A practical guide for online course creators

Today, lecture videos are no longer just simple screen recordings. Many now include a small video of the instructor in the corner to improve the learning experience.

This guide will help you understand which recording method fits your teaching goals, without requiring complex tools.

1. Why include a teacher video?

It’s not always necessary, but in many cases it helps:

• Create a stronger sense of connection with learners
• Improve focus, especially for longer videos
• Match modern online learning expectations

2. Common recording methods

Method 1: Record screen + webcam together

Record your screen and webcam at the same time, placing your video in a corner.

Best for

• Beginners
• Quick course production

Notes

• Use OBS, Camtasia, Bandicam, etc.
• Teacher video should take up about 10–20% of the screen
• Keep the position consistent

👉 This is the simplest and most reliable method.

Method 2: Record separately and combine later

Record your screen and your camera separately, then combine them during editing.

Best for

• Long-term courses
• More polished visuals

Notes

• Use Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Camtasia
• Takes more time but offers more flexibility

Method 3: Show the teacher only when needed

The teacher appears only in key moments, not throughout the entire video.

Best for

• Tutorials with lots of on-screen actions
• Content that requires focus on the screen

Advantages

• Cleaner video
• Less distracting for viewers

Method 4: Pre-designed split layout

Use a fixed layout (e.g., half screen for content, half for the teacher).

Best for

• Webinars, coaching sessions
• Lecture-style content

Notes

• Not suitable for detailed on-screen work
• Test display on mobile devices

Which method should you choose?

3. Preparation before recording (very important)

This part is often overlooked, but it has the biggest impact on quality.

1. Lesson content

• Define the goal of the video
• What should learners understand or be able to do?
• Prepare a short outline

👉 You don’t need a full script, but you should know what you’re going to say.

2. Screen setup

• Close unnecessary tabs
• Turn off notifications
• Prepare all materials in advance

👉 Avoid stopping mid-recording to look for content.

3. Basic equipment

• Microphone: clear audio, minimal noise
• Camera/webcam: sufficient lighting

👉 In online courses, audio matters more than video quality.

4. Recording environment

• Clean, simple background
• Camera at eye level
• Minimal movement

👉 This helps your on-screen presence look more professional.

4. Practical recording workflow

Step 1: Choose your method

• Record directly or
• Record separately

👉 Avoid switching methods midway.

Step 2: Set up the teacher frame

• Place it in a corner
• Don’t block important content

👉 Your video should support, not dominate.

Step 3: Do a quick test

• Record 20–30 seconds
• Check audio and lighting

👉 Prevents having to redo everything later.

Step 4: Record in short segments

• Break content into 5–10 minute sections
• If you make a mistake, redo only that part

👉 Easier to edit and less pressure while recording.

Step 5: Review the recording

• Watch the full video
• Fix only necessary issues

👉 No need to aim for perfection.

Conclusion

Learners don’t judge a course based only on recording techniques.

What matters is:

• Is the content clear?
• Is it easy to understand?
• Can it be applied?

The teacher video is just a supporting element, not the main goal.

👉 Choose a method that fits your needs — and focus on delivering good content.