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How to Create Videos for LearnNow.lk – Step-by-Step Guide for Instructors

Welcome to LearnNow.lk! This guide will help you create high-quality videos for your online course. We’ll start with steps everyone needs to follow (like planning), then give instructions for your course type, and finish with editing, uploading, and extra tips. Even if you’re new to technology, follow these steps, and you’ll do great!

Common Steps for All Course Types

Step 1: Plan Your Content in Detail

  1. Choose Your Topic:
    • Pick one small topic (e.g., “How to Use Excel” or “Basic Yoga Poses”).
    • Keep it focused – don’t teach too much in one video.
  2. Set a Time Limit:
    • Aim for 2-7 minutes for best student engagement. If needed, 5-15 minutes is okay, but split big topics into shorter videos.
  3. Write a Simple Script:
    • Start: “Hello, I’m [Your Name]. Today, we’ll learn [Topic].”
    • Middle: List 3-5 key points or steps (e.g., “Step 1: Open the app. Step 2: Click here…”).
    • End: “Thank you for watching! Practice this and see you in the next video.”
    • Use short, easy words.
  4. Prepare Materials:
    • Gather what you need (e.g., computer, ingredients, or exercise mat).
    • Keep your script or notes nearby.
  5. Practice Once:
    • Read your script aloud or rehearse to check timing and clarity.

Step 2: Set Up Basics

  1. Find a Quiet Place:
    • Pick a room with no noise (turn off fans, close windows, ask family to stay quiet).
  2. Check Your Device:
    • Use a smartphone, laptop, or camera with a charged battery and 1-2 GB free storage.
  3. Test Your Setup:
    • Sound: Record a few words (e.g., “Testing, testing”), play it back. If it’s soft or unclear, move closer to the mic or use a clip-on mic (optional).
    • Video: Check lighting and framing (more details in each course type section).
    • Aim for 16:9 widescreen (adjust your camera if possible).

Instructions Based on Course Type

1. Screen Recording (e.g., Computer Skills, Software Lessons)

For showing your computer screen (like teaching Excel or coding).

What You’ll Need
  • A computer or laptop.
  • Free software: “OBS Studio” (download from obsproject.com) or “Windows Game Bar” (built-in on Windows 10/11).
Steps
  1. Set Up Your Screen:
    • Open the program/file you’ll teach (e.g., Excel).
    • Close extra tabs/apps for a clean look.
    • Make text readable (zoom in if needed).
  2. Start Recording:
    • Open OBS: Select “Display Capture,” click “Start Recording.”
    • Or use Game Bar: Press “Windows Key + G,” click “Record.”
    • Wait 2 seconds, say: “Hello, I’m [Your Name]. Today, we’ll learn [Topic].”
  3. Teach:
    • Move your mouse slowly to point at things.
    • Explain each step (e.g., “Click here to save”).
    • End with: “Thank you! Practice and see you next time.”
  4. Stop and Save:
    • Stop recording, save as MP4 (e.g., “Lesson 1.mp4”) on your desktop.
    • Check: Video should be 720p or higher, under 4GB.

2. Face Recording (e.g., Lectures, Theory Lessons)

For talking directly to the camera (like history or language lessons).

What You’ll Need
  • A smartphone, laptop, or camera.
  • A tripod or books to hold your device.
  • Good lighting (window or lamp).
Steps
  1. Set Up Your Space:
    • Sit in a quiet room.
    • Face a window or lamp (light on your face, not behind).
    • Place your device at eye level, filling the frame with your face and shoulders.
  2. Start Recording:
    • Open camera app (phone: tap “Video”; laptop: “Camera” app).
    • Press “Record,” wait 2 seconds, say: “Hello, I’m [Your Name]. Today, we’ll learn [Topic].”
  3. Teach:
    • Look at the lens, speak slowly, follow your script.
    • End with: “Thank you! See you next time.”
  4. Stop and Save:
    • Stop recording, save as MP4 (e.g., “Lesson 1.mp4”).
    • Check: 720p or higher, 16:9 widescreen.

3. Screen with Face (e.g., Tutorials with Explanation)

For showing your screen and face (like teaching Photoshop).

