EHE One Button Overview Video

Have you ever wanted to record yourself on video without the hassle of setting up a camera and microphone? Are you looking for a quick an easy way to get high-quality recordings without in-depth knowledge of video equipment?

“The One Button Studio is a simplified recording environment that can be used without any previous video production experience.” The College of Education and Human Ecology’s EdTech team built a One Button Studio in Ramseyer 360A for EHE students and faculty to use for academic projects.

While the One Button’s recording process is simplified and streamlined, it is always useful to know what to expect before recording any video. That is where the EHE One Button Overview video comes in. Once customers reserve the space, this video is sent to them via email to prepare them for their recording session.

This video was designed in collaboration with the co-workers who oversee the studio’s day-to-day studio operation. With their guidance, we were able to ensure that we addressed many of the common pitfalls of the first time user, as well as provide helpful reminders about wardrobe selection and presentation techniques that benefit even those with more advanced recording experience.

In the video, we open with a few pre-recording suggestions and follow up with an example of what a typical studio experience will be like. In a similar style to the Whisper Room Tutorial we made earlier this year, the voiceover was implemented to deliver the verbal instruction, which works in tandem with corresponding visuals. This combination allows the audience to conceptualize how they should prepare for their session and what the recording experience will feel like once they arrive. In addition, we chose to expand the usage of on-screen text in this video to allow the audience to read and hear the tips at the same time. These techniques were employed to ensure a more comprehensive instructional aid, suited to many different styles of learning.

We ultimately envision this video being housed on the webpage with the One Button Studio reservation form. For the time being, it will be distributed to users via a link in the confirmation email they receive after they fill out the service request form. We highly encourage patrons of the One Button Studio to watch this video and consider the included information before their recording session. With a little preparation, anyone can make a stellar video using the One Button Studio!

Chris Davis Says Goodbye!

Greetings Dear Readers,

I, Christopher Davis, one of your beloved EHE Edtech members will be leaving you and The Ohio State University to pursue future career opportunities. I graduated this past spring, and due to the fact I am starting a great internship, I will no longer be able to continue to contribute to this blog. For the past year, I have had the joy and the privilege, of writing to you on a regular basis.

12642991_1112258622118243_6637158355492101272_nTo give a bit of my personal history, I started working with Edtech at the beginning of my Junior Year of undergrad here at OSU. I was interested in video editing and was seeking an opportunity to hone my skills while still in school. I was hired as a Multimedia Assistant where I was tasked with transcribing, recording and editing videos that came in through our office. After my first year, I expressed an interest in writing.  I was then given the opportunity to update our Edtech blog during my last year at OSU. I recently graduated this past May with a B.A in New Media and Communication Technology from the College of Art’s and Sciences. After graduating, I have continued to experiment with technology by starting my personal Youtube channel as well as doing photography utilizing the skills I learned here at OSU.  This June I will be starting a Marketing internship with Warmilu, an advanced therapeutic warming technology startup.13131280_1178556678821770_8624932853386587271_o

My experience at OSU, as well as working for EHE Edtech, has taught me a lot.  Over the years I have gained experience editing professional videos, writing, meeting deadlines and, most importantly, working with a team. I will be able to transfer these experiences and skills into future career endeavors. It has been a pleasure working with EHE Edtech and being a part of the OSU community as a whole. Through opportunities here, I was able to discover the benefits advanced technology can have on my career. Hopefully, everyone in the OSU community can continue to use technology to improve their lives both in and out of the classroom!

Best of Luck to Everyone,

Christopher Davis

 

5 Tips for camera work this summer!

With the beautiful summer weather finally here, it is now the perfect time to take your camera skills practiced during the school year outside! Using equipment outside can lead to many challenges not present while shooting within classroom buildings. The techniques that you learned while shooting inside the College of Education may still be put to use while outside.

  1. Pay attention to sunlight and the effects it can have on images.

While shooting inside, we the focus was on manipulating artificial light. Taking video or photos outside can lead to new challenges due to sunlight. For instance, when it’s very sunny outdoors shadows will appear behind people and objects. In some cases, such as photography, shadows may be desired for a particular effect. While filming videos, they may be seen as distracting and undesired. The sun can also cause a lens flare on a photo, which can be a problem when it is undesired. In this situation try to shield your camera lens with a lens hood or your hand to avoid thView_of_Downtown_Columbus_Ohio_OH_from_North_Bank_Park_Pavillion_on_Scioto_Riveris effect.

2.Watch out for audio interference caused by weather.

If you have recorded audio inside the College Commons Whisper Room before, user movement was probably the main culprit audio issues. While recording video, it is important to watch for audio interference. For instance, the wind can interfere with microphones when recording audio outside. It is just as important to check for audio errors outside as it is while recording indoors in areas such as the Whisper Room. Bring a set of headphones or earbuds and make sure to listen either while recording, or with a media playback feature present in most cameras.

3. Make sure to keep equipment safe from environmental damage.

When using equipment indoors, the environment is less obtrusive. Outdoors this is not the case. Be sure to check weather forecast so that you are prepared for the weather. Purchasing a waterproof bag is beneficial for protecting camera technology from water damage. It is important to keep cameras away from dirt or sand in all instances because both can damage equipment very easily.

4. Bring along a friend to help you with unique outside issues.

It was probably easy to record or take photos when you are inside a controlled environment. It is often harder to film outside due to issues presented above. With that in mind, it can be beneficial to bring along another person while shooting. For instance, a friend can hold an umbrella over the camera while shooting in the rain. They can also assist in keeping equipment (Tripods, Lights, Microphones, Various Bags) secure and safe from weather and theft while you are focusing on taking good shots of the outdoors.

5. Experiment with the environment and weather!article-0-0D5586CC00000578-859_468x314

Challenges aside, taking photos and videos during the summer outside can be a gratifying experience. Use the environment around you to create fascinating content. Animals, cars, and plants can all be used to film dynamic projects. For example, try bringing your camera to a public park or a campsite. Other popular location for summer shooting would be weddings, family gatherings, and tropical vacations. Keep safety a priority and possibilities and endless!

Have fun and enjoy the beautiful weather!