5 Functions That Make a Successful Video Solution for a College Classroom

Good video solutions should provide accurate recording, user-friendliness and HD-quality images.

July 6, 2015 Jessica Kennedy Leave a Comment

Accurate recording

Instructors don’t have time to do multiple takes of a recorded lecture, especially if that lecture lasts a long time. An ideal recording solution entails software with accurate recording. Some solutions enable instructors to record live multi-camera lectures that can be archived and accessed by students later on. Other solutions enable instructors to manage capture duration; they can select a recording start time and end time, and the system will record and stop content during that time frame. Instructors may also have the opportunity to split a recording into separate files, which is useful for breaking up a lecture in bite-sized pieces for students.

Pictured is the VS4 Recorder Pro by Matrox, which features frame accurate recording, independent recording, split recording features and unattended recording.

Autotracker cameras

Autotracker cameras are ideal for instructors that move around while recording lectures. These cameras feature motion detection technology that sense when an instructor turns around, stands still, or walks to another location in the classroom. These cameras are generally not affected by other objects, projectors or lights, and feature point-tilt-zoom and face detection options to stay focused on the instructor.

Pictured is the 1 Beyond AutoTracker Camera by Matrox, which automatically focuses on a moving subject, and features PTZ and face recognition features.

Can be conveniently mounted

For instructors who want their students’ undivided attention, a camera that can be mounted in multiple locations is ideal. Some cameras are specifically designed with the goal of “no distractions” in mind; some can be mounted high up on a classroom wall, or even on a ceiling. Installing cameras in locations like these reduces the presence of hardware on instructors’ desktops and podiums, and increases a clear line of sight for student watching the video.

Pictured is the CL510 HD ceiling camera by Lumens.

Broadcast-quality visuals

Most college students demand the highest quality of learning opportunities, including the way content is presented to them. Many of today’s cameras are able to record and play back content with high-definition visuals. Cameras, like the VC-B20D HD PTZ camera by Lumens(pictured above), feature full high-definition 1080p output resolution at 60 frames per second, along with an optical zoom lens, good white balance, and exposure mode to deliver content in low-light or high/low contrast settings. These cameras also feature an array of shooting angles and high-speed, quiet PTZ operations.

Controllable, compatible with preexisting systems

Good cameras and other recording solutions should be able to integrate with a classroom’s current technology setup; this means it is able to integrate seamlessly with an instructor’s workflow. Recording solutions that integrate with an instructor’s workflow may also give instructors the opportunity to connect them with controllers. That way, instructors can manually dictate where they want a camera to point in the classroom and customize their recording preferences.

Pictured is the CV-620-PT by Marshall Electronics

Experts say video solutions are a must-have in today’s college classes.

Some experts say video solutions enable instructors to record and store lectures within online archives, and provide a digital resource for students to revisit during class.

“These days, many instructors are recording their lectures and posting them on a YouTube channel for the students to go back and review,” says Perry Goldstein, Director Of Sales & Marketing at Marshall Electronics/MXL. “Having a recording setup allows the teacher to archive and share his or her class material, improving material retention by the students.”

Experts also say that video technologies should be topnotch to give instructors and students the best teaching and learning experience.

Goldstein says video solutions used in the classroom should be HD-quality.

He says instructors can enhance an HD video-experience by preparing their classrooms for such as experience, such as by creating an atmosphere with good lighting.

“HD quality video is a given,” he says. “Without HD quality, what is being produced is dated before completion. Getting a quality audio recording is often overlooked, but is equally important as HD video. Do not forget adequate lighting. Regular room lighting will produce poor quality video. Without good quality, the audience will not view the program.”

Goldstein says instructors looking to invest in new video solutions for their classrooms should decide who the main users will be.

That way, the college can buy a video solution for those users’ operating levels.

“Evaluate the level of expertise of the target user, and buy to that level,” Goldstein says. “If it’s too complicated, it will sit on the shelf. For instance, a point and shoot camera is easier to use than a DSLR. ”

Goldstein also says instructors should look into video solutions that are easy to upgrade.

“Buy products that can be upgraded easily, so when new accessories come out, they can be easily integrated,” he says.

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Jessica Kennedy

Jessica Kennedy is an editor at TechDecisions Media, targeting the higher education market. Jessica joined the TechDecisions team in 2014 and covers technologies that improve teaching and learning.