• University of Edinburgh

How to Create Video for Online Courses

Discover tools and techniques to plan, film, and edit high-quality videos for online learning.

4,165 enrolled on this course

An image of a woman wearing a head scarf and jumper. She is adjusting a smartphone set up for filming atop a tripod.

How to Create Video for Online Courses

4,165 enrolled on this course

  • 2 weeks

  • 2 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Open level

Find out more about how to join this course

Learn how to create effective and engaging educational media

Increasingly, as education pivots online, educators are looking to filmmaking as a way of creating new and exciting content.

On this two-week course from the University of Edinburgh, you’ll learn how to turn your mobile phone into a full-featured video production suite to create effective and engaging online course videos and media.

Develop the skills to script, storyboard, and film your videos

To create engaging videos that complement your online learning materials while also making the best use of time, equipment, and cost, you need to plan your content and filming schedule effectively.

You’ll start this course by looking at the pre-production process, including writing a script and creating a storyboard. Through these steps, you can make sure that you’re using the right shots while addressing your aims and refining your message.

Then, you’ll move on to production, learning how to set up your equipment and capture different shot types through a range of practical activities.

Dive into post-production to prepare and edit your footage

During the second week of this course, you’ll explore the post-production process, from preparing your footage to basic editing techniques. Using free editing software that’s readily available, you’ll gain practical tips to get the most from your post-production.

Making online learning materials accessible is actually a legal requirement, and best practice for offering education opportunities to as broad a range of learning needs as possible.

This course will guide you through the importance of captions and transcripts, as well as how to use and correctly attribute third-party content and open educational resources.

Download video: standard or HD

Skip to 0 minutes and 1 second Want to create engaging video for online courses? Are you an educator or content creator looking to upskill in media production? Our free two-week course from filmmaking experts, at the University of Edinburgh, will equip you with the skills to plan, film, and edit educational media. You’ll discover how to make videos inclusive, accessible, and in line with copyright law. With 83% of people preferring to access instructional or informational content through videos over text or audio, now is the time to master the transferable skill of video creation. Enrol on our free course today and start creating engaging video content for your learners.

What topics will you cover?

  • Media in online education
  • Introduction to the production process (pre, production, and post)
  • Introduction to basic filming and editing of media
  • How to create open educational resources

Topics covered:

  • Pre-production
  • Production
  • Post-production

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Create a pre-production plan (scriptwriting, storyboarding and sourcing footage).
  • Demonstrate the basics of filming including lighting, audio, and basic post-production skills.
  • Explain relevant legislation including accessibility and copyright in media production.
  • Improve learner engagement through effective use of media.
  • Identify and create video as responsible and sustainable open educational resources.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in developing online educational media or just looking to improve their film production skills for online content creation.

It will be especially useful for learning technologists or those planning to teach online. It may be helpful for digital marketers and content creators looking to create short instructional-like videos.

Who will you learn with?

Lizzy is an Instructional Designer at the University of Edinburgh. She has a passion for active learning design, creative approaches to teaching, and educational media production.

Geoff Fortescue is the Media Studio Manager at the University of Edinburgh. He has over 15 years' experience in the Media Industry, with a background in video editing and camera operation for broadcas

Stephen is the Media Team Manager for Edinburgh’s Digital Learning Applications & Media division. With 20 years of media experience including a decade in senior design role at the BBC.

Calum MacPhail is a Media Production Officer at the University of Edinburgh. He has over 11 years' experience as a videographer and editor.

Media Service Manager at The University of Edinburgh, Liam's main focus is on delivering great video experience through our Media Hopper Create platform, as well as mobile film making and podcasting.

Who developed the course?

The University of Edinburgh

Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s top universities and is globally recognised for research, innovation and high-quality teaching.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$89/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 11 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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