Video

Editing your video recordings in Panopto

Panopto, Training, Video /

Sometimes it is necessary to carry out editing on a video of a teaching session that has been recorded using Panopto. This may be a section at the end, where you want to remove student questions for instance, or it could be during the middle of the session, where the video has continued running while you were having a break. Panopto has some simple but effective video editing tools, that mean basic editing functions can be applied easily and quickly to your videos. It also offers the advantage that all edits are non-destructive, so you always have the option to safely revert back to your original video.

To edit your video, hover over the video you wish to edit and select the ‘Edit’ icon.

Edit button highlighted as it appears in Panopto

On the video timeline, use the left mouse button to click and drag to select sections of the video you want to remove. Edits can be made at any point within the video timeline.

Screenshot of the video timeline with selections of cuts which need to be made.

You can then play the video and the edited sections (shown in grey above) will not be included in your video.

You can also normalize the volume levels across your audio. This increases the volume of the quieter sections of audio without clipping, making the entire audio track clearer. 

'Normalize audio volume' selection option highlighted.

Once you are happy you can click on the ‘Apply’ button at the top of the page.

Blue Apply button shown (alongside other icon options at the top of the page).

For further information about editing in Panopto, please visit the TEL Panopto webpages: Staff Panopto Manual: Editing

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Gerry Beattie’s Retirement

Announcement, Video /

After three decades of dedicated service to the University of Worcester, Gerry Beattie will be retiring from his role as Academic Learning Technologist at the end of this Semester. Gerry has been a cornerstone of the Technology Enhanced Learning Unit, known throughout the University for his expertise in video production for multimedia projects and assessments.

His retirement marks the end of an era, and we will miss him enormously.

Looking Ahead: A New Approach to Video Support

As we move forward, we want to be transparent about how video support will evolve. Gerry’s role will not be replaced like-for-like. Instead, we are shifting towards a more self-service model using tools such as Panopto, which is available to all staff and students for recording and sharing video content.

For assessment recordings, we encourage colleagues to explore Panopto’s capabilities, which is the University’s primary tool for video assessment and video management. This is now used by the majority of the University for video presentations

For projects, we will continue to offer limited video support, including basic filming and editing.

We understand this is a significant change, and we’re here to support you through it. Guidance and training on using Panopto effectively will be available, and we welcome feedback as we adapt to this new model.

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Camera Loans

Video /
A Black camera with microphone attached, on a tripod with a white background.
Adobe stock photo by THANANIT

Be a Martin Scorsese or a Jean-Luc Godard – make an epic, a cast of thousands!

Borrow a camera from TEL to:

  • Record your student presentations.
  • Make promo films for your UW website and more.

The TEL Team have video cameras for loan. These are used for the recording of student assessments, promotional films, and presentations. We only have a limited number of cameras and tripods, therefore we rely on tutors to return the equipment once the recordings are completed. The equipment is not for a long-term loan.

Even recording at the lowest visual quality, video files are large. Once the cameras have been returned, the footage is downloaded, compressed and then uploaded to One Drive. The files are returned to the tutor who can then forward presentations, e.g. to an external examiner.

If you wish to know more contact Gerry Beattie at g.beattie@worc.ac.uk

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Assessments in the Blackboard VLE

Assignments, Blackboard, Panopto, PebblePad, Turnitin, Ultra, Video /

Choosing assignment submission tools within Blackboard Ultra.

It can sometimes be difficult to determine which is the best submission tool to use when creating assignments for your students in Blackboard.

We have the following advice and guidance for lecturers to help with your choice. We recommend different tools depending on the assignment needs and have submission workflows which your students can follow.

The flowchart below summarises the most suitable assignment software for each submission type:

Assessment flow chart -Essay/Report: Turnitin; Group, Exam/Test, Blackboard tools: Blackboard assignment; Portfolio/Practice assessment: PebblePad; Audio/Video: Panopto

Our Blackboard Ultra Manual includes instructions for the different Assessments within the VLE and how to provide Grading and Feedback.

Turnitin Assignments

Turnitin is most appropriate for word-based assignments or those which contain a large amount of text. Submissions can be checked for originality against the global database.

