Texas Tech University

Student Engagement


Online Lectures

Recording lectures and placing them in an online environment is becoming increasingly popular. Some instructors do this for fully online courses. Others create online lectures for face-to-face students to view before coming to class. This is sometimes known as "flipping lectures." Doing this allows the instructor to optimize the use of face-to-face contact time by using it for deep discussion of the material.

There are many factors to consider when creating online lectures, including ADA compliance. Worldwide eLearning's Instructional Design Team can assist faculty and instructors in using and understanding the following software applications to create lecture/presentation materials for delivery in an online course.


Adobe Presenter

Adobe Presenter offers multiple ways to record lectures. Presenter is available as free software with the use of a TTU eRaider account.
eRaider Website
Adobe Presenter Website

Adobe Captivate

While we do not provide or support this software, Captivate is well known for its dynamic features. Visit the Adobe site for more information and purchasing options.
Adobe Captivate Website

Mediasite

The Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development Center is equipped with Mediasite technologies to assist you in recording and streaming your video.
More About Mediasite

Skype for Business

Microsoft Skype for Business allows you to record and stream your lecture synchronously through the Live Meeting feature. Skype is available as free software with the use of a TTU eRaider account.
eRaider Website
Skype for Business Website



Welcome Message

A short Welcome Message may include the following:

  • A welcome letter with your picture
  • PowerPoint Presentation with audio, perhaps using Adobe Presenter
  • Audio only

Welcome Video

The following are items to consider in a Welcome Video:

  • Keep it short — 2-3 minutes at the most.
  • Write your script and rehearse it.
  • Consider bringing someone to your recording session to hold the pages near the camera lens.
  • Consider what will show in the background of your video. Avoid backlighting (a window behind you)
  • Turn your phone to silent mode.
  • Smile!
  • Provide a transcript (a digital copy of your script), for ADA compliance and attach it as a separate link from your course home page.

Video Content

Your video should include some or all of the following content:

  • Greeting
  • Your name
  • Your title and department
  • A brief statement about your academic background
  • Brief personal background including why you love teaching at TTU and why you think they will love being a TTU student
  • The purpose of the course, as established by the Division of Undergraduate Education
  • Ways for the student to contact you
  • Instructions for what students should do next. For example, “Your next step is to complete the ‘Getting Started' module. You will find it below on this course home page.”