Find out how to Create Your First PD Video with Google Vids

Jeff Bradbury is an writer, podcaster, public speaker, creator of the TeacherCast Instructional Community and father of the world well-known #EduTriplets.

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You’ve got heard about Google Vids. You understand it will probably provide help to create skilled improvement movies sooner. In my final publish, 5 Google Vids PD Methods for Tutorial Coaches to Help Employees and College students, I shared a number of explanation why Google Vids is likely to be best for you and your program. Immediately, let’s check out the right way to get began creating your first Vids mission.

So let’s do it.

On this tutorial, I am strolling you thru creating your first skilled improvement video with Google Vids—from opening the device to sharing the completed product along with your lecturers. No prior video enhancing expertise required. No difficult software program to put in. Simply you, Google Drive, and about Half-hour.

By the tip of this information, you may have a elegant PD video you may truly use along with your lecturers. Let’s dive in.

For extra details about Google Vids, please try THIS LINK to see all of my Google Vids protection.

Your First Video: The “Assist Me Create” Technique

The quickest method to create a Google Vids video is utilizing the “Assist me create” characteristic. That is the place the AI magic occurs, and truthfully, it should blow your thoughts how easy that is.

Consider it like speaking to a very good assistant who is aware of precisely what you want. You describe what sort of video you need, and Google Vids builds it for you.

Step 1: Begin with a Immediate

1. Open Google Drive
2. Click on New → Extra → Google Vids
3. When Google Vids opens, click on the “Assist me create” button
4. Sort out what you are making an attempt to create

The important thing right here is being particular. The extra element you give, the higher your first draft might be. Listed below are some prompts I’ve used that work rather well:

• “Create a 3-minute video explaining the right way to use Google Classroom’s grading rubrics”
• “Make a tutorial displaying lecturers the right way to arrange breakout rooms in Google Meet”
• “Create an announcement video welcoming lecturers again from winter break”
• “Make a 5-minute onboarding video for brand new lecturers about our faculty’s Google Drive group”

Do not stress about making the immediate good—you may at all times tweak the video later. Simply describe what you want as if you happen to had been explaining it to a colleague.

Step 2: Evaluate the AI-Generated Draft

Now here is the place it will get cool. In about 30 to 60 seconds, Google Vids goes handy you an entire video draft:

• A full script that really is sensible (not generic AI fluff)
• Recommendations for various scenes and the right way to break up your content material
• Inventory footage and pictures that match your matter
• Timing and transitions already inbuilt

The primary time I noticed this occur, I simply sat there pondering, “Wait, this truly seems good?”

Watch by the draft Google Vids created. You may in all probability be stunned at how shut it will get to what you had in thoughts. Take notes on what works and what wants adjusting.

Step 3: Customise Your Video

Now it is time to make it yours. That is the place you add your private contact and ensure the video speaks on to your lecturers.

Edit the Script:

• Change the wording to match the way you truly discuss
• Add particular examples out of your faculty (“Keep in mind how Ms. Johnson requested about this final week?”)
• Take away something that feels too generic
• Add your faculty’s particular processes or insurance policies

Swap Out Inventory Footage:

• Add your individual screenshots of Google Classroom (with scholar data eliminated)
• Add photographs out of your constructing or school rooms
• Use photos of your precise instruments and interfaces
• Hold inventory photos provided that they genuinely work

Regulate the Timing:

• If scenes really feel too rushed, prolong them
• If scenes drag, trim them down
• Be certain there’s sufficient time to learn on-screen textual content

Select Your Voice:

• Use AI voices for easy tutorials (they sound surprisingly pure now)
• File your individual voice for private messages, welcomes, or something motivational
• Combine each: AI voice for explaining steps, your voice for intro and conclusion

To document your individual voice:

1. Click on on a scene
2. Choose “File audio”
3. Hit document and skim your script
4. Cease when completed
5. Pay attention again and re-record if wanted

Do not feel like you must reinvent the wheel right here. The AI draft is often 80% of the best way there. You are simply including that final 20% that makes it really feel genuine and related to your particular lecturers.

Step 4: Export and Share

When you’re comfortable along with your video (and belief me, it does not have to be good), it is time to get it to your lecturers.

Choice 1: Share the Google Drive Hyperlink

• Click on Share within the prime proper
• Set permissions (anybody in your group can view)
• Copy the hyperlink
• Paste it in your e mail, publication, or Google Classroom announcement

That is often the best possibility since your lecturers already stay in Google Drive.

Choice 2: Obtain as MP4

• Click on the three dots menu
• Choose “Obtain”
• Select MP4 format
• Add to your LMS, web site, or wherever you host coaching supplies

Choice 3: Embed in a Web site

• Get the shareable hyperlink
• Use your web site or LMS’s embed characteristic
• Paste the Google Vids hyperlink
• The video will play immediately in your web page

And that is it. Significantly. Your first skilled improvement video is completed, and it in all probability took you much less time than writing an e mail explaining the identical factor would have taken.

6 Suggestions for Creating Higher PD Movies

Now that you recognize the fundamentals, listed here are six ideas that can make your movies much more efficient.

1. Hold It Quick

Purpose for 2-5 minutes per video. This is not about brevity for its personal sake—it is about respecting your lecturers’ time. They’re juggling lesson planning, grading, conferences, and every thing in between. A fast, targeted video they’ll watch throughout lunch is way extra more likely to be considered than a prolonged tutorial they’re going to bookmark and neglect.

When you’ve got a posh matter to cowl, break it right into a sequence of bite-sized movies. Assume “Find out how to Set Up Google Classroom: Half 1 – Lessons” and “Half 2 – Assignments” quite than one 15-minute video masking every thing.

