Leveraging Screen Recordings for WordPress E-Learning and Online Courses

WordPress is used for building various types of websites, from personal blogs to e-commerce platforms. The versatility of this content management system has made it a popular choice among many website owners. And one such case is creating e-learning platforms and online courses.

Online learning, especially through video content, has gained immense popularity recently, with more and more individuals opting for the convenience and flexibility it offers.

But after building a WordPress website and filling it with essential elements like specific block plugins, interactive quizzes, etc., how do you create a video material for your online course?

Here in this article, we will explore how to make an instructional video with screen recording with all the necessary steps and tools required for an efficient and successful online course.

Pre-Recording Measures to Take

The first one always comes down to the idea. If you don't have a particular topic in mind, spend some time researching your market and what type of content they are looking for. This could be anything from tutorials on a specific skill to educational videos about your product or service.

Once you have it all set, it's time to create a lesson plan: topics to cover, structure, visual aids, elements like quizzes, etc. This will help you not get lost in the process and ensure a smooth delivery of your content.

Next, you need to set up your recording environment. Make sure you have a quiet and well-lit room with a comfortable setup for your laptop or computer. Get all your notes, slides, and other materials ready for quick reference.

Clear the desktop and web browser from any unwanted tabs, files, opened apps, or anything else that may cause distractions during recording.

Check your microphone and camera if you will be using any for additional visual/audio inputs.

Once everything is in place, you'll need screen recording software.

Tools Needed for Screen Recording

There are plenty of screen recorders available for any budget, skill level, and operating systems. Not to mention, most offer additional features like simple video editing, annotation tools, uploading options, etc.

A couple of tips before recording:

Do a couple of test run before officially recording. This will help you identify any technical issues or room for improvement in your delivery.

Don't be too hard on yourself if you make mistakes, it's OK. You can always edit them out later during the post-production process.

Let's take a look at some great options:

1. Movavi Screen Recorder

In case you've ever looked for a snipping tool alternative to the ones you have built-in on your Mac or Windows, Movavi Screen Recorder is the way to go.

With a friendly UX, clean tools' layout, and all necessary features such as capturing different recording areas, microphone audio, and webcam input, this software takes the stress out of recording.

If you can't allocate separate time for recording all of your learning materials, the scheduler feature helps with that. And you can draw on the screen and quickly trim the footage afterward.

2. Camstudio

This is classic screen recording software, with support for Windows only. You won't find any bells and whistles here, but you'll get a stable and straightforward tool to capture screenshots and videos for your online course.

The biggest drawback is the lack of efficient editing tools and the options for output formats. The user interface is also not the most intuitive, as it didn't receive any substantial updates for years.

3. Icecream Screen Recorder

Another excellent screen capture tool with simple and clean options. You can capture the entire screen, just a particular section, or a selected window. The cloud storage option is convenient for large files.

You can add Paint-like annotations to highlight important information and edit your recordings with trimming, playback speed adjustment, and muting. It's a decent option for beginners.

Steps after Recording Your Video Course

And now, you've successfully captured your video material. What's next? Here are some essential steps to follow:

Edit your video

Always fine-tune your recordings before sharing them. Crop out any distractions, adjust audio levels, add intro and outro screens and transitions to make your tutorial look more professional.

Convert the video format

WordPress supports many video file types, some may have issues with specific browsers or WordPress plugins. To avoid any compatibility problems, convert your video to a standard format like MP4 to ensure smooth playback, small file size, and high quality.

Add branding elements

If you have a logo or specific colors for your e-learning platform, make sure to add them throughout the video as well. It will help with brand recognition and make your course more visually appealing.

Leverage the best way to share your content

Although your website is the main platform, there are other aggressive ways to reach a broader audience. YouTube, Vimeo, and social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram can give you more exposure and help bring more traffic to your website.

Optimize for mobile

Nowadays, a large portion of internet traffic comes from mobile devices. So if your course doesn't fit well on a phone or tablet, it can affect the overall user experience. Make sure to optimize your video material for mobile viewing.

Conclusion

WordPress comes with various features and plugins that make building an e-learning platform or online course a smooth experience. Using screen recordings for creating e-learning content is a great way to engage your audience and make learning more interactive and efficient.

Plan carefully, gather all the necessary tools, record a video, and publish it on your website and other platforms for maximum reach. Keep exploring new  ways to deliver valuable content and make a positive impact on your audience.

Good luck on your e-learning journey!