There are few different techniques that you can use to capture your live, in person activities (e.g. lecture, demonstrations, tutorials, etc.). The technique you choose will depend on:
- what classroom you are in
- what type of content you have
- how you'd like to share the content
- if you plan to re-use the content
- your technical aptitude
This guide will help you compare the options and select the appropriate recording option for you; you might even use a mix of solutions based on the type of activity you are completing. For example, OpenCast might work well for your lecture sections but you'll use SnagIt to self-record portions of your tutorials. Keep in mind that generally you do not want to include students in your recordings; we always recommend editing these sections out before sharing with others.
Jump to
- Built-in Capture System (OpenCast)
- Self-filming with assistance (e.g. from TA)
- Self-recording using SnagIt
- Ad hoc mixed modality sessions (e.g. Webinar Broadcast and Recording)
- Special Capture/Recordings (based on scheduling availability; requires two weeks lead time)
Comparison Table of Different Lecture Capture Options
| Option (Select Option to jump to more information) |
Ideal for: | Access Control | Requires Sign up | Integrated w/Quercus | Requires end of term archiving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Capture system (OpenCast) | Digital Content (e.g. slides, tablet drawing, coding) | Limited to Quercus course | Yes; opt in through your Quercus course in order to enable OCCS. | Yes; videos are automatically available to students | Yes; you would need to download the videos and store them in a file hosting service (e.g. OneDrive) or a video hosting platform (e.g. MyMedia). |
| Self-filming with assistance (e.g. from TA) | Chalk n'Talk (requires TA/Support present); learner presentations | Variable; instructor selected (depends on hosting platform); could be configured to provide individual access | No; relies on teaching team to self-record | No; you have to manually upload your videos and then share them. | No; videos would likely be saved locally during recording. |
| Self-recording using SnagIt | Capturing segments of activity vs. entire session | Variable; instructor selected (depends on hosting platform) |
No (see how to download SnagIt; institutionally licensed; no cost to UofT Community) | No; you have to manually upload your videos and then share them. |
No; by sharing via a video hosting service (e.g. MyMedia), the content is already archived. |
| Webinar tools (e.g. Zoom) | Hybrid Courses | Variable; instructor selected (depends on hosting platform) |
No; tools are available to instructors | No; you have to manually upload your videos and then share them. | Yes; if videos are saved on cloud storage, download and archive at end of term. |
| ETO Special Captures | Guest speakers; Live demonstrations; special lectures | Limited to Quercus Course; video is shared via YouTube or MyMedia | Yes; requests are scheduled as staff allocation allows; lead time of two weeks is required for bookings | Yes; videos are automatically available to students. | No; archiving is built-in to the service (e.g. MyMedia hosting) |
1. Built-in Capture System (OpenCast)
OpenCast is a capturing/recording tool that has been installed in classrooms with a full teaching podium and is run and supported by the Office of Learning Space Management (LSM). It is integrated with Quercus which makes sharing recordings with students easy. To take advantage of this tool, you will need to enable it in your Quercus course (ideally before the course begins).
OpenCast records the audio and display inputs from the classroom AV system but does NOT include a video capture of the instructor.
See our guide on how to administer OpenCast in your Quercus course.
Have OpenCast questions? If you have any questions about OpenCast, please email [email protected].
2. Assisted Self-recording (e.g. TA uses phone or camera)
You can absolutely self-capture (also called self-film or self-record) using your own camera or smartphone. If you do, we recommend a USB wireless microphone that will help ensure that you capture great audio (a key part of any video). This method typically works well when you have someone else who can physically manage the recording and check periodically throughout the class to ensure the recording is happening as intended. If you self-capture, you will need to render the video, post it to a video hosting service (please do not upload your videos directly to Quercus) and share it to your Quercus course for students to access.
See our guide on what to consider if you're thinking about self-recording your in person activities with the help of a TA or other operator.
3. Self-capture using SnagIt
Another strong option is to install UofT's institutionally licensed screen capture tool, TechSmith SnagIt (see the Quercus Support Resource to download SnagIt). In order to use this option in a classroom, you would have to bring a lap top (or other comparable device) to your classroom, set up your microphone/audio capture device, record your session, and then upload to a video hosting service for sharing to your students.
See our guide on how to use SnagIt to self-capture in person activities.
4. Ad hoc mixed-modality sessions (e.g. Webinars)
If you are planning to share your session as it happens with students online, then this is your option! We call this "ad hoc" because it requires you would have to configure and test this with your own equipment (you can contact LSM ([email protected]) for support). With some set up, you can use one of the webinar tools to share your class synchronously and foster interaction between those in person and those online (this style of style is referred to as mixed modality, dual delivery, or hyflex). If you are using this method, we do recommend that you have a TA that can be assigned to manage the online to in-person interaction (e.g. managing the chat and triaging questions).
See our guide on how to set up ad hoc mixed modality sessions using UofT's currently available Webinar tools (e.g. Zoom or Teams).
5. Request a special capture/recording
If you have a guest speaker, a hard-to-set-up demonstration, or other special activity planned for your course, you can request a special capture. Because this service relies on a person physically attending your class and filming, we focus on non-digital content delivery (e.g., chalk n'talk and demonstrations). We are also limited to scheduling availability and prioritize recordings that will be used from year to year. As part of this service, the ETO will edit and upload the video to your preferred video hosting service (e.g., MyMedia).
See on our service information page to request a special capture.
Unsure about your best option? Schedule a consultation with the EdTech Team to review your options!