CREATE SIMPLE VIDEO TUTORIALS the ADAM RAITI WAY
Record, Share, Inspire, Repeat
Ever wonder how some people just have a flair for creating engaging video content? Or how they calmly explain intricate details or methods of doing something? Look no further- Adam Raiti is that guy. A veteran teacher at our high school, Mr. Raiti currently teaches Digital Media and Pottery although his expertise has extended well beyond these courses and into Sculpture, AP 3D Media, and Advanced Digital Media. Mr. Raiti carefully leverages screencasting to supplement his direct instruction. Let’s hear from the expert below to better understand how students are benefitting from his experience.
Q: What specifically are you trying to accomplish with your students and how are you integrating technology into this process?
A: (Adam Raiti, LOLHS Art Teacher)
When I first began teaching I spent so much time demonstrating how to do something. Whether it was technique on the pottery wheel or teaching how to animate objects or make them 3D, I was always burning up valuable class time to try to give students the best example I could. Don’t get me wrong, I still demonstrate in class but a little bit differently now. Now I’m able to introduce ideas, concepts, techniques, or features in part by using video.
Screencapturing software like Screencastify has allowed me to isolate specific skills and tasks and make them available in a curated area on YouTube. I can record my screen while in Adobe Animate for example and walk students through anything and everything so they can access it independently or collaboratively outside of class. Maybe it’s used as a way to review or perhaps for something entirely new in preparation for an upcoming unit. This “flipping” can allow students to walk into class with a foundation of knowledge and be able to spend more time “doing” than watching the teacher demonstrate. This can also be extremely valuable for the student that has missed class.
Q: What specific technology are you using and what does this technology do?
A: (Adam Raiti, LOLHS Art Teacher)
I am primarily a mac user so I tend to use QuickTime to capture content from my screen. To edit I use a program called Handbrake. These programs are a little more cumbersome to use so I recommend others to use Screencastify.
Screencastify is a computer screen recorder that allows video to be captured, edited, and shared easily. My experience has been positive as it is extremely easy to use plus it integrates seamlessly with Google Drive. The free version has a 10-video limit and a 10-minute per video limit. If you see a notice that you’ve reached your 10-video limit, then you will need to delete some videos. For instructions on this, visit here. For some essential tips and general suggestions when using Screencastify, visit here.
What I like best about Screencastify is that every recording is automatically saved to your Google Drive. And, there’s a built-in editor- it’s not fancy but gets the job done for most. I haven’t had students use Screencastify but am highly considering it as they could demonstrate understanding or even create their own tutorials to assist other students. My students use Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Animate and these programs have many features and take time to learn so using something like Screencastify could really help.
All of the content I create is housed and curated on YouTube. I created a channel and simply upload my videos for each class. This way students have access to a full library and can review or go ahead at their own pace. It’s also ideal for students that are absent as they can access content anytime to stay on pace.
A FEW EXAMPLES FROM MR. RAITI
Q: Can you provide any feedback or reflection from students or other participants?
“Sometimes I forget a concept and need a refresher. Mr. Raiti’s videos allow me to get caught up at my own pace and on my own time.”
“Creating in our digital media class can be challenging as there are so many features and tools to learn. When we need it, Mr. Raiti creates customized videos for us to really dig deep into the software. This helps us make sure we understand the concepts so we can keep moving forward and all stay on the same page.”
“The pottery videos that Mr. Raiti makes have helped me a ton! I get a hands-on visual of exactly what I need to do or help me figure out what I did wrong. Sometimes I’ll watch the videos ahead of time when I know he’s going to introduce new concepts or techniques.”
