An intriguing option for developing video-based content at UO can be seen in a system recently and successfully deployed at Penn State University. The One Button Studio is
a simplified video recording setup that can be used without any previous video production experience. The design of the studio allows the user to create high-quality and polished video projects without having to know anything about lights and cameras.
As David Raths in An ‘Easy Button’ for Video Production describes, the system takes the emphasis away from controlling (and having to master) the technology, and places it where it belongs: the content produced by faculty and student users. The studio automates the control of microphone, camera and lights, simply requiring a user to insert a USB flash drive and push a button to begin. Once done recording, the system compiles the video into a format which can be shown (MP4 in this case) in class or posted online by the student or faculty member.
According to Ben Brautigam, manager of advanced learning projects, Penn State’s two studies have had 8,874 users over just two years. “That equates to more than 10 percent of our main-campus student body, per year, for just two rooms,” he said. This year, the university has added 10 more One Button Studio spaces, three on their main campus and the remainder on seven other campuses.
As a space which allows faculty members and students to create video content broadly and freely, the One Button Studio is an idea to explore here at the University of Oregon. For further details check out Davis Rath’s article or visit the One Button Studio website.
I’ve been producing videos for training purposes professionally for over 25 years. I can see that this system would be extremely supportive and appropriate for certain types of video projects. For example it would be great to show a teacher speaking or writing on a board.
However for many topics, a lot of skill and experience is needed to create videos that teach effectively. It requires much more than just pushing the record button. The knowledge and experience needed goes far beyond the technical leg up that the One Button Studio offers. In my opinion the One Button Studio has very limited use, and usually can’t replace a technically proficient video production staff that understands training concepts.
It’s no different than turning on your gourmet oven and expecting a gourmet meal to pop out. Consider that the One Button Studio makes it difficult or impossible to demonstrate anything that would require a different camera angle. This is often an essential part of effective training.
I wrote an article titled “The Secret to a Successful Video”. Although it’s geared towards our business clients, I think it would be appropriate here because it includes information on what makes a training video successful, and what can make it fail. Please feel free to take a look.
Greg Ball, President
Ball Media Innovations, Inc.
https://www.ballmediainnovations.com
Clearly, this isn’t meant to replace professional video production. High-quality video production is essential, and too many institutions see that (probably wrongly) as a place to save money. But there is a level of empowerment we’re talking about here that serves an important pedagogical function at the university level, too. Too often, faculty don’t innovate because they fear failure; ease of use is a significant means of overcoming that hurdle. When it comes to producing video for instruction, or (as Penn State noted) encouraging students to use such a set-up to complete assignments, this is a valuable way to facilitate educational success.
In short, video production for pedagogical use has different goals than what you’re talking about. Thanks for commenting!
Hi Lindsey,
Thanks for your response. I completely agree with all of your statements.
As I mentioned above, the technology described in the article clearly has a place in supporting students and faculty at the University level, for some types of projects. I just see a lot of DIY’ers these days creating their own training and educational videos with poor results. I just thought it might be useful for students, faculty and anyone reading the blog to consider that although this system is good for some projects, it’s not necessarily the appropriate solution for every type of training need.
Best,
Greg Ball, President
Ball Media Innovations, Inc.
https://www.ballmediainnovations.com