Using Panopto for student assignments
An interesting feature has been added to Aberystwyth's Panopto installation that offers a new way to accept videos and audio files as assessment items. For staff, this offers an alternative to asking students to upload a file to a Blackboard assignment and then downloading each one to be able to view or hear the content.
Available from Spring 2017, Aberystwyth's Panopto installation can now support two types of assignment upload.
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An assignment can be created that allows students to upload video or audio files to Panopto. The submission point is a new type of item that can be inserted into the Assignments section of Blackboard. The students prepare their file using a video or audio tool of their choice and then upload the file.
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An exam, such as oral exam sessions, can be captured and submitted to an exam folder in a module in Panopto. There can be a separate recording for each student, where the recording is made by the authorised members of staff who run those exams.
Software and Formats
The system is capable of accepting a range of video an audio formats. If you have any questions about which formats and encodings can be accepted, speak to the Bb team.
Students are able to use their choice of software to create the video or audio files. The key issue is that the files use or export one of the supported codecs (file encodings) or there is another tool that can convert to the accepted formats.
Feedback to the students
To be able to offer feedback comments and marks on a student assignment using this technique, a new column can be added to the Grade Centre.
Guidance for staff
The following FAQ items cover the topics for staff to start using this. Staff using this facility for the first time are encouraged to discuss their setup with the Bb team.
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How do I create a module assignment folder in AberCast Panopto? (Staff) -
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How do I create a video assignment submission point? (Staff) - this item discusses adding a submission point into Blackboard.
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How do I add a new column in the Full Grade Center? (Staff) - to provide feedback and to capture the result as part of the Grade Centre, add a new column for the assignment.
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How do I create an exam folder in Panopto? - the exam folder is a way for a member of staff to group together a set up of uploads from an exam session.
Guidance for students
The following item is aimed at students to help them upload an assignment into Panopto, via Blackboard. The link includes video instruction for students on how to submit a video or audio file using this new facility.