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Options for Storing Course Videos Outside of Blackboard
Posted October 4, 2018
By: Emily Keener
Videos provide a flexible way to connect with students and deliver course content, especially in "flipped" or online classroom settings. We have many options when it comes to storing and sharing videos, but with a 2 GB course limit in Blackboard, uploading large video files directly to Blackboard usually isn't the best choice. As an alternative, here are four options for video storing and sharing, each with a specific set of features - and caveats - for you to consider.
Feature |
Microsoft Stream |
YouTube |
SIUE’s Streaming Server |
Microsoft OneDrive |
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Video editing built into platform (trimming, etc.) |
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Auto-captioning |
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Viewer commenting |
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Video downloading (viewers can save copy) |
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Video sharing via web link |
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Multi-video sharing (playlists or channels of related topics) via web link |
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*folder sharing |
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Video sharing via personal email invitation (restricts viewing to only those invited, users must log in) |
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Video sharing only to SIUE viewers (must log in) |
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Viewing statistics (who is watching, how long, etc.) |
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Video owners can quickly control sharing options (can stop sharing, remove video from playlist etc.) |
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Video content is free from nearby ads or suggested content |
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Integrates with Blackboard |
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Video creator can upload new content |
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ITS supports the system (the Help Desk can provide technical support) |
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Caveats:
Microsoft Stream
- Sharing permissions are limited: the options are to either share "companywide" (i.e. anyone at SIUE can see the video) or with specific email addresses
YouTube
- “Unlisted” videos are not publicly searchable, but are easy to share with others – anyone who has a link to the video can share it with other people. The video creator has ultimate control over the share settings, however; an “unlisted” video can be set to “private” and sharing would no longer be allowed.
- YouTube's "unlisted" option isn't appropriate for content that could pose privacy concerns (e.g. , showing examples of named student work)
SIUE's Streaming Server
- Videos stored on SIUE’s streaming server are not publicly searchable, but they are easy to share with others. However, using the embed option in a Blackboard Content Item will remove the web link from public view and can be a good workaround, if sharing is a concern.
Microsoft OneDrive
- OneDrive is designed for file storing and sharing; it is not optimized for video (i.e. it does not have a robust video player, commenting features, captioning features, etc.).
- Occasionally, viewers encounter issues playing back videos stored in OneDrive. These are usually related to browser plugins being out of date or disabled and usually have a quick fix.
- Video creators need to be careful with video sharing permissions (making sure not to give "editing" rights to everyone with the link)
Questions? Contact ITS at help@siue.edu or 618-650-5500.
