What is a video?

Sounds like a daft question but videos come in many forms. If you go out with a camcorder, you can create a video which you can immediately play back the raw video on a computer in the classroom. However, in general, it is better to use a piece of software to help you create a more professional video which has been edited and given titles, credits, etc. You can also use software to create a video using sets of still images. In both cases, you may want to add music to enhance your video.

How do I create a video? Part 1

1. If you want to create a video from still images, collect together a set of images into one folder. Use a programme such as PhotoStory 3 (a free download from Microsoft).

2. Import the images and put them into the desired order using drag and drop. Add titles and credits to your video. You can also annotate individual photos if you wish. There are dozens of transition effects that you can use to change from one image to the next. It is often better to choose a single transition that you like and stick to that for a particular video. You can if you wish also alter the amount of time that each image or transition is on screen. If you have images with black borders, you can crop each image to remove these. Should you wish, you can add a narration to your video.

3. Preview your video and check that you are happy with it. If not, go back and make any necessary alterations, then preview again. You may now add a music track if you wish and preview again. You now have various save options. It is always worthwhile saving your work as a 'project file' - this means you can come back to it and alter it. In order to save it as a video, you need to choose a filename/location and quality setting. If you intend to use your video on an IWB, use the Profile 4 (1024 x 768) setting. Click OK and wait patiently whilst the video is created.

How do I create a video? Part 2

1. If you want to edit some raw video that you have found or taken yourself, a good programme to use is Windows Movie Maker. It is quick to learn and available as a free download. Once you have gained some confidence, you may want to move on to paid-for software such as Pinnacle Studio which will allow all kinds of clever tricks such as bluescreen (chroma-key), etc.

2. Import your movie file into Windows Movie Maker and then you can edit, add titles and captions, and a music track.

3. When you are finished, choose a file name and save location. Choose the 'Best quality for playback on my computer' option unless you are concerned about file size in which case you have the option to reduce file size. You can also save all the data as a project file which means that you can come back and make different edits at a later date.