Record, edit and upload videos for Canvas Assignments
This guide provides some general advice and useful links to resources to help you get started with recording, editing and submitting a video or audio file as an assessment.
There are a variety of reasons you may be asked to submit a video or audio file for assessment, including:
- Recording and uploading a simple video to introduce yourself
- Recording a video of your performance or a presentation
- Providing a visual demonstration that you can perform a physical task or technique
- Illustrating how you solved a problem using a screencast
- Submitting a more complicated video, pitch, promo, or visual essay.
In every case, it’s important to read the assignment instructions carefully so that your submission meets the requirements of the assignment.
Once you’ve carefully read the requirements of the assignment, you’ll have to choose your recording method, such as:
- For a quick talking head video, you can use your computer’s web camera and Universal Capture.
- For a screencast where you record yourself talking to a PowerPoint presentation displayed on your computer, Universal Capture is suitable; consider attaching a microphone to your computer to capture good audio.
- For recording a demonstration or performance, using your mobile phone camera may be preferable.
Record your video or audio
EchoVideo Universal Capture is a software available to all students that can be used to record and edit video content from your computer. The software automatically uploads the video to Lecture Capture (EchoVideo). You can then submit the EchoVideo video in Canvas.
Guide to installing and using Universal Capture
You can record videos using your computer or on a mobile device, then upload the video to Lecture Capture (EchoVideo). To allow for quicker upload times, choose the option to record or save your video in a range of formats; we recommend choosing an H.264/MP4 file, with a frame rate of 25 frames per second and a frame size no larger than 1920x1080 (aka 1080p). If you have limited internet speed, try reducing the frame size to 1280x720 (aka 720p) to reduce the file size.
- To upload a video file from your computer, log into Lecture Capture (EchoVideo) and click the Upload button.
- To upload a video from a mobile device, ensure you have installed the EchoVideo Mobile app - access the app and click the hamburger icon in the top left and click Upload Video.
Please allow 1-2 hours to upload large video files. If you are having difficulty uploading your file, consider exporting the files in a different format or try a lower quality version.
The University has created some helpful guides on how to deliver a clear and effective presentation.
The University has prepared some pointers on how to record a video using equipment you might already have at home.
Edit your video or audio
The Lecture Capture (EchoVideo) system allows you to perform basic recording and editing of video and audio recordings. This is particularly useful for trimming the ends of your video or audio. Refer to the EchoVideo guide on editing videos using the Lecture Capture web editor.
Editing videos within Lecture Capture
If you wish to edit your video outside of Lecture Capture (EchoVideo) and don’t have video editing software, we suggest you install the free video editing software OpenShot for Mac and Windows computers.
Upload your video or audio to Canvas
Once your video or audio is uploaded to Lecture Capture (EchoVideo) you can submit it to a Canvas assignment. You can also upload the video to EchoVideo while you are submitting to your assignment. Please allow extra time for the video upload when doing this.
This guide was last updated 11 Mar 2024.
Please report any errors or omissions in this guide by submitting an LMS support request.