We have a Turnitin staff manual and a recent Turnitin assignments blog post, which includes all relevant links and tips for tutors.

Blackboard Assignments

If large files, multiple files, zip files, or files which contain mostly imagery, need to be uploaded for an assessment – a Blackboard assignment can be used to manage submissions.

Please see our Blackboard Ultra Manual: Learn Ultra Assignments.

Panopto Assignments

If students are creating video or audio, for example, as part of a presentation – a Blackboard assignment which uses the Panopto integration is normally most useful.

We have a Panopto manual for Staff and a helpful blog post for tutors with further advice: Panopto Assignment Submission Points

PebblePad Assignments

The Ultra VLE manual includes information about PebblePad Assessments. If you require support with PebblePad, please contact the TEL Unit tel@worc.ac.uk.

We also have student FAQs for common PebblePad queries.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to one of the team about upcoming assessments, you are welcome to contact us at tel@worc.ac.uk.

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Camera Equipment loan for Assessments

Video /
Professional dslr camera standing on tripod
Adobe stock © aboutmomentsimages

It’s Spring! It is also assessment time for many courses.

The TEL Team have video cameras you can borrow for all those Spring assessment memories.

We will also download these recordings and return the files to you via One Drive to share the precious footage with your external assessors.

Don’t be disappointed, place your order now!

Please contact g.beattie@worc.ac.uk

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Marking Panopto Assignments in Blackboard Ultra

Assignments, Panopto, Ultra, Video /

With marking season upon us, many of you will be marking Panopto assignments, so we thought it would be useful to share a little tip based on staff feedback.

You will notice that, when marking Panopto assignments, the video displays a little differently in Blackboard assignment view, which can result in the student’s face obscuring part of the slide that they are presenting. You also don’t automatically see the transcription as you did in the old system.

If you find this view difficult to use, you can open the traditional Panopto view by clicking on the arrow in the video control bar.

Although you will still need to add your grade and feedback in the Blackboard assignment view, opening this link will allow you to watch the video uninterrupted, as well as being able to view captions.

If you have any further queries, please contact us at TEL@worc.ac.uk

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Camera Lens

Camera Loans

Video /

Borrow cameras and tripods for your student assessments.

No need to stress over finding the correct lead or making time to download film. Once the equipment is returned to the TEL team, we will download the footage and return the results to you via One Drive for dissemination to your eternal examiner.

Contact g.beattie@worc.ac.uk for information.

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Migrating Panopto Video Content

Blackboard, Blackboard Learn Ultra, Panopto, Video /
Decorative image of laptop and action camera. technology, camera, sport-2125547.jpg

As we move to the new version of Blackboard ‘Learn Ultra’ ready for September, you may need to reuse older video content, from the ‘Learn 9.1’ system, in your new modules.

The easiest way to do this is to simply download the videos from the original module, using the download button:

This will save the video file to your computer. Rename the file if you wish, and then follow the instructions to add a link to Panopto from your Blackboard module. This will enable you to upload the video you have just saved, into the new Ultra module ready for use.

You can then add your video to a module document page, or embed it as a full-size video in the Content page.

*If you do not see the download button this means that the original uploader has removed this feature, and you will need to contact the TEL Team for further assistance: tel@worc.ac.uk

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Panopto Video Support for your Students

Blackboard, Blackboard Learn Ultra, Panopto, Video /
video production, video, movie-4223885.jpg

Panopto is the University’s main application used for recording, storing, or sharing video content. This cloud-based platform permits students to record or upload assignments and to view live lectures. For Blackboard Ultra assessments students can:

Create and submit videos using Panopto Capture

Record PowerPoint presentations

Upload and submit their own video files (which they have created elsewhere)

Depending on the video assignment type, you can use the most suitable link above and share these with your students.

