In a recent Using Video & Digital Media to Engage Students information session for the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) I shared some of my favorite media creation tools. The following are all the tools that I have used or are still using on a regular basis. In future posts, I will go into greater detail on how to use these tools.
Digital Storytelling
The Center for Digital Storytelling is my starting point for creating powerful stories. The Digital Storytelling Cookbook PDF is worth the $20 US but in case you want to check it out first before spending the money you can always start with preview a partial version of the book at:
http://storycenter.org/s/cookbook_sample.pdf
Video
iMovie
If you are a Mac user then you should already have iMovie on your system. If you don’t your best your best starting point for iMovie https://www.apple.com/ca/support/mac-apps/imovie/
This site covers everything from where to download iMove to how to use it and connect to others who are using the software.
Not Suited for School But Suited For Learning was created using iMovie & Audacity
Camtasia
Screen Recording & Video Editing – Camtasia helps you create professional videos by enabling you to easily record your screen movements and actions, or import HD video from a camera or other source. Works on both Mac and Windows platforms. Techsmith the makers of Camtasia does offer an educational discount:
https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia.html
Screenflow
Screencasting and video editing software for the Mac. With ScreenFlow you can record the contents of your entire monitor while also capturing your video camera, iOS device, microphone and your computer audio. Screenflow and Camtasia are very similar. Most hardcore Mac users will prefer Screenflow.
http://www.telestream.net/screenflow/overview.htm?clickid=xuzSKLysuy6c0VXVklzzeRoOUkWT65VUEUS7XI0&iradid=36261&irpid=10073
Keynote
If you are a Mac user then you should already have Keynote on your system. If you don’t your best your best starting point for keynote is: https://www.apple.com/ca/support/mac-apps/keynote/
This site covers everything from where to download Keynote to how to use it and connect to others who are using the software.
Creating Significant Learning Environments was created with Keynote & Audacity
Audio
Audacity®
Audacity® is free, open source, cross-platform software for recording and editing sounds.
http://web.audacityteam.org/
Audacity tutorial – http://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Category:Tutorial
Free audacity tutorials – https://www.youtube.com/user/FreeAudacityTutorial/videos
Garageband
If you are a Mac user then you should already have Garageband on your system. If you don’t your best your best starting point for Garageband is https://www.apple.com/ca/support/mac-apps/garageband/
This site overs everything from where to download Garageband to how to use it and connect to others who are using the software.
Windows Video Tools
I stopped using Windows on a full-time basis back in 2006 and I only use now if I really have to. I am including this information because BCIT is still primarily a PC based institution so Windows is the default OS. Microsoft’s MovieMaker attempts to do what iMovie does and PowerPoint is a very limited version of Keynote.
MovieMaker
Microsoft calls MovieMaker your very own movie studio
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows-live/movie-maker
PowerPoint
Your best starting point for learning how to fully use Powerpoint
https://support.office.com/en-ie/article/PowerPoint-2013-training-courses-videos-and-tutorials-bd93efc0-3582-49d1-b952-3871cde07d8a
Equipment Tips
Microphone
I have been using a Blue Yeti USB Microphone for the past 6 years and have no reason to look for anything better.
Lighting
The CowboyStudio Photography/Video Portrait Umbrella Continuous Triple Lighting Kit with Three Day Light CFL Bulbs, Three Stands, Two Umbrellas, and One Carrying Case For Product, Portrait, and Video Shoots sells for just under $90 and does a wonderful of providing basic 3 point lighting. The stands are not that robust and if you are planning on being mobile it would be worth while upgrading to a higher quality system. However if you just want to light your videos, screenflow or camtasia sessions this bargain priced system works just fine.
Cowboy Studio-Photography-Portrait-Continuous-Umbrellas
