Recording and Uploading Videos For Your Class (Student Guide)

In your courses, your instructor may ask you to record and upload a video—whether it be a presentation, introducing yourself to classmates, or another video-based assignment. Videos may be recorded using a variety of tools, including Zoom and Panopto. 

This article demonstrates how to use Panopto, an online video platform integrated into Canvas, for recording, uploading, and sharing videos in a course.  

Sharing Panopto videos with your class

In Canvas, regardless if you are submitting an Assignment or replying to a Discussion, the options for how you can submit videos remain consistent. For an Assignment, you will see these options under Text Entry. In a discussion, the options will appear above your reply field.

1. In the Rich Text Editor, click the Panopto Video button:

   

2. You will be presented with a few options, including Choose, Upload, and Record:
   • If uploading a video recorded using another program, select Upload and either drag the video file into the box, or click on it to browse for the video.
   • If you already recorded/uploaded the video to your course's assignment folder, you can find it under the Choose option.
   • To record a new video, choose Record. You can record using either Panopto Capture in your browser or the Panopto Desktop Recorder. See the recording options below.
3. After selecting the video and pressing Insert you will see the media show up embedded in the text entry area. Click Post Reply for a Discussion or Submit Assignment for an Assignment.

You have successfully shared your video with your instructor or instructor and peers, depending on the requirements for activity or assessment.

Recording Options in Panopto

1. Panopto Desktop Recorder (Installed Application)
   • Requires a download and install.
   • Best for advanced recording needs (multiple screens, editing tools, offline recording, etc.).
   • Works well for less stable networks.
2. Panopto Capture (Browser-Based)
   1. No installation required.
   2. Best for quick recordings.
   3. Works on most up-to-date browsers.

Recording a Video for Your Assignment

Installing the Panopto Desktop Recorder App

First, download and install the Panopto Desktop Recorder app. 

1. In your Canvas course, click Panopto Video on the course menu.
2. Open the folder named in the format Course ID [assignments] (eg: EN.555.555.81.SP24 Course Name [assignments])
3. Click Create.
   
4. Select Panopto for Windows/Mac.
   
5. The Panopto Capture Desktop Recorder installation list will pop up. From here, simply download the Windows or Mac version that is appropriate for your system.
   
6. Follow the steps to install the program once an option is selected.

You have now successfully downloaded the Panopto Capture Desktop Recorder. Search for Panopto Capture on your machine to launch the application.

Recording your video with Panopto

When you open the Panopto app, you’ll see a toolbar with a red Record button and dropdown menus for selecting your screen, webcam, and microphone. Use the checkboxes to enable or disable any of these inputs.

Note: If you use multiple monitors, be sure to select the screen that shows the full presentation, not the Presenter View with your notes and controls, when you start recording.

1. The Manage Recordings tab in the player will open up a menu where you can view or edit your recorded videos, and the Settings tab allows you to adjust your recording settings.
   
2. When you are ready to record, click the red circle Record button.
   
   Note: You can also pause the recording with the red pause button. You may cancel the recording with the gray X. The microphone icon will mute and unmute your microphone, and the pencil icon opens up annotation tools.
    
3. When you have finished recording, click the Stop button.
4. Add a title to your video..
5. Click Save & Upload.
6. Your video will process and appear in your Panopto Video page in Canvas.

Recording your video with Panopto Capture (Browser-Based)
When you launch Panopto Capture, you'll be able to select camera, microphone, and screen inputs for use in the recording. You can also access advanced recording settings by clicking the gear icon. 

1. Select the camera, microphone, and screen inputs you'd like to use in your video.
2. Click the red Record button.
3. When finished, click the same button to Stop. 
4. The default title will be the timestamp of the recording. You can change this title, if you'd like. 

5. Your video will automatically upload to the course assignment folder. You can click a pop-out button to open this folder. 

   

If you need any help recording or submitting a video for an assignment, please reach out to our help desk.