How can you make video assignments more engaging?

1 Choose a relevant and interesting topic

The first step to making a video assignment more engaging is to choose a topic that you are passionate about and that relates to the course objectives. Don't just pick something that is easy or obvious, but something that sparks your curiosity and motivates you to do more research. Think about what questions you want to answer, what problems you want to solve, or what stories you want to tell. Make sure your topic is narrow enough to fit the time limit and the assignment guidelines, but broad enough to allow for some flexibility and creativity.

2 Plan and script your video

The next step is to plan and script your video before you start filming. This will help you organize your thoughts, structure your arguments, and avoid rambling or repeating yourself. A good video script should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, as well as transitions, examples, and evidence. You can use bullet points, outlines, or storyboards to plan your script, but make sure you write it in a conversational tone and use simple and clear language. You can also practice your script aloud or record yourself to check your pace, tone, and pronunciation.

3 Use different types of media

Another way to make your video assignment more engaging is to use different types of media to support your message. You can use images, graphics, animations, music, sound effects, or text overlays to add visual and auditory interest to your video. You can also use different camera angles, shots, and movements to create variety and dynamism. However, don't overdo it with too many effects or transitions, as they can distract from your content or make your video look messy. Use media that is relevant, appropriate, and consistent with your style and purpose.

4 Edit and polish your video

The final step is to edit and polish your video to make it look professional and appealing. You can use any video editing software or app that you are comfortable with, but make sure you follow some basic editing principles. First, cut out any unnecessary or redundant parts, and trim your video to the required length. Second, adjust the audio and video quality, and fix any errors or glitches. Third, add titles, credits, and citations, and make sure you respect the copyright and fair use rules. Fourth, review your video and ask for feedback from others, and make any changes or improvements as needed.

5 Submit and share your video

The last thing you need to do is to submit and share your video according to the instructions of your instructor or course. You may need to upload your video to a platform like YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive, or embed it in a website or a presentation. You may also need to write a reflection or a summary of your video, or answer some questions or prompts. Finally, you may want to share your video with your classmates, friends, or family, and get their opinions and comments. This will help you learn from your experience and improve your video production skills.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?