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­­Assignment 2: Video for a Learning Purpose

2023-10-16 / / 1 Comment

This assignment, Video for a Learning Purpose, created an opportunity for me to apply my module 1, 2, and 3 skills into an instructional video. I had a lot of fun creating an instructional video for the first time. It allowed me to be creative, while still having an educational purpose. Below will be an introduction, YouTube link to my video, reflection questions, storyboard, audio/visual script, and audio script.

This module teaches students how to walk a dog. To complete this lesson, you will need at least one dog, a harness and/or leash, poop bags, and treats.

Please watch the video here.

Reflection Questions

What is the learning purpose of your video?

For this video, I taught viewers how to walk a dog. I love my dog and I wanted to include him in a school assignment before I finish my degree, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity. Before we got Ferris, I was not entirely sure how to walk dogs so I thought an educational video may help new dog owners.

Which of the principles we’ve covered this term (e.g., Mayer/Universal Design for Learning/Cognitive Load Theory) did you incorporate into your design and why?

Mayer’s Principles and Cognitive Load Theory

Extraneous Load

The coherence principle was used by eliminating unnecessary audio and video to reduce extraneous load. I highlighted key points such as the step and items needed for walking a dog by using text on the screen to emphasize to the learner that these are important elements, as per the signaling principle. At the same time, I utilized the redundancy principle by having the text on screen limited to again reduce extraneous load.

Intrinsic Load

The segmenting principle was employed by breaking down the video into steps and not including too much detailed information. The introduction and list of items required for the learner to have ready before viewing the video were added to create a foundation for learning as per the pre-training principle. I also used the spatial contiguity principle by having the text and visuals close together to limit learner confusion. By using my voice to explain the steps and acting them out, I was able to help the learner better understand the activity, which is recommended by the modality principle. I used the multimedia principle by using narration and video to ensure both channels (dual coding theory) are used together for optimum learning.

Social Cues

I used conversational language and my own voice to utilize the personalization and voice principles to allow the learner to feel more relaxed and promote learning.

I also encouraged learners to try walking their own dog and share their experiences to engage students, as per the active processing principle.

Universal Design for Learning

To ensure that my video is accessible to all students, I have included several features in my video. I created custom captions to enhance the viewer’s learning and to make my speech clear. I also included a script detailing all of my words and actions for text to speech readers. Lastly, since the video is on YouTube, learners can pause, play, rewind, forward, and change the playback speed.

What was challenging about capturing your own video?

In general, I found this assignment challenging since I have never filmed a video like this before. I have filmed screen captures before, but never something where I had to act. I also found the process extremely taxing and tedious. I wanted to plan everything out very well as I did not want to reshoot. A lot of preparation was needed, there were many steps to produce the video, including creating the script and storyboard, practicing the script, practicing Shotcut, filming, editing, creating the audio captions, and uploading. On top of this, even reshooting a scene 20 minutes later could change the lighting or positioning of the video clips. This made filming very stressful. Furthermore, there was a lot of background noise: cars driving, people walking and talking, and chestnuts falling, which forced us to reshoot several times. Lastly, my dog hates walks so he looked apprehensive in the video.  Overall, the process was very challenging, especially since it was my first time creating a video.

What did you find easiest?

Surprisingly enough, I found creating the captions the easiest part of the assignment – I assumed that it would be difficult. To ensure I was following standards suggested online, I read a few articles about audio caption creation. I learned that I should make the captions reflect what was said exactly, including punctuation. Additionally, I discovered that the captions should be no more than two lines at a time and should start and end at the same time as the actual audio. I created the captions on YouTube. The platform has a very intuitive layout, and I was able to create the captions in about 20 minutes. It provided suggested start and end times and was very visual. It also gave me an opportunity to review my video for any mistakes. The writing itself was very easy as I had a script created beforehand, so I was able to simply copy and paste the words.

How would you approach capturing video differently next time?

