Microlectures
Khadija Mahsud, Instructional Consultant
June 2020
What are they
Where to use them
Why use them
How to get students to watch them
Material
How to create them
Resources
What are they
A microlecture is a short recorded audio or video presentation
on a single, tightly defined topic. Microlectures are typically
produced by an instructor, who might begin by drafting a
rough script that includes an introduction, a list of key points
to cover, and a conclusion.
Khan Academy
TED-Ed
https://library.educause.edu/resources/2012/11/7-things-you-should-know-about-microlectures
What are they
Where to use them
Why use them
How to get students to watch them
Material
How to create them
Resources
Where to use them
Online 100% asynchronous
Online, synchronous and face-to-face
- Students watch them before attending class
- Class time is spent adjusting pacing and direction based on
student queries
- The microlectures remain sharply focused
What are they
Where to use them
Why use them
How to get students to watch them
Material
How to create them
Resources
Why use them
Promotes self-directed learning
supports learner variability (option to pause, replay etc.)
students then use to the microlecture to do something
Frees up class time
cover foundational concepts outside of class and use class time for problem solving
Makes difficult concepts easier to understand
providing first exposure through a video that can then be reinforced by reading the
textbook, coming to class, etc.
Establishes instructor presence
which is in turn linked to motivation, retention and learning
How Video Production Affects Student Engagement: An Empirical Study of MOOC Vieos
What are they
Where to use them
Why use them
How to get students to watch them
Material
How to create them
Resources
How to get students to watch them
Embed them in the LMS – tracking function
Tie it to a grade (homework)
give students something to do after
watching it (1 – 2 questions, point them to
another resource, have them post a question on
the discussion board)
Rule of thumb: every minute of video counts as
two – three minutes of student time
What are they
Where to use them
Why use them
How to get students to watch them
Material
How to create them
Resources
What are they
Where to use them
Why use them
How to get students to watch them
Material
How to create them
Resources
Re: give students something to do after watching it
Material
1. Concepts/theory
2. Application/solving examples
3. Housekeeping
- What to do this week – watch this video, read x, practice problems 3 – 12
Note: please make sure your naming logic is airtight W2_filename (week number and file name),
C2_filename (class number and file name) and also reflected in the syllabus (e.g. syllabus
mentions class numbers or week numbers)
- What to expect on the exam
- How to get started with assignment X
4. Community
Introducing yourself
Why you’re teaching this subject
Why this class is important
What are they
Where to use them
Why use them
How to get students to watch them
Material
How to create them
Resources
How to create them
What are they
Where to use them
Why use them
How to get students to watch them
Material
How to create them
Resources
How to create them
What are they
Where to use them
Why use them
How to get students to watch them
Material
How to create them
Resources
How to create them
Audio only
weekly housekeeping matters
Video
introductions
what to expect on an
assignment/how to start it
Zoom
What are they
Where to use them
Why use them
How to get students to watch them
Material
How to create them
Resources
How to create them
Recording your screen/screencasting
Open Broadcaster Software
record feature on Apple devices
record feature on Windows 10
Camtasia (free 30 day trial)
Screencast-O-matic (free up to 5
minutes)
Avoid browser plugins, download a
program, but … Screencastify is free for up
to 5 minutes
Windows 10
Will record apps
Xbox game bar
PowerPoint has its own
recording functions
How to create them
Script
talk directly to one student (i.e. “you” not “all of you”)
end with something for them to do/hand over
Less is more
Keep formatting consistent
Ask guiding questions (and encourage students to write out the
answers as they go along)
Don’t read everything on the screen (if using slides, for example)
Watch samples online
IT has webcams on request
Resources
7 things you should know about microlectures
How to record the screen on your mac
How to record video of an app in Windows 10
How to Use OBS Studio (Beginner’s Guide)
How to Record your Computer Screen & Webcam (OBS Studio)
How I record written math solution videos
Screencastify overview (Chrome extension)
4 Ways to Make Sure Students Are Watching Your Videos
What are they
Where to use them
Why use them
How to get students to watch them
Material
How to create them
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