Presentation Recording Options

This comprehensive guide provides you with all the information you need to get started with screen recording, including necessary tech equipment, preparation tips, several free and easy-to-use screen recording options, and instructions for using each option. 

Before you start recording, ensure that you have the following equipment:

• Computer or Laptop: This is your primary tool where you'll run the screen recording software. Ensure that it has a sufficient amount of storage to save the recordings.
• Microphone: A built-in microphone on your computer or laptop is typically sufficient for most purposes. However, for better audio quality, consider using an external microphone.
• Webcam: Because you are required in your presentations to be visible on camera, you'll need a webcam. Most laptops come equipped with a built-in webcam.
• Internet connection: An internet connection is required to download the screen recording software and to upload your recordings to a hosting site.

Preparation Tips

Before you start recording, consider the following tips:

• Plan your presentation: Know your content well. Consider writing a script or a list of talking points to guide you through the presentation.
• Practice: Perform a few dry runs of your presentation before you start recording. This can help you speak more smoothly and confidently.
• Check your tech: Ensure that your microphone and webcam are working correctly, and that the screen recording software is set up the way you want it.
• Choose a quiet location: Find a quiet place to record where you won't be interrupted by noise.

Feel free to use this Valar Powerpoint template for your presentations.

Submission Tips

Remember, your deliverable should ideally be a shareable URL link. Before you submit, ask yourself:

Please be sure to:

• Submit the shareable URL using the project submission portal linked on your dashboard by the "Submit Project" button
• Be sure to double check that your privacy settings will allow our grading team to view your video (they all have their own email addresses, meaning access to the video cannot only be granted to projects@valar.quantic.edu)

In addition, some recording options do not upload to the cloud, but instead result in a downloaded file. These files may be too large to attach directly to an email, so you’ll have to upload them to a file-sharing service.

Here are some potential options:

• Google Drive (please be sure to double check privacy settings prior to submitting so that our grading team is able to view your video)
• Dropbox
• WeTransfer
• SendGB.com

Recording Platforms

[Valar does not provide any recording platform accounts to students. It is up to students to find the option they want to use.]

Here are some free, easy-to-use screen recording options to help get you started. These are by no means the only options, nor do we require you to use any particular platform. You are more than welcome to find your own! 

Please remember that while the screen recording features of these tools are free, some of them offer additional features at a cost. Always check the terms and conditions of each tool to ensure it meets your needs.

Screenapp: This screen recording platform allows up to one hour of free recording when you sign up using your email. With each recording also comes an automatic transcript. To continue using it beyond the 1 hour of free recording, you can upgrade and pay $9 USD per month. Note that in most cases, one hour is enough recording time for all of the projects of the program. 

Directions:

1. Sign up for a free account using your personal email.
2. Once you are signed in, you can start recording. 
3. Click “New Recording.”
4. Select “Screen + webcam.”
5. Adjust your video, audio, and microphone options.
6. When you’re ready to record, click the “Start Recording” button. 
7. When you finish recording:
   1. Edit the recording title so it has your name, cohort, and the project title.
   2. Click “Share,” which will automatically create a shareable link.
8. Use the shareable link and email it to projects@valar.quantic.edu

OBS Studio is a free, open-source screen-recording program developed by OBS Project. Its capabilities include capturing still images from your screen, as well as recording videos from your display.

Directions:

• Download the software.
• Install OBS Studio on your computer.

Veed.io: This screen recording platform has some nice editing features. The free plan includes all video editing features, unlimited projects in 720p, videos up to 10 minutes in length, and 250MB in size. Videos will have a Veed.io watermark.

Directions:

1. Click “Start for free.”
2. Choose one of the three options that apply to you.
3. Once on the dashboard/studio, choose “Record”
4. You’ll be asked, “What would you like to record?”  Select Screen and camera.
   1. Select the tab, window, or your whole screen, depending on where your presentation deck is located.
5. Click “Record.”
6. Once finished, click “Add to project”
7. You’ll be back in the studio now, and can edit your video if you want. 
8. Or, if finished, click “Done.”
9. Click “Export,” which will then prompt you to sign up for an account. 
10. Sign up with your email address. 
    1. You can skip the workspace set up option
11. On the menu page, choose the “Free” option.
12. Locate your video and click the “Copy Link” icon. 
13. Use the shareable link and email it to projects@valar.quantic.edu

Loom: Loom offers an easy-to-use interface, instantly shareable videos, and compatibility with Chrome, Windows, and Mac. However, the free version has a time limit of 5 minutes per video and requires a good internet connection for smooth recording. Loom allows for recording of screen, camera, or both at the same time. You can choose the option that best suits your needs before you start recording.

Directions:

1. Sign up for a free account using your email.
2. Once signed in, click on the "Download Loom" button to download the desktop app.
3. Install the Loom desktop app.
4. Open the app and click on the "Start Recording" button.
5. Choose whether you want to record your screen, webcam, or both.
6. Click on the "Start Recording" button again to start recording.
7. When you're done, click on the "Stop" button.
8. Your recording will automatically be uploaded to Loom, and you'll be given a URL that you can share.

Zoom: Most people are familiar with Zoom, so there's less of a learning curve. It allows screen sharing and webcam video. However, the free version has a time limit of 40 minutes per meeting, and a good internet connection is required for smooth recording. Zoom also has the functionality to record both screen and camera. During a meeting, you can share your screen and your camera feed will appear as a small window that can be resized and moved.

Directions:

1. Sign up for a free account using your email.
2. Download and install the Zoom app.
3. Open the app and start a new meeting.
4. Click on the "Share Screen" button and choose what you want to share.
5. Click on the "Record " button to start recording.
6. When you're done, click on the "Stop Recording" button and then end the meeting.
7. Your recording will be saved to your computer, and you'll need to upload it to a hosting site. 
8. Once your recording is uploaded, make sure you generate a shareable link. 

Microsoft Stream: This option allows you to record your screen and webcam and automatically uploads the recording to the cloud. However, it requires an Office 365 subscription. It also only works with Windows and Mac. Microsoft Stream allows for both screen and camera recording. When you choose the "Record screen" option, you can select to record your screen, your camera, or both.

Directions:

1. Sign in to Microsoft Stream using your Office 365 account
2. Click on the "Create" button at the top of the page and select "Record screen".
3. A recording window will open. Choose whether you want to record your screen, webcam, or both.
4. Click on the "Record" button to start recording.
5. When you're done, click on the "Stop" button.
6. Enter a name for your video and click on the "Publish" button.
7. Your video will be automatically uploaded to Microsoft Stream, and you'll be given a URL that you can share.

To reiterate, you are NOT required to use any of the above options, which are just some examples and not the only options available to you. The most important thing is that you are able to screen record your presentations!