This resource is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to create high-quality video samples for your language teaching projects. Whether you’re documenting classroom activities, creating instructional content, or capturing authentic language use, this guide will help you navigate the world of video production. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right equipment to mastering recording techniques, with a special emphasis on balancing visual and audio quality to create truly effective language learning materials.

Note: Before diving into video recording, we recommend reviewing the “Data Collection: Plan of Action” activity to ensure your video project aligns with your overall teaching goals.

EQUIPMENT

There is a wide range of video recording equipment available. We recommend starting with basic equipment and upgrading as you become more comfortable and your needs evolve. Here are three setup options suitable for classroom or outdoor use:

Basic Setup

• Smartphone
• Smartphone tripod
• External microphone (optional)
• Memory cards or cloud storage

Pros:

• Most accessible and affordable option
• Smartphones often have good quality cameras
• Easy to use and portable

Cons:

• Limited control over camera settings
• Audio quality may be subpar without external microphone
• Storage space may be limited

Mid-range Setup

• DSLR or Mirrorless camera
• Tripod
• External microphone
• Memory cards
• Extra batteries

Pros:

• Better video quality than smartphones
• More control over settings (aperture, shutter speed, etc.)
• Interchangeable lenses for different shooting scenarios

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve
• More expensive than smartphone setup
• Less portable than smartphones

Semi-professional Setup

• Professional-grade video camera
• Heavy-duty tripod
• Professional external microphone
• Lighting kit
• Large capacity memory cards
• Extra batteries

Pros:

• Highest quality video and audio
• Maximum control over all aspects of recording
• Suitable for more complex projects

Cons:

• Expensive
• Requires significant time to learn and master
• Less portable, may require multiple people to operate

Regardless of your chosen setup, spend time familiarising yourself with the equipment, reading manuals, and doing test recordings before your actual project. Pay special attention to audio settings and test recordings to ensure you’re capturing clear, high-quality sound along with your video.

PREPARATION — BEFORE RECORDING (30 minutes)

Once you know what you want to record and have your equipment ready, follow these steps:

Indoors:

1. Set up your camera on a tripod, ensuring it’s stable.
2. Position your subjects with a clean, uncluttered background.
3. Check lighting: use natural light from windows or set up artificial lights to evenly illuminate your subjects.
4. If using an external microphone, position it close to the subjects but out of frame.
5. Turn off noisy appliances and ask people to silence their phones.
6. Do a test recording to check video framing, audio quality, and lighting. Listen carefully to the audio playback to ensure clarity and appropriate volume levels.

Outdoors:

1. Choose a location with minimal background noise and movement.
2. Position subjects with the sun behind the camera to avoid backlighting.
3. Use a lens hood to prevent lens flare from sunlight.
4. If windy, use a windscreen on your microphone to reduce wind noise.
5. Be aware of changing light conditions and adjust as needed.
6. Do a test recording to check for any environmental issues, paying close attention to both video and audio quality.

RECORDING (variable time commitment)

Now you’re ready to start recording. Remember these tips:

For short recordings (up to a few minutes):

• Start recording a few seconds before the action and stop a few seconds after to allow for easier editing.
• Use a slate or have subjects clap at the beginning of each take to help with syncing audio in post-production.
• Keep the camera steady; use a tripod whenever possible.
• Monitor audio levels throughout the recording, even for short clips.

For longer recordings:

• Break the recording into smaller segments if possible.
• Regularly check that the camera is still recording and has enough battery and storage.
• Monitor audio levels throughout the recording. Use headphones if possible to catch any audio issues immediately.
• If interviewing, keep the interviewer close to the microphone or use a separate mic for them.

General tips:

• Use the rule of thirds for composition: imagine the frame divided into a 3×3 grid and place important elements along these lines or at their intersections.
• For interviews or language samples, frame the subject from the chest up, leaving some headroom.
• If recording action, leave space in the frame for movement.
• Be mindful of background noise and visual distractions.
• Regularly check both the video preview (if available) and audio meters to ensure quality throughout the recording.

WRAP UP AND EVALUATION (30 minutes)

After recording, follow these important steps:

1. Transfer your video files to a secure cloud storage or external hard drive.
2. Rename files with descriptive names including date, location, and subject names.
3. Clear your memory cards for future use.
4. Review your footage, paying attention to video quality, framing, lighting, and audio clarity. Listen carefully to the audio with good quality headphones to catch any issues you might have missed during recording.
5. Make notes on what worked well and what could be improved for next time, considering both visual and audio aspects.

Remember, just like audio, the key to improving your video recording skills is practice and self-evaluation. The more you record, the more comfortable you’ll become with your equipment and the better your results will be. Always strive for a balance between excellent visual quality and clear, crisp audio – both are crucial for effective language learning materials.