First of all, even though I took the video preparation very seriously, I think even more preparation should be done in the future. I found that my script sounded robotic; I think with more practice I might have noticed this. Next time I would practice the script more before filming to ensure that the script sounded natural. Additionally, I would film the video clips differently. I would make sure the recording started, wait a few seconds, and then begin talking. There was one clip in the video where I started to talk right away, and it sounded odd. Additionally, I would make sure that my background is very plain if I have text on the screen. I filmed mostly in front of a door, which seemed plain, but with the peep hole, jackets, and lines on the door, it made the text difficult to read. Additionally, I would make sure there would be more room below me for the audio captions and that I look directly into the camera lens. I would also make sure to film a few takes for each clip. Once I filmed one clip, I would jump to the next. There was one clip where I realized that I misspoke slightly, and wish I had another video clip to replace it with. If I really wanted to make my video look professional, I might buy a phone stand. I noticed a few times that my videographer, my dad, swayed a little while filming. Lastly, if I were to film a video like this again, I would use another editor. Shotcut was good but I couldn’t use as many signaling principles as I would have liked. There was no pulsing animation or any way to signal to specific text. I also found that my final product didn’t look as aesthetically pleasing or professional as I would have liked.  

Supporting Documents

Story Board

Narration: Hello Everyone, my name is Maya. Today I will be teaching you how to walk your dog.   Dogs on average need 3 to 4, 15-minute walks per day.     

Text: 3 to 4, 15-minute walks per day  

Narration: To keep your dog healthy, it’s important to frequently get your dog outside to get their exercise daily
Narration: First, here is a list of things you will need: a dog, harness and/or leash, poop bags, and treats  

Motion: point to one side  

Text (to one side):
Dog
Harness and/or leash
Poop bags
Treats
Narration: Now here are the steps to walk your dog:  

Text:
1. Get yourself ready
2. Ensure you have poop bags and treats on you 3. Get your dog ready
4. Start the walk
5. Give your dog treats when you are back
6. Unleash your dog
Narration: The first step is to get yourself ready. I have jacket, warm clothes and runners on  

Text: 1. Get yourself ready  
Narration: Step 2, ensure you have poop bags and treats on you  

Text: 2. Ensure you have poop bags and treats on you		[me holding poop bags and treats]
Narration: Next get your dog ready. I will need to get Ferris’ harness and leash on  

Text: 3. Get your dog ready  
Narration: Now it’s time to start the walk and enjoy  

Text: 4. Start the walk  

Motion: Maya and Ferris walk out the front door  
Motion: Maya and Ferris cross the street
Narration: When you are walking your dog, try to keep them on a short leash and if another dog comes by give them a treat to keep his attention on you  

Motion: Maya feeds Ferris  
Motion: Maya and Ferris walk down the street
Motion: Maya and Ferris walk and go back to the house
Narration: When you are back from your walk, ensure you give your dog treats  

Text: 5. Give your dog treats when you are back  
Narration: Finally, unleash your dog  

Text: 6. Unleash your dog		[unleash Ferris]
Narration: I encourage all dog owners to walk their dog today and tell me how it went!  
Text: Thank you for listening
Story Board

Audio/Visual Script:

Maya: “Hello everyone my name is Maya and today I will be teaching you how to walk your dog. Dogs need on average 3 to 4, 15 minute walks per day.”  

Text on screen: 3 to 4, 15 minute walks per day

Maya: “First, here is a list of things you will need to walk your dog”

Text on screen: Dog, Harness and/or leash, Poop bags, Treats

Maya: “Now here are the steps to walk your dog”

Text on screen:

1.           Get yourself ready

2.           Ensure you have poop bags and treats

3.           Get your dog ready

4.           Start the walk

5.           Give your dog treats when you are back

6.           Unleash your dog

Maya: “The first step is to get yourself ready, I have jacket, warm clothes and runners on”

Text: 1. Get yourself ready

Maya: “Next, make sure you have treats and poop bags”

[Maya shows that she has green poop bags and dog treats]

Text on screen: 2. Ensure you have poop bags and treats

Maya: “Next get your dog ready, I’m going to put Ferris’ harness and leash on”

[Maya gets a harness on Ferris (a miniature Australian Shepard)]

Text on screen: 3. Get your dog ready

Maya: “Now its time to start the walk”

Text on screen: 4. Start the walk

[Maya and Ferris walking]

Maya: “While walking your dog, try to keep him on a short leash and if another dog comes by give him a treat to keep his attention on you”

[Maya gives Ferris a treat]

[Maya and Ferris walking]

[Maya and Ferris going back into the house]

Maya: “When you get back from your walk, make sure you give your dog a treat”

[Maya gives Ferris a treat]

Text on screen: 5. Give your dog treats when you are back

Maya: “Finally, unleash your dog”

[Maya takes the harness off Ferris]

Text on screen: 6. Unleash your dog

Maya: “I encourage all dog owners to walk their dog today and tell me how it went!”

