How To Create A Tutorial for Online Learning.

I learned about PechaKucha as a presentation format that restricts each slide of the presentation to 20 seconds with a limit of 20 slides. The slides are generally timed using PowerPoint presentation software. The presenter then speaks while each slide moves forward. One needs to organize and practice speaking in order to make sure to stay in within the 20 second limit for each slide. Architects Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham began the first PechaKucha night in Japan in February of 2003. And the idea has since taken off with PechaKucha nights sponsored around the globe.

Although a PechaKucha can be recorded, it is generally a live PowerPoint presentation. The speaker must stay within that 20 second restriction and is forced to be creative and focused in speech and topic presentation. In addition, the images used in a PechaKucha should be chosen carefully to enhance what the speaker is saying. Words on the slides can be distracting since viewers will be forced to read the text rather than listen to the presentation. That is why most PechaKucha presentations have little to no text at all.

I produced a video tutorial similar to a PechaKucha format, although the slide movement for this video was manually advanced. In addition, not all slides were 20 seconds each and each slide had pre-recorded audio embedded so that the manual advance also began the audio. The video was not designed for a live presentation, rather for an online course for information literacy on how to use the University of Guam's online library resources. I used the idea for PechaKucha, a focused tutorial with only 20 slides and recorded instructions on each slide limited to 20 seconds or less. Here are the steps I took to create the video:

Draft A Script

This required an idea of what I wanted to demonstrate to students who may or may not have any experience locating the University of Guam's Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Library online. The tutorial needed to be broken down into manageable segments that covered information students would typically want to know when accessing library services online. Some of the information included how to access the website, use the links provided from the home page, and how to contact a librarian for more information.

Locate Complimentary Images

Since the tutorial was for online services, screen shots were my most likely choice for imagery. I did try to incorporate images of the library ground floor entrance and student computer area to help viewers see the library in real time. I used a red circle or check marks to help emphasize the script, and used animations to draw attention to specific sections of the image I wanted students to focus on.

Record The Script

The script changed as I tried to reduce the time I used for each slide. This was the difficult part. What can one say in 20 seconds or less? There were several drafts of the script before I finally was convinced that the recorded script contained useful and concise information. I used my cell phone to record each clip. I had to record each slide several times because the script needed adjustments in either length, information presented, or speed of the speech.

Embed The Audio

The audio should be set to begin automatically. I found that I needed to adjust the default settings for playback to include that command. Also, some of the clips were much louder than others, so the volume for each clip had to be adjusted.

Adjust Animation Timing

Since I included animation, I needed to open the animation pane and include time for delay or duration of the animation. I also needed to make sure the audio was the first on the animation list so that it will play as soon as the slide is advanced in the PowerPoint. The great thing about PowerPoint is that you can practice the timing in the animation pane until you get the combination right.

Export To Create A Video

PowerPoint provides a varied choice for video size. I chose one that was large enough for the website, but not too large that it would take a while to load and view on a cell phone. See the video and tell me what you think.

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