Case Studies

Video examples and case studies

On this page you will find a more in-depth look at some examples of the Immersive Studio's video work, as well as case studies on a selection of projects and technologies that we have explored at the University. 

Video examples:

When creating multimedia content for Online Programmes, it is important to consider not only the learning aims of the activity and how video content could enhance these, but also the practical considerations of how they are made. Below you will find some more information on the types of video you could produce for your project, and the pros and cons relating to both of these elements.   

 

Studio/Office – 'Talking head'

Pros: If you are looking to film a professional looking video, but want it to be in a controlled environment, then this is a great option. Studio filming is much more efficient than on-location shooting, with less variables such as the weather to consider. The minimalist background also means less distractions for the viewer, allowing the student to concentrate on the material you are presenting.  

Mix this look with cutaways to other footage/animation, and you can quickly elevate your videos to a professional documentary-style video.  

Cons: When filming a talking head video in a professional setting like this, an important consideration to make is how much value is being added compared to if you were to just film this at home with a webcam and a good microphone. The advancements in webcams, cheap lights and microphones, mean that you can create fairly polished videos at home with free software such as the University’s Recap video capture software. However, if you are thinking of making a longer format, documentary-style video activity with cutaways to other footage/animation, then a studio setting video will be perfect to keep the professional look throughout.   

 

On-Location - 'Talking head'

Pros: Location shooting can be beneficial to your video if you want to add some context to the material you are presenting. For example, if you are filming a welcome video to the course, you might want to be film on campus, to help online student’s get a sense of where they are studying. Maybe you are presenting a video about the work you do in a science lab, or maybe about wildlife on Dartmoor, and being in that particular environment will help to illustrate the points you are making and give your students that added bit of context.   

Cons: Unpredictable environments – when filming on location, the shoots are always significantly longer than in a studio due to the various elements that can interrupt takes. Traffic noise, people in the background, planes overhead, even lawn-mowers – we’ve experienced them all while filming outside. This needs to be considered when planning a location shoot. Don’t be put off if you think the added context is going to be beneficial, but just remember a bit more patience is going to be needed. 

 

Digital animation

Pros: Animations can be a fantastic tool to explain complex ideas and theories and is often used to illustrate parts of the course that students may typically struggle to digest. Visual learning is one of the most popular learning styles and with students on online courses being able to rewatch videos over and over again, it can be used to breakdown these complex ideas in to clear, easy to follow visuals.  

Cons: Time! Animation is time-consuming to create. Even very simple visuals can take hours to create, and longer, more complex animations can take days. For this reason, it’s important to consider which activities in your course are going to benefit the most from these type of videos. When working on a project with you, we can talk you through our previous animations to give you a clearer idea of how much time different styles can take.  

It’s also worth noting that although visual learning is often cited as the most popular style among learners, that doesn’t mean that everybody is a visual learner, so alternative resources should be considered for those that might struggle to absorb the information from these kind of video activities.