Allow yourself enough time to create your multimodal project. Graphics and videos can seem really easy to put together, but actually consume a lot of time.
Be sure to include the goals/purpose of the project at the beginning so viewers know what to expect.
If you choose to create a video, consider adding a transcript, as it will increase your video's accessibility.
You may also want to consider how to make your resource accessible for individuals who are colorblind or otherwise visually impaired.
If you use any images/graphics (especially in a PowerPoint) be sure that you have permission to use them and cite them correctly. For more information on citing images in your PowerPoint, click here.
The Forrer Learning Commons has several spaces and resources that might make the creation of this digital project much easier:
What's great about all of these resources is the fact that you are in very close proximity to the Digital Media Creatives (and me!), so if you have any questions, feel free to ask at the desk for one of us.
Consider the goals of the videos—what you want the other students to learn
Be sure not make these too complicated
Only want to focus on 1-2 concepts in each video (video length should be 5 minutes max but 2-3 is better)
Put together a script (Word document). Stick with a conversational style that will be understandable to your audience.
Using the script as a model, “story board” what you will record. What websites or Apps will you want to film in what order? What examples will you use? Refer back to your goals for the video—are they still clear? Is your video becoming too long?
Do a practice run without filming—identify “scenes” for filming. It is better, if possible, to break the filming up in chunks and then stitch these clips together when editing the film. It saves time, in case you mess up.
There are two ways to approach the filming of video/audio
Record the audio at the same time as the video – this is good if you want to keep a conversational style, and plan on ad-libbing a bit. It can take less time than version two, but:
i.You will need to be comfortable with your ums, ahs, and mistakes. Trying to have perfect audio with this style is impossible.Record the videos without any sound and add voiceovers for each clip later. This can allow you to read more easily off of a script, so you can have a more professional sounding video. But, it can take more time because you are having to record the audio/video separately. A few things to keep in mind:
i.Always record your videos longer than you think you will need – it is easier to clip out seconds, than to add more
ii.Use “dead air” in the narration to help you identify areas (like when an application is loading) that you can clip out. Don’t talk over them, and end up being a head or behind what is happening on the screen.
Take some time to practice recording your audio
You may need to adjust the sound levels depending on the quality of your microphone
What kind of background noise might the microphone catch? What audio editing options does the software give you? Can you balance the volume? Or, reduce background noise?
Once you have the audio/video together, then add any “call outs,” screen highlights, or transitions, if you software allows for them. Use these sparingly, and only in instances where you need to call your audience’s attention to something important. Some software allow you to add transitions (like with PPT slides) though they may look cool, they can add unnecessary dead time to your video, and can appear amateurish.
Once you have your video finished, then you need to think about how you are going to provide closed captioning for viewers who cannot hear the audio, or do not have access to speakers.
If the software does not have a closed captioning option, see about posting a transcription of the video so the viewer can follow along. I would include occasional timestamps (like line numbers in poetry) so the viewer can sync the transcript with your video.
Canva is a great site to help make your posters because of the multitude of templates that are available to use. Before you start, though, you might like to have something in mind. Going onto Canva without anything in mind can be a little overwhelming. Some considerations you might want to think about is:
Once you have an idea of what you'd like to do, create an account and see what templates are available that match the idea you have.
Infographics are a great way to present information in an understandable way for a reader. The considerations you should have before you go in are similar to those that you should have before you create a graphic:
Infographics are not meant to be too busy. Use numbers, arrows, and graphics to show the user how to show the reader how to navigate the infographic, and then use the text to provide information. An example of an infographic is below:
This infographic is effective because it present information in a way that is easily understood by the reader. It also presents the information in an incredibly simplified manner. Peer review takes this general path, but it almost always is much more involved than this simplified process. When creating an infographic, try to make it as easily understood as possible.
i.You will need to be comfortable with your ums, ahs, and mistakes. Trying to have perfect audio with this style is impossible.
ii.You will need to transcribe what you say for close captioning, which can take time.
i.Always record your videos longer than you think you will need – it is easier to clip out seconds, than to add more
ii.Use “dead air” in the narration to help you identify areas (like when an application is loading) that you can clip out. Don’t talk over them, and end up being a head or behind what is happening on the screen.