What You’ll Need
  • A computer with a webcam (or phone as webcam).
  • Software: “OBS Studio” or “Zoom” (free).
Steps
  1. Set Up:
    • Open the software/file you’ll teach.
    • Place webcam/phone above your screen, facing you, with good lighting.
  2. Start Recording:
    • OBS: Add “Display Capture” (screen) and “Video Capture Device” (webcam). Adjust so your face is a small corner box.
    • Zoom: Start a meeting alone, share screen, turn on camera, record.
    • Say: “Hello, I’m [Your Name]. Today, we’ll learn [Topic].”
  3. Teach:
    • Show your screen, explain while your face shows.
    • End with: “Thank you! Practice and see you next time.”
  4. Stop and Save:
    • Stop recording, save as MP4 (e.g., “Lesson 1.mp4”).
    • Check: 720p or higher, under 4GB.

4. Activities (e.g., Cooking, Crafts, Art)

For hands-on tasks (like cooking or crafts).

What You’ll Need
  • A smartphone or camera.
  • A tripod or books to prop it up.
  • Your materials (e.g., ingredients, tools).
Steps
  1. Set Up:
    • Work in a quiet, well-lit space (e.g., kitchen).
    • Position device above or in front to show hands and materials.
  2. Start Recording:
    • Press “Record,” wait 2 seconds, say: “Hello, I’m [Your Name]. Today, we’ll make [Task].”
  3. Teach:
    • Show each step slowly (e.g., “Cut the onion like this”).
    • Hold items to the camera if needed.
    • End with: “Thank you! Try this and see you next time.”
  4. Stop and Save:
    • Stop recording, save as MP4 (e.g., “Lesson 1.mp4”).
    • Check: 720p or higher, 16:9 widescreen.

5. Physical Training (e.g., Exercise, Yoga, Dance)

For showing body movements (like workouts or yoga).

What You’ll Need
  • A smartphone or camera.
  • A tripod or prop (books).
  • Open space.
Steps
  1. Set Up:
    • Pick a quiet, empty area.
    • Place device far enough to show your full body (head to feet).
    • Use good lighting.
  2. Start Recording:
    • Press “Record,” wait 2 seconds, say: “Hello, I’m [Your Name]. Today, we’ll do [Exercise].”
  3. Teach:
    • Show moves slowly (e.g., “Lift your arm like this”).
    • Explain clearly.
    • End with: “Thank you! Practice and see you next time.”
  4. Stop and Save:
    • Stop recording, save as MP4 (e.g., “Lesson 1.mp4”).
    • Check: 720p or higher, 16:9 widescreen.

Video Editing (Optional for All Types)

If your video is good, skip this. To make it better, edit with free tools.

What You’ll Need

  • Smartphone: “InShot” or “YouCut” (Play Store/App Store).
  • Computer: “Windows Photos” (Windows) or “iMovie” (Mac).

Steps

  1. Open the App:
    • Install it, select your video (e.g., “Lesson 1.mp4”).
  2. Trim Mistakes:
    • Cut out errors (e.g., coughing, long pauses) using “Trim” or “Cut.”
  3. Add Text:
    • Add a title (e.g., “Lesson 1: Basic Yoga”) or subtitles for key points.
  4. Adjust Audio:
    • Increase volume if low, remove noise if possible, ensure stereo sound.
  5. Save:
    • Export as MP4, choose 720p or 1080p, keep under 4GB.
    • Name it (e.g., “Lesson 1_Edited.mp4”).

Uploading to LearnNow.lk (All Types)

  1. Name Your Video: E.g., “Lesson 1 – Basic Yoga.”
  2. Transfer (If Needed):
    • Connect phone to computer via USB, copy video to desktop.
  3. Log In:
  4. Upload:
    • Go to dashboard, click “Add New Course” or “Upload Video.”
    • Select file, wait, add title/description, click “Save.”
  5. Check: Watch on LearnNow.lk to ensure it’s clear (720p+, 16:9).

Accessibility Tips

  • Captions: Add subtitles using YouTube AutoCaptions or CaptionMaker (free tools) for hearing-impaired students.
  • Transcripts: Include your script as a text file or in the course description.

Get Feedback

  • Before uploading, show your video to a friend or colleague. Ask:
    • Is it clear? Can you hear me? Is it interesting?
  • Fix anything they suggest, then upload.

Tips for Success

  • Speak Clearly: Use simple words, don’t rush.
  • Test Everything: Check sound, light, framing before recording.
  • Technical Check: Ensure 16:9, 720p+, MP4, under 4GB.
  • Ask for Help: Call [insert support number] or email [insert email] if stuck.

You’re ready to create amazing videos for LearnNow.lk! Thank you for teaching with us. Let’s inspire Sri Lankan learners together!