Getting Started
Story Studio
The second floor of Roesch Library, houses the University of Dayton's Story Studio - a streamlined media production studio for recording and editing video and audio projects for University faculty, staff and students. To get started, all you need is a USB flash drive and a reservation. To learn how it works, click on the following video link:
Creating Videos with Camtasia
Learn how to create a video using video editing software such as Camtasia. For additional information on creating videos, follow the "Process for Creating Videos" below.
Process for Creating Videos
Step 1: Create a storyboard
This is the "brainstorming stage" with the prime objective of getting all of your ideas on paper (or into a document or webpage). The process of creating a storyboard is important because it helps you determine what events will take place and in what order. This process can be done using software, websites, or pencil and paper (e.g. sketching a picture of each scene with the characters, objects, dialog and objectives).
Storyboarding resources:
Step 2: Write a script
Now that you have a storyboard, you should move on to writing the script. Plan out exactly what the scenes should look like, what each character should say and do and whether you need any additional media (music, text, etc).
A trick for script writing is to break your movie into 3 parts - the beginning, the middle and the end. Figure out which events fall into each part. Make sure that the majority of your content falls into the middle part of your script.
Scripting resources:
Step 3: Record the video
Now it's time to take your script and record your video. We're unable to provide specific instructions for recording a video because there are so many different devices that record video and the way you record videos varies drastically. To record video, you can use web cams, cell phones, iPads, video cameras or any other device that is capable of recording. It's best to use the user guide or manual that came with your device to figure out how to record video.
If you don't have a device that records video, you could check out a camera from Roesch Library.
Recording video resources:
Step 4: Edit the video
There are several different programs available for you to edit your video with (depending on which operating system you're using). Faculty, staff and students at the University of Dayton can reserve an Editing Station in the Roesch Library. The Editing Station computers are equipped with Adobe Creative Suite, Camtasia, Audacity and other video post production editing tools.
Reserve an Editing Station (Roesch Library)
Free Video Editing Software for Windows PC Users
There are other video editing software packages available, but they come with a cost (i.e. Camtasia Studio). There is a free 30 day trial available for Camtasia Studio. To download and install Camtasia Studio, visit http://www.techsmith.com/download/camtasia/.
Free Video Editing Software Mac Users
iMovie comes with Apple computers at no charge. If iMovie is not installed on your computer, you can download and install it from http://www.apple.com/mac/imovie/.
There is also a free 30 day trial available for Camtasia Studio. To download and install Camtasia Studio, visit http://www.techsmith.com/download/camtasia/.
Step 5: Publish the video
The final items to consider are the format you should save the video in and how you'll present the video. Most video editing software packages allow you to go to File > Save As and choose the format you want the video to be produced as.
Generally, we recommend saving the video in .mp4 format because it's usually a smaller file size. We also recommend uploading the video to YouTube because it has lots of storage space the ability to share the video. If you don't want others to be able to search for and watch your video, make sure that you set the privacy settings to "Unlisted". If you need to share the video with your instructor, then you can use the "Share" button to share the link.
Additional resources:
Introduction to digital storytelling
Digital storytelling uses technology to relay someone's perspective or explain a specific topic. Digital storytelling can be used in the classroom to explain difficult concepts or increase student engagement. This form of expression can help students learn how to organize information and communicate more effectively. Students can share their digital stories and receive feedback from one another.
Additional Digital Storytelling Resources: