By Cindy Banyai originally posted at Participatory Evaluation Forum - Refocus Institute
By: Cindy Banyai, Ph.D.
Video is an incredible tool for participatory evaluation and a handy way to provide training across vast distances. I have been preparing some materials for an online evaluation course, which includes video tutorials, and I would like to share some things I've learned that might make the process easier for you. Since these tips are more technical in nature, you can also consider them for use video in participatory evaluation.
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| Learn more about participatory video at www.refocusinstitute.com |
- Invest in Dropbox - Video files tend to be very large, making sending them by email difficult. Last year, when doing a similar project, I spent more time transferring the files than I did scripting, shooting and editing the video. This year, I bought the basic subscription for the online storage and filesharing company, Dropbox, and have been very pleased with its ease of use and have found even more uses for the investment. It still takes a while to load large files, but once you begin the transfer you don't have to think about it anymore.
- iPads rule - With the 2 latest iPads you can shoot, edit, and transfer the videos all from the same place, resulting in a high quality video. iMovies is great for editing, especially with its most recent updates, making it easier to edit long clips, add intro music, and photos. You still can't extract audio or add subtitles or credits like the full Mac version, but it's only $4.99, so what do you expect?!? I recommend getting a microphone to improve the audio quality though. The iPad overall is also so user-friendly it makes a good option for group work and collaboration.
- Shoot in order - This tip came from Don Umali, Filipino actor, while I was working on a participatory video project in Pagudpud. At the time, there was no iPad and the rural town had little access to sophisticated video editing equipment and computers. The group worked together in advance and decided what they wanted to shoot and then shot it in order. This approach works if you are not going to edit the video, and is handy if you are editing since it takes some of the guesswork out of an already laborious process.
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