2. Use Your Personal Screenshots

Inventory footage makes movies look polished, however it will probably additionally make them really feel generic. As a substitute, take screenshots of the particular instruments and platforms your lecturers use daily.

Seize your district’s Google Classroom interface. Present your faculty’s LMS. Screenshot the particular apps you are coaching on. When lecturers see acquainted screens, there’s an immediate “Oh, that is precisely what I see!” second that builds confidence.

Find out how to add your screenshots:

1. Take screenshots and save them to Google Drive first
2. In Google Vids, click on on a scene with inventory footage
3. Click on “Change picture”
4. Add your screenshot
5. Add arrows, circles, or highlights to attract consideration to vital buttons

3. Select the Proper Voice

AI voices work nice for easy tutorials, fast updates, or any video with heavy display screen sharing. Nevertheless, whenever you’re delivering a welcome message, recapping a training dialog, or sharing one thing motivational, use your individual voice.

Academics join with the human component. Listening to your precise voice builds belief and relationship. You possibly can document immediately in Google Vids—it solely takes a number of further minutes and makes a big distinction in how private the video feels.

4. Add Your Branding

Create consistency throughout your movies:

• Add your faculty or district colours
• Embrace your brand on the opening slide
• Create a template you may reuse

This is not nearly trying skilled—it is about constructing recognition and belief. When lecturers see your constant branding, they instantly know “That is from our educational coach, and it should be useful.”

Professional tip: When you create a video you want, reserve it as a template. Subsequent time you want the same video, duplicate it and simply swap out the content material. Saves you 10-Quarter-hour each time.

5. Write Clear Scripts

Though Google Vids generates a script for you, take a couple of minutes to personalize it:

• Change academic jargon with language your lecturers truly use
• Add particular examples out of your faculty
• Embrace clear motion steps on the finish

Phrases like “Do this tomorrow in your classroom” or “This is what to do subsequent” give lecturers concrete route and enhance implementation.

6. Check Earlier than Sending

Earlier than you share that video hyperlink along with your complete workers:

• Watch the complete video from begin to end as if you happen to’re seeing it for the primary time
• Examine the timing—does it really feel pure, or too rushed/gradual?
• Confirm hyperlinks and assets talked about within the video are right
• Ask a trusted colleague to overview it if this can be a main rollout

Recent eyes catch stuff you would possibly miss. This easy step saves you from sending clarification emails or up to date variations later.

Widespread Questions About Google Vids

Is Google Vids free?

Sure, when you have Google Workspace for Training. Examine along with your IT administrator about entry if you happen to do not see it in your “New” menu but.

Do I want video enhancing expertise?

No! Google Vids handles all of the technical stuff—transitions, timing, rendering, formatting. You simply present the content material and customise it to your wants.

Can I exploit my very own movies and pictures?

Completely. Add your individual display screen recordings, photographs, and graphics. I like to recommend making a folder in Google Drive and importing information there first, however you may also add immediately into Google Vids.

What about background music?

Google Vids features a library of royalty-free background music you may add to your movies. Simply click on the music icon and browse the choices.

Warning: For those who’re making movies for college students, watch out unleashing the music characteristic on them. They’re sure to seek out a number of favorites to play at random instances throughout class. (Ask me how I do know.)

Can I collaborate with others?

Sure, identical to any Google Doc. Share the Vids file with one other coach or instructor chief, and you may collaborate in real-time. I’ve had as much as a dozen college students engaged on a single Vids mission. I would not suggest that many for collaborative work, however you may positively have a small staff working collectively.

How lengthy does it take to create a video?

For a easy tutorial: 20-Half-hour as soon as you recognize the device. For extra complicated movies with numerous customization: 45-60 minutes. Both method, it is dramatically sooner than conventional video enhancing.

The place do my movies save?

In your Google Drive, identical to Docs and Slides. You management sharing and permissions.

Bonus: You possibly can watch and share movies with out exporting them, which saves Google Drive house if storage is a priority for you.

Extra Sources for Google Vids

Wish to dive deeper? Listed below are some glorious assets:

📝 Do not Wait to Attempt Google Vids by Cammie Kannekens

Cammie shares her hands-on expertise and why educators should not hesitate to begin experimenting.

Learn the weblog publish

🎓 Straightforward Video Creation Course

Complete, step-by-step coaching on Exceed LMS for creating movies with Google Vids.

Enroll within the course

📚 Official Google Help Documentation

Essentially the most up-to-date technical info, ideas, and troubleshooting straight from Google.

Go to Google’s help web page

Your Subsequent Step: Create Your First Video Proper Now

Do not wait till you’ve gotten the “good” matter or further time in your schedule. Begin with one thing easy and see how shortly you may go from thought to completed product.

This is precisely what to do:

1. Open Google Vids from Google Drive (New → Extra → Google Vids)
2. Click on “Assist me create”
3. Sort a easy immediate like “Create a 2-minute video introducing [your favorite EdTech tool] to lecturers”
4. Let Google Vids work its magic and generate the primary draft
5. Customise the content material to match your voice and faculty context
6. Share it with a small group of lecturers for suggestions

Your entire course of—from opening Google Vids to sharing your completed video—can occur in a single sitting. Thirty minutes. That is all it takes.

Begin small. Construct your confidence. Earlier than you recognize it, you may have a library of useful assets and a brand new ability that makes your teaching extra scalable and impactful.

So what’s going to you create first? A classroom administration tip? A know-how tutorial? A welcome video for subsequent semester’s new hires? No matter it’s, the instruments are prepared and ready—now it is your flip to deliver your concepts to life.

Take Your Video Abilities Additional

Wish to see actual teaching eventualities? Try my final publish, 5 Google Vids PD Methods for Tutorial Coaches to Help Employees and College students.