Though STaR provides a variety of media support services for the Blackboard learning management system, some instructors like to use non-Blackboard, third-party screen recorder software to produce original video content for their online courses.  While we do not support products outside the Blackboard suite, we do support streaming services for original media content produced by faculty in one of the digital formats listed below.
Streaming video content from our Flash server can help take the hassle out of providing original video content in your course. With the Flash server, you can:
- Organize and save space in your course files. Keeping video files on our remote server conserves space and reduces clutter in your file manager.
- Deliver content in a reliable format. With an up-to-date Flash plug-in, students can easily view your video content from within their browser.
- Accommodate disabilities. Our video player hosts a number of features that ensure users have an enhanced viewing experience.
How Can I Have My Video Uploaded to the Flash Streaming Server?
Once you have created your video, it will need to be encoded by the server. To complete the video upload process:
- Transfer your file to a USB drive or DVD after saving it in one of the compatible file formats–see File Formats.
- Fill out the Video Encoding Ticket.
- Bring your file to DKSN 104.
A minimum of three business days processing are required for non-captioned video. Closed Captions video requests require a minimum of ten business days to be processed.
Once the encoding process is completed, you will receive an email with a link to your video on the Flash server. See our instruction on how to add the link in your course.
Special Considerations
Please take the following into consideration when creating video content to upload to the Flash server:
File Formats
To encode your video, we will need the original file in one of the following formats:
- .MP4
- .AVI
- .MOV
If you are using a third-party program to create your video content, please ensure that the program can export your video into one of these formats.
Naming Conventions
Organize your original video content on your computer and save the file using a “descriptive, easy to locate” title. This will help you locate the file should you need to edit or have it re-encoded.
Example: DEPT2300_birds_robins_pt1
Hardware Considerations
Faculty who record video with a consumer video camera should avoid cameras that use tape. These cameras will probably require manufacturer software and plug-ins to covert the tape to a digital format. You may find converting to a digital format a timely and challenging process.
Third-Party Software
If you are considering using non-Blackboard, third-party screen recorder software, be sure you can save your files in one of the compatible file formats listed above and have access to online tutorials and help services from the vendor, should you need assistance.
More Information
Contact: Merlene Love, mxlove@ualr.edu or call 569-8654