Why Video?
Videos can take information that was static and immovable and create a dynamic form of media that can capture your attention in an engaging way. Video can also create a personal connection as the viewer can empathize or see the viewpoint of the speaker.

Video also has the benefit of combining several forms of media together to get a greater picture: video, audio, graphics, photos and text. Telling a story or conveying information using these overlapping elements can combine to create interest or appeal to emotions to captivate the viewer.

Video has the ability to simultaneously appeal to auditory and visual senses, which combines text, music, sound effects, camera shots, graphics and photos to create more of a full-sensory experience. You can more readily experience the viewpoint of the speaker or filmmaker as it can make you feel closer to material as you experience what they do. In films, this can create empathy or sympathy for characters if done properly, which holds the interest of the viewer in an engaging way in which they want to see what happens in the story. In educational videos, while empathy or sympathy be irrelevant or not needed, the speaker does want the audience to learn, to be engaged, attentive and motivated. However, the same principles used in cinematic films can still apply to educational videos to enhance learning.

There are three stages in video production:

Pre-Production( Planning and Writing)

Production (Filming and Recording)

Post-Production (Editing and Delivery/Posting)

Logistics of Making Videos

When choosing to create a video for learning purposes, there are three logistical factors that you must keep in mind, which are:

1. Time: How much time do you have to make your video? How long do you want your video to be? Do you have time to gather resources, people and locations and then edit the footage afterward?
2. Resources: Do you have the needed equipment, such as an updated version of Camtasia, a good microphone and possibly a smartphone to record additional video or photos? Do you have a quiet, uncluttered room with good light (either from lights or a window)?
3. Skills: Do you know the fundamentals of how to create, edit and share a basic project in Camtasia? Do you need to find or create additional photos or video, such as from a smartphone? Do you know how to hook up and test your microphone?