Lecturing online isn’t just about recording your in-person class—it’s about reimagining how to communicate content in a digital space. Attention spans are shorter online, so breaking your lecture into short, focused segments (5–10 minutes) helps students absorb the material more effectively. Instead of a single hour-long video, consider creating a series of short videos, each tied to a specific concept, example, or learning objective. Keep your tone conversational, include visuals or slides, and talk to the camera as if you're speaking directly to your students—they'll feel more connected that way.

Online lectures also benefit from layering. This means combining your videos with supporting content like slides, practice questions, or brief reflections to make them interactive. You don’t need fancy tools—Canvas Studio, Zoom recordings, or even narrated PowerPoint slides work great. The key is to be intentional: what do students need to hear from you directly, and how can you keep it engaging? The Trulaske Instructional Technologist can help you plan your lecture flow, choose the right tools, and ensure your videos are accessible, high-quality, and aligned with your course outcomes.

Best Practices for Recording Engaging Lectures

Online lectures need to be more engaging than traditional classroom lectures. Here are some tips to keep students focused:

Keep It Short and Sweet: Attention spans are shorter online. Break up your content into bite-sized chunks (5–10 minutes each) to maintain focus.
Write a Script: Writing a script before making a video helps ensure clear structure, improves engagement, and saves time during recording and editing, while also making it easier to add captions for accessibility
Use Visuals: Consider what needs to be on the screen while you are talking. Include slides, diagrams, or screen sharing to reinforce your message. A well-designed visual can help break up the monotony of a talking head.
Add Interaction: Depending on the tool incorporate quizzes, or pauses for discussion. This helps students stay engaged and lets you check for understanding.
Speak Clearly and with Energy: Your enthusiasm can make a difference! Speak clearly, at a moderate pace, and inject energy into your delivery to keep it lively.
Be Authentic: Students appreciate realness. Avoid sounding scripted—let your personality shine through.

Recommended Tools for Lectures

There are several tools available for asynchronous lectures that can make your job easier and improve the student experience. Remember you can incorporate activities that keep students engaged—like in-video quizzes.

Panopto: Ideal for creating pre-recorded lectures, especially when you want to capture both your video and on-screen content simultaneously.
VoiceThread: VoiceThread is a multimedia discussion tool that allows users to create and share audio, video, and text comments on presentations for interactive, asynchronous conversations.without requiring live filming.

By following these best practices and using the right tools, you can create online lectures that are engaging, interactive, and easy to follow. Your students will appreciate the effort you put into making your course engaging, and you’ll create an environment where active learning can flourish. For a personalized consultation, please contact the Trulaske Instrutional Technologist, Angela Knoerr.