What is a scratch track? A scratch track is a recording of your content as is (no pre-work required). It's used as a reference which the ETO will analyze, and share ideas on how to translate the content (using different modalities) into a digital learning experience. A scratch track can be recorded in person (eg. our studio) or online (eg. Microsoft Teams). This prep sheet is for a virtual recording.
Download the ETO's one pager "Recording a scratch track of a lecture or presentation"
Want a printable version of this guide? You can print out the ETO Prep Sheet PDF!
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1. The Online Setup
- It's virtual! The scratch track recording will be done online using Microsoft Teams. The ETO will send out the invite.
- Who will be in attendance? Joining the call will be a few members of the ETO, who will be taking notes during the recording.
- What will be recorded? We will record your screen and camera. You will be able to share your screen during the session.
Need help sharing your screen on Microsoft Teams? Here is a Microsoft guide on how to share content in a Teams meeting.
2. The Recording Process
- Before the Session: Prepare for recording by opening your digital materials. Have your slides, notes and/or script open on your computer (or easily available to you).
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During the Session: We'll make sure you're comfortable and ready to present. We'll start the recording and you'll present your content as you normally would.
a) Session Attendees: Let us know if you'd prefer ETO attendees to have cameras on or off. Microphones will be muted to avoid background noise.
b) Redos/Addressing Mistakes: If you make a mistake, that's OK! Continue as you would in front of an audience. - Post-Recording: After the presentation is complete, we will spend 15-30 minutes debriefing and asking any follow-up questions.
3. Quicklist of hardware
- a quiet space
- webcam (external or built-in)
- microphone (external or built-in)
- presentation (in its current digital format)
- speaking notes (any resources you might normally have when presenting)
Looking for more hardware recommendations? See our full guide to choosing your hardware.
4. Key tips for setting up for your video recording
- Set up your self-capturing in a quiet space with a good amount of light that you can control.
- Your camera should be at eye-level and set up to capture in landscape mode (this mostly applies if using a smartphone)
- Your speaking notes should be located somewhere that you can easily access and look at while recording.
- Do a test record - make sure your video and audio are working.
- Wear comfortable clothes. You don't need to be "office-ready" since this recording will not be used in the final edited video(s).
Interested to learn more about building a digital learning experience? See the full details in our ETO project retrospective "Designing and Building Digital Learning Experiences."