What are Video Tutorials?

Online tutorials can be found all over the Internet.  You can learn anything from how to hula dance to program a server-based website. There is a website www.wonderhowto.com that allows you to explore all “how to” video tutorials.  I have learned some software programs by simply watching these video/audio tutorials online.  An online tutorial is a computer-assisted instruction technique in which new information is introduced on a step-by-step basis.  I am using the tutorials to explain how to use Photoshop and Illustrator CS3 software on the computer, but this process could be used for any other given subject.  Also, it is a way to publish lectures to the web.  The process is simple and easy and can be used for your students to repeat what is taught in class.  These published tutorials and lectures can then be viewed from any computer after posting to a blog or website.

The process of creating the tutorials begins by using iShowU (www.shinywhitebox.com/home/home.html), which is specifically for recording using Apple computers. I would recommend the program iShowU is designed to record anything on your screen, instantly — both audio, and video.  The PC equivalent is a program called Camtasia, (http://www.techsmith.com/camtasia.asp), which has the same concepts and allows a lot more options, such as posting to iPods and iPhones. 

After creating your video tutorial, you can post the video to your blog or use Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com), which is a free video server that allows people to upload, share, connect and explore videos.  Personally, I have found Vimeo to have the best quality for uploading videos to the web.  I did try google video (which is a direct partner with www.blogger.com) but was not happy with the video quality and the temperament of the server.  This is a link to my video tutorials: http://www.vimeo.com/computergraphics. 

All students in my classes have benefited from the video tutorials.  Specifically, the adult students have expressed that it has helped to reiterate the lecture from earlier in the semester.  I have received rave reviews about the video tutorials, I believe it helps that it is my (the instructor’s) voice and direction that helps them feel comfortable with the material and guidance. They can pause and replay as many times as need and refer to them for the projects.  This repetition should lessen the stress and pressure of a high paced class.  These video tutorials are posted on the class blog. 

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