This is a summary of this page as it is useful, but hard to find and only in Norwegian. These tips are also based on previously done research as stated on that website.
A guide to creating good resource videos
- Identify you target group - Know who you will be teaching, how many years have they been studying and how much experience do they previously have.
What are their backgrounds and how many are there? e.g are they all computer science students or are there students from other places taking the course.
This is so that you can plan better while creating the content.
- Split up the content into small chunks - Split the course contents into smaller parts, preferably into chunks between 5-10 minutes(even shorter if possible).
However the topic still need to be thoroughly explained. This is because it is easier to focus and digest smaller pieces of information, especially online.
- Start by explaining the general terms that is not self-explanatory for the students - e.g algorithm might not be self-explanatory for a 1st year student.
This also serves another purpose and that is to prime peoples minds so that they can start retrieving information from their long term memory.
- Use animations/drawings and voice-over - Using visuals and sound makes it easier for students to absorb information and create mental connections.
Reduce the usage of text if possible as it is hard to follow three different sources of information.
- Reduce unnecessary information - If there isn't any need for the lecturer/professor to be on screen, don't be, it just increases the mental workload and makes it harder to concentrate.
Reduce any unnecessary words, images and sounds that don't add any value to keep it short and concise,
however this does not mean not having examples as these would provide much more value if done right.
- Be organised in the presentation - Have a coherent presentation as correlation helps us learn and be consistent.
Place images and words that correlates close to each other, this reduces the amount of concentration needed to understand what is being shown.
Another reason for doing this is that we learn better if they are presented at the same time on the contrary to sequentially.
Let the brain do all the necessary cognitive functions at the same time rather than splitting up, sort and then combine respectively.
- Make it informal - We often learn better when in an informal setting, be more casual in the usage of words and body language.
One of the reasons for this is that people usually retain information better when it is picked up from a personal setting rather than a rigid one.
- Try to use a neutral and understandable voice - Use a human voice instead of a machine voice. Try to practise to reduce the effects of any dialects or accents.