Text on screen: Thank you for listening!

Audio Script:

Maya: “Hello everyone my name is Maya and today I will be teaching you how to walk your dog. Dogs need on average 3 to 4, 15 minute walks per day.”  

Maya: “First, here is a list of things you will need to walk your dog”

Maya: “Now here are the steps to walk your dog”

Maya: “The first step is to get yourself ready, I have jacket, warm clothes and runners on”

Maya: “Next, make sure you have treats and poop bags”

Maya: “Next get your dog ready, I’m going to put Ferris’ harness and leash on”

Maya: “Now its time to start the walk”

Maya: “While walking your dog, try to keep him on a short leash and if another dog comes by give him a treat to keep his attention on you”

Maya: “When you get back from your walk, make sure you give your dog a treat”

Maya: “Finally, unleash your dog”

Maya: “I encourage all dog owners to walk their dog today and tell me how it went!”

References

Captioning key – Sound effects and music. (n.d.). https://dcmp.org/learn/602-captioning-key—sound-effects-and-music

Captioning quality guidelines. (2023, July 28). Digital Accessibility Office. https://www.colorado.edu/digital-accessibility/captioning-service/captioning-quality#:~:text=WebAIM%20Contrast%20Checker.-,Complete,its%20own%2C%20above%20the%20captions.

Knott, R. (2023). How to write a script for a video (+Free template!). The TechSmith Blog. https://www.techsmith.com/blog/how-to-write-script-for-video/

Mayer’s 12 Principles of Multimedia Learning. (2023, June 2). Digital Learning Institute. https://www.digitallearninginstitute.com/blog/mayers-principles-multimedia-learning/

Module 1: Theories of Multimedia Learning

2023-09-15 / / 3 Comments

For this module, I learned about the Theories of Multimedia Learning and the Mayer’s Principles. I created a short video about trees to present my new skills on the topic and reflected on the process.

The Multimedia Creation Process

The first step to create the multimedia lesson was to complete the readings and take notes. Afterwards I read the explore page instructions and started to brainstorm the topic of my lesson. I started with three topics I know well and came up with specific lessons within them (blue pen). Next, I decided on the lesson. I chose the tree structure as it is simple, and I know it well (purple highlight). I then revised my decision to trees in general, so my video is less constrained (green pen).

Next, under “To Teach” I wrote down the sections of my lesson to ensure that the segmenting principle is applied. Then, under “Pre-Storyboarding”, I wrote down all the principles and corresponding applications so I can add them to my video.

Finally, I created a storyboard which allowed me to draw out all my ideas with corresponding narration I would like to add.

The next step was to create the PowerPoint. I decided to use PowerPoint as it is free and I have used it before. This time I decided to challenge myself by adding animations. I created each slide, added pictures, and animations. I kept the Mayer’s Principles in mind while doing this. After that, I created the script which I kept simple as the subject matter is for younger children. I practiced the script and timings of the slides and recorded.

The Final Video

In the real world I would also add a note detailing the target audience and mention the lesson before presenting it to students to account for the pretraining principle.

Reflection Questions

Of all the principles of Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning we looked at in this module, which seem most intuitive to you? Which ones surprised you?

The most intuitive principle was segmenting. When I learn, I need to divide the content into small chunks and have a natural flow to them. I find it difficult to learn when a professor moves from one topic to another without a flow. The one that surprised me was the contiguity principle. The contiguity principle states that text and its corresponding visuals should be close together. However, I have always liked to use legends to keep the screen clean, so this was surprising to me. But the more I think about it, the contiguity principle allows learners to look at one area of the screen all at once, creating less distraction and confusion.

Which principles did you have in mind when you were creating your screencast? Which were you able to employ and which were more challenging to follow?

When I created the screencast, I attempted to apply each principle. In the second image I included above, I listed each principle and a corresponding way to add into my presentation. I think the easiest principles to apply were coherent, segmenting, and personalization principles as I have done this for previous presentations. On the other hand, I found it challenging to follow redundancy as I have always had slides with a lot of text and would narrate the slide word for word. This assignment forced me take out a lot of text, but I think the presentation sounded and looked better in the end. I also found signaling difficult as I had a difficult time finding a balance between an overwhelming/unappealing signal verses an unnoticeable one. I ended up using a pulse animation and I think it worked out well. Lastly, pretraining was something that I had never thought of before, but it is very important to prepare the learner.

