Are you moving your course fully online? Hybridizing? Flipping? Maybe you just want a smoother, more polished look to your current content? In any scenario, it can seem a daunting task to build out or refine digital content. However, a resource you may not have heard of, which could greatly benefit you, is the self-service Academic Media Production Space (AMPS) in the Wells Library. This automated recording space provides a streamlined approach to incorporating professional-looking effects, transitions, and features for your presentations at the press of a few buttons.
Some projects that would most enjoy the benefits of this space might look like the following:
- Equation/Graph/Writing-focused Instruction – Many instructors find it frustrating to screen-record themselves using a LaTeX editor, let alone using a tablet and stylus to handwrite equations onscreen while referencing a PowerPoint presentation. Consider making use of the AMPS’ Learning Glass/Lightboard technology, which allows you to write as you would on a whiteboard in a physical class but face the camera while doing so. The simple controls will allow you to seamlessly jump back and forth between your slide deck and the learning glass.
- Software/Screen-based Demonstration – This space offers a much larger, multi-screen layout to work on as well as a touchscreen and stylus which may be preferable or even necessary for some on-screen demonstrations. While these could be done on any computer, some prefer the more professional quality of the camera from the AMPS over a built-in webcam on a laptop.
- Film/Video Review – Through the use of a full length greenscreen and easily load in content such as images and video, the self-serve space lends itself well to viewing content for the purposes of scene composition, animation breakdowns, and general visual analysis while still having quick access to both presentation and presentation notes on separate screens.
- Physical Demonstrations and Manipulatives – Some instructors prefer to take advantage of the space to create demonstrations using objects, tools, and other physical representations which can be clearly recorded at a further distance than your standard webcam. Conversely, you might record up close using a hover-cam to show fine manipulation such as those in calligraphy, sketching, or working with tiny objects.
These are just a few of the possibilities in this space, and others like it, and we will help you to make the most out of your time in this versatile resource. For instructors near IUPUI, the University Library will soon have a self-service AMPS, so keep an eye open for updates on that.
If you’d like to jump into this space right away, would like a tour, or have technical questions, contact Steve Egyhazi at segyhazi@iu.edu. If you’d like assistance designing your videos, advice on incorporating them into your course, or have pedagogical questions regarding teaching with video, contact Matt Barton at mattbart@iu.edu.
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