3.2f Video and Sound

Planning and Teaching

Small group

This component asks you to submit two different videos. You must know about your sound and videotaping quality BEFORE you actually film a possible lesson. Therefore, after you have obtained the signed student releases, start videotaping everything. As you work, keep these considerations in mind.

1. Try using a tripod and walking away. Is the video adequate? Can you hear the students?

2. If the sound is not clear enough, try adding a table mic to the camera and tripod set-up. You can purchase them for under $50.

3. Film whole class as well as small group. It's amazing what you will learn about your teaching and your students simply by videotaping lessons.

4. Don't think you must have a videographer. The video doesn't have to be well produced. What is critical is that you appear on the video and conversations must be audible and comprehensible.

5. As of 2018, many teachers simply used their smartphones and found the sound to be better than with an external mic.