Who did you imagine as the audience for this screencast? How did that impact your design choices?

When I created the lesson, I imagined elementary school children were my target audience. Since it is my first time creating a lesson, I wanted it to be simple as I wanted to teach concepts that I fully understood. I also designed the lesson to be intuitive and interactive (e.g., animations) and colorful (e.g., pictures and slides).

Provide an example of a multimedia learning principle that you have intuitively followed in the past, and an example of a multimedia learning principle that you have not followed in the past. What will you do differently now?

Last semester I did a self-directed class under the supervision of a computer science professor. For that course I created a final video presentation to show what I completed. I created a PowerPoint recorded presentation, much like what I did for this assignment. In that presentation I used segmenting as I provided an outline of the presentation, kept everything on topic which followed the coherence principle, and used the personalization principle by keeping my narration causal. But I did not follow a few other principles. For example, I had a video of myself on the slides during the whole presentation, which is not recommended by the image principle. I also read off the slides many times which is against the modality principle. Finally, I did not signal during the presentation which is recommended by the signaling principle. In the future, I am going to consult the Mayer’s Principles list to ensure my multimedia follows all these key concepts.

My Personal Thoughts

First, I had a few technical issues when working with PowerPoint. The audio is quiet at the beginning of each slide, so I was able to hear my mouse clicks. I am sure these issues could have been corrected with a microphone, but I do not own one. Additionally, I had many issues recording the lesson with animation and had to do some research before I found the solution. I also found the video on the first slide to be very laggy. My computer was very hot near the end of my recording, and I believe that was the cause. I would have also filmed a longer video, but my computer was struggling to record and PowerPoint kept on crashing. Subsequently, I had to shorten my script. Additionally, I have issues with pronunciation so reading the script took 5-10 takes. I think my voice may have sounded frustrated during my final takes. If I were to redo the assignment I would try another software to mitigate the technical issues I faced. However, there were many parts of the assignment I found quite rewarding. The principles were very interesting to read – some I already followed and others I hadn’t, so I got to apply and practice them. I also had always wanted to learn how to use animations in PowerPoint and this assignment gave me the opportunity to do so. Overall, the assignment was a pleasure to complete and I learned a lot that can be applied to my university and personal life.

References

Abell, S. Hoh River Valley [Photograph]. National Geographic.  https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/forest-biome/

Andy, I. Christmas Tree Clipart Branches [Clipart]. PNGTem. https://www.pngitem.com/middle/hoToxi_christmas-tree-clipart-branches-christmas-tree-images-download/

Boreal Forest and lake on a bright day[Photograph]. GreenPeace. https://www.greenpeace.org/international/story/7386/will-you-stand-for-the-boreal-forest/

Dias, M. Image Freeuse Tree Png Transparent Clip Art Gallery [Clipart]. PNGTem. https://www.pngitem.com/middle/xTwwJR_image-freeuse-tree-png-transparent-clip-art-gallery/

Mauzil. Changing Tree [GIF]. Gifer. https://gifer.com/en/1evh

Mayer’s 12 Principles of Multimedia Learning. (2023, June 2). Digital Learning Institute. https://www.digitallearninginstitute.com/blog/mayers-principles-multimedia-learning/

MirageC. Rustic Weathered Wood Logs [Photograph]. gettyimages. https://www.gettyimages.ca/detail/photo/rustic-weathered-wood-logs-royalty-free-image/1188398441?adppopup=true

Oxygen [Photograph]. Onsite Gas. https://www.onsitegas.com/industrial-oxygen-generators/

Van De Water, D. (2016). El Yunque morning light [Photograph]. iStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/el-yunque-morning-light-gm535499574-94965257

Vector.me. Tree Branches And Roots clip art free vector [Image]. FreeImages. https://www.freeimages.com/vector/tree-branches-and-roots-clip-art-5488511

Wahab, A., & Wahab, A. (2018). Trees – (Types, Structure, and Facts) – Science4Fun. Science4Fun – Learn Science Experiments, Topics, Ideas and Activities. https://science4fun.info/trees/

Zhekova, N. (2015). Sweet peach fruits growing on a peach tree branch in orchard [Photograph]. iStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/ripe-sweet-peach-fruits-growing-on-a-peach-tree-branch-gm487108266-72736079 

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