Self recording or self capture is used to record your computer’s screen, yourself, and your audio and share the combined video with your class. Self recorded captures are a self-service option and can be made anywhere, at any time, including your classroom. All you need is a computer and a webcam with a microphone!
If you would like to record your content using your browser, this guide provides details on how to record Media Library video using the Panopto Capture tool.
If you would like to record your content using the Panopto application on your own computer, this guide provides details on how to record using the Panopto Recorder directly.
Filming or recording lectures creates valuable opportunities for student review and can increase accessibility of course content via captions or transcripts. The practice commonly referred to as “lecture capture” gives instructors the ability to record their lectures or presentations for viewing via Canvas or through any web browser. Typical recordings include video of the instructor, a screen capture, and audio – all played back simultaneously. Lecture capture can be a one-time event, or scheduled on a recurring basis with content automatically delivered to students through the Canvas course site. A March 2021 survey from the Student Voices Project (link is external) suggests a majority of undergraduates would like instructors to continue making lectures available online for review when they return to primarily in-person learning.
Faculty members concerned about a potential drop in classroom attendance once lecture recordings are available can contact the Educational Technology and Media team for recommendations on differentiating the benefits of in-person attendance from those of lecture capture. For example, the incorporation of quick small-group conversations, the use of Poll Everywhere, and short in-class reflective writing exercises are ways to ensure that students who come to the classroom receive unique, interactive learning opportunities that are not available through a class recording. It is also important for instructors to set expectations for the students about the value and recommended use of lecture capture as a review tool and not an in-class lecture replacement.
The Poorvu Center recommends enabling the automated closed captioning options available through Media Library even if you’re not aware of any students in your class who require them for documented disabilities. (Student Accessibility Services will inform you when human-produced captions should be produced to accommodate particular students.)