If you have not yet created an Ultra submission point within a module, please see a link to our Video assignment submission point set up guidance for staff below:

Blackboard Ultra Video Assignments Guidance

Sometimes students may encounter technical issues when using Panopto for the first time or when submitting video assessments. We would recommend communicating with your students the creation and submission process for any upcoming video assignments you may have in Blackboard Ultra ahead of a due date. To help with any potential queries from your students, we thought it would be useful to summarise some useful TEL tips:

Tips for Panopto Assignments

  • Students can refer to our Panopto Guide as this includes advice about the different uses of Panopto when creating or uploading to a Blackboard Ultra submission point, and helpful troubleshooting solutions.
  • When using Panopto capture to make an in browser recording, please see further help and guidance directly from Panopto below. Each step is clearly explained and there is also a short informative video, for Chrome users:

https://support.panopto.com/s/article/How-to-Create-a-Video-Using-Panopto-Capture

  • Ahead of using the Panopto integration, users should remember to check their browser’s ‘permission’ settings. For example, if Panopto is blocked from using a device’s camera or microphone, it will not be possible to make a recording. Settings can be changed to ‘allow’, through ‘Privacy and Security’ within Chrome. (These options can be accessed via the three-dot, kebab menu, towards the top right-hand corner of the window.)
  • For Blackboard video assignment submissions, students should ensure they follow the correct submission process carefully, with use of their assignment submission text box, the Insert Content button, and the Panopto Submissions tool in the Content Market.
  • Students should allow themselves plenty of time to make a submission ahead of a due date.
  • Chrome works well as browser with the Panopto integration, when making a Panopto / Blackboard assignment submission, so we recommend using this if possible. The Blackboard browser checker can also be used to troubleshoot.
  • If a connection times out because a large video file is being uploaded there are additional things for your students to try:
    1. Check their internet connectivity.
    2. When uploading to Panopto, they can help their computer process the data contained in a video file, by closing down any additional applications, such as, PowerPoint.
    3. Check the size and type of video file they are attempting to upload, and then contact the TEL Unit with this information so that we can assist them further.
  • After submitting their work, your students will be given the option to download an Ultra submission receipt for their records.
  • The most important action after a student has made an assessment submission, is to go back to the assignment submission point, to check that they can view their Panopto video. Students should be able to see their video embedded to the submission page.

If your students have any concerns or queries about Panopto or a video assignment submission, alongside making their module leader aware of any problems or contacting the IT Service, they are always welcome to contact us, at the TEL Unit, for further technical support, tel@worc.ac.uk.

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Camera Obscura

Video /

Help and Guidance from the TEL Unit for recording videos

Borrowing a camera

The TEL Team have video cameras for loan.  These are used for the recording of student assessments and presentations. We only have a limited number of cameras and tripods, therefore we rely on tutors to return the equipment once the assessments are completed.  The equipment is not for a long-term loan. 

Even recording at the lowest visual quality, video files are large.  Once the cameras have been returned, the footage is downloaded, compressed, and then uploaded to One Drive. The files are returned to the tutor who can then forward the presentations, e.g. to an external examiner. 

If you wish to know more contact Gerry Beattie at g.beattie@worc.ac.uk 

Recording advice

If you are using a video camera or your phone to record some short clips there are some helpful pointers below, that hopefully will give you better visual and audio results:

Get Close

Get as close to your subject as possible for good audio.  The quality of the mikes on video cameras is variable, so you want to be as close as you can be. The same with a phone. Viewers will forgive a poor visual but not a faint sound. 

Best place 

  1. Takecare on where you place your subject or yourself. Not in front of a window or a bright light. Try positioning your subject facing the light so that it falls on the face.  If the light is too bright, close the curtains or lower your blinds. 
  1. If you place your subject with the light falling on one side of the face.  Light the other side with a small directional table lamp.  If there is no natural light, switch your lights on and use a small lamp placed beside your camera/phone to illuminate the front of the face. 
  1. Shoot in ‘landscape’ format. 

Sharing and caring 

Most phones and tablets are set to record your footage to an extremely high quality. Your finished file will be a large size.  Remember to keep the size of your file in mind when sharing with colleagues. 

Mind your back 

Look at your background. Do not have distracting objects or family photographs on the wall. Remove anything with a bright colour. Keep the background as plain and simple as possible. 

Steady on 

Despite the films of Andy Warhol and the influence of French cinema no one appreciates ‘wobbly footage’. Instead of propping up your phone or tablet on some books, and then seeing it slip down as you record your masterpiece, buy a tripod.  There are various versatile and cheap products available, making it well worth investing in a tripod, without breaking the bank. 

Image decorative
Photo © Gerry Beattie

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