, as long as you focus on the content, and the picture material is prepared in advance, and editing can be done in short time.

Who is suitable for screen recording?

If you have any of the following conditions, screen recording is suitable for you

1. Knowledge-focused courses.

For example: investment and financial management, data analysis, software teaching. Practical courses, which deliver knowledgeable content, such as the introduction of tools in baking classes; concept explanations in exercise classes, which do not require the teacher to demonstrate in person, can be replaced by screen video, not necessarily all real shots.

2. Teachers who don’t like showing up.

Not everyone likes to face the camera, or it is unnatural to face the camera, overly concerned about the appearance, etc. If you also have such troubles, you can think about how the course can be transformed by using a screen recording.

What to prepare for screen recording?

What you need: Computer with installed or built-in screen recording software, headset, presentation or pre-operational software. The headset can be wired or wireless. If it is a wired headset, be careful that the microphone rubs against the collar or hair when recording; for wireless headsets, pay attention to whether it has a noise reduction function? Do not turn it on when recording to avoid the sound being muffled and not loud enough.

For Mac’s built-in screen recording software is: QuickTime. Press Command+5 to start recording. Windows computers are recommended to install free software such as Loom, Apowersoft, OBS & etc.

There are two ways to make screen recordings:

1. Simultaneous recording of picture and sound.

While recording the briefing/software operation screen and explaining it, it means that the screen and the sound are recorded in the same file. Usually, there is no need to edit it, but if you make a NG and make a mistake, it means you will start all over again.

2. The picture and sound are recorded separately.

If you are easy to screw up and speak poorly, you can use the second method, recording the sound first and then the picture. The first step is to record what you want to say into an audio file.

The second step, open the screen recording software, and open the computer’s system radio, do not need to plug in headphones.

The third step, after pressing record, play your audio file and switch between presentations or software screens while listening.

In this way, you won’t encounter the dilemma that NG has to be all over again, as long as the two files are merged in post-production. In this way, it will be suggested to write out the oral script, and read it according to the script, and it is less likely to make mistakes!

Notes on screen recording

1. Sound Testing

Before the actual shooting, try recording for 2~3 minutes, grab the appropriate distance between the mouth and the microphone, and avoid too loud or too low.

2. Ambient Sound

Is there any echo in the recorded environment? Is there any traffic noise or horn sound? When recording, make sure that the environment is quiet, and turn off mobile phones, TVs, fans, air conditioners, and other electrical appliances to avoid noise from electromagnetic waves.

3. Headphones

Use a microphone, or headphones with a microphone, and take note of rubbing between your hair and clothing.ers, and other electrical appliances to avoid noise from electromagnetic waves.