Recording your screen (sometimes known as “screen casting” or “screen capture”) is one way to make videos to support remote instruction. Before beginning a screen recording, it is important to consider accessibility and best practices, in addition to technological requirements like hardware and software.
Getting started with Screen Recording
Step 1: Book a consultation with the Centre for Innovation and Excellence in Learning (CIEL)
This can be done by emailing learnsupport@viu.ca. CIEL will provide support and guidance on best practices and give you an overview of the free, VIU supported software that is available for students and faculty to use. They may also suggest hardware you may need.
Step 2: Consider booking the Audio/Video Editing Suite
- Nanaimo campus has one audio/video suite that can be booked. The suite contains all necessary hardware and software for screen recording.
- More information about the software and hardware available in the suite is available here: How do I use the audio/video editing suites?
- CIEL and IT Services offers no support for the audio/video suite.
Step 3: Gather the required hardware resources
If you do not plan to use the audio/video editing suite and need additional hardware (like a computer, headset, or webcam) please contact the appropriate group for support:
Computer, Monitor, or other Major Hardware
- Seek the necessary approvals within your area / department
- Contact IT Services (ithelp@viu.ca) to get a quote, making sure to include:
- Your budget, processor, storage size, RAM, screen size, and other desired specifications
- Make sure to specify monitors and other peripherals if ordering a laptop
- Non-standard equipment may require additional details and time to process
- Once you receive your quote, submit it to Purchasing including your ticket number
- Provide the Purchase Order (PO) number, the names of the people the equipment will belong to, and building/room the equipment will be placed in to IT Services
- Once your order is received you will be notified via the ticket system.
Headset, Webcam, or other Peripheral Hardware
- Connect with your area/department administrative assistant
- The administrative assistant may be able to order some hardware for you directly from suppliers, or put you in contact with those who can
If you need hardware suggestions, please see this blog post from CIEL.
Step 4: Gather the required software resources
If you do not plan to use the audio/video editing suite and need additional software, consider using the free, VIU supported software before purchasing expensive, vendor supported options or using cloud-based tools.
Free, VIU Supported Tools
Paid, non-VIU Supported Software Tools
If you want to install a screencasting software on a VIU machine, you will need to request that software from IT Services.
- Check which software is standard on VIU computers here: Software at VIU
- Check the Software Centre to determine what software you can load on your own
- If the software is not available as a standard and is not in Software Centre, contact IT Services (ithelp@viu.ca) to request the software, making sure to include:
- Include the computer name(s) the software is to be loaded to, the name of the software, the software publisher, and the version number/name of the software you are requesting
- Software that has not been previously vetted and approved will require significant lead time to appropriately assess
CIEL offers no support for paid software tools.
IT Services will support the installation of the software on your VIU machine, but not the use of the software.
All other support questions should be directed to the software vendor.
Free, non-VIU Supported Cloud-Based Tools
When considering online freeware use caution. Some tools will limit your recording, editing, or sharing capabilities to encourage you to pay for an upgrade. Others may harvest or monetize your data or recordings.
Always read the Terms of Service and Privacy Policies carefully to ensure you are fully compliant with BC's Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act (FIPPA) Regulation.
CIEL and IT Services offer no support for free, cloud based tools.
All support questions should be directed to the vendor or site support.
Creating and Editing Your Screen Recording
Considerations
Remember that if you are including others in your recordings and if the video is to be public or used in future VIU courses, have them sign a video release form. You can download the form by following this link.
If you have chosen a VIU supported software tool, contact CIEL at learnsupport@viu.ca for support.
If you have chosen a non-VIU supported software tool, contact the software vendor or service provider for support.
Sharing your Screen Recording
Once you have created your screen recording, there are a number of places online you can share it. Consider whether or not your video contains student information and BC's Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act (FIPPA) Regulation before choosing your tool.
VIUTube
VIUTube is VIU’s streaming media platform. Faculty, staff and students may upload media content to VIUTube and is not made visible to anyone unless the link to the video is shared explicitly. All of the content is stored in BC. This tool is FIPPA compliant.
Contact CIEL at learnsupport@viu.ca for support accessing and using VIUTube.
YouTube, Vimeo, or other third-party platforms
Most third-party tools, like YouTube and Vimeo, are not FIPPA compliant. Make sure to read the Terms of Service and Privacy Policies in full before using.
CIEL and IT Services offers no support for third-party platforms.
All support questions should be directed to the vendor or site support.