Many instructors are exploring how to create and utilize videos in their classes. Getting to know Panopto can help you and your students make engaging videos. In addition to workshops and training resources, we have a few tips on using Panopto from our expert users.
Tip #1 – Set the Stage
Check your lighting, background, and microphone setup. Make a few short, casual videos to see how your space is reflected in the video and to get more comfortable in front of the camera. Bring in some additional lights or rearrange the location of your webcam before you spend a lot of time working on your recordings.
Tip #2 – Specify Video/Audio Sources
Panopto has a variety of settings that can be adapted to fit your specific needs. By selecting specific video and audio sources, you can customize for a streamlined video. Experiment with the different options to find what works for your specific needs.
For example, when recording a PowerPoint with a voiceover, change the Primary Video source to “None” and the Primary Audio source to “Display Audio.” Under Slides, check “Record PowerPoint,” as in the image below.
Screenshot of the Panopto recorder window with red arrows pointing at locations where source inputs can be selected.
Tip #3 – Turn Your PowerPoint Into a Table of Contents
Selecting “Record PowerPoint/Keynote” before you record affects the choices you have during the editing process. This includes an automatic timestamped Table of Contents pulled from your slide titles and the ability to replace a slide without needing to edit the audio track.
Tip #4 – Learn More
Workshops
Teaching & Learning Technologies offers a variety of Panopto workshops, covering Recording Lectures with Panopto, Panopto for Video Assignments, and general Panopto Q&A. See the full list of workshop times and topics.
On-Demand Training
TLT has created a set of videos and guided instructions that walk you through adding Panopto to your courses, creating and editing videos, and adding a quiz to a video. Whether the workshops don’t fit your schedule or you prefer to learn at your own pace, access the Panopto Training page to begin your Panopto training.
This training is accessible to all faculty, staff, and students at Northwestern. If you are an instructor planning on having students submit video assignments, provide them with the links on how to record and edit in Panopto.
If you have feedback on these training modules, please share it with our team at canvas@northwestern.edu.