Panopto is Samuel Merritt University's official video management system for recording, storing and sharing videos. Students use Panopto for viewing class videos or for recording and submitting videos for Canvas Assignments and Canvas Discussions. 

While there are several ways for students to record videos (in Panopto or outside of Panopto), student still must "Submit" video assignments it in the Canvas assignment.

Option 1Option 2
  1. Upload the recording to Panopto (into the Course Panopto Assignments folder)
  2. Then, insert and submit in the Canvas Assignment
    1. Start the Assignment
    2. Insert the video in the assignment (click the Panopto icon in the Rich Content Editor)
    3. Click Submit. 
  1. Start the Canvas Assignment 
  2. Click the Panopto icon in the Rich Content Editor. then, 
    1. Choose a recording you've already uploaded in Panopto.
    2. Or Upload a recording that's stored in your computer
    3. Or Record a new video
  3. Click Insert.
  4. Click Submit.

 

Depending on whether you've already recorded your video (and where it's stored), or whether you still need to record it, review following accordions on Methods for submitting video for Canvas Discussions or Canvas Assignments.

Receiving efficient and timely support

You can connect with Panopto or SMU Academic and Instructional Innovation. To receive efficient and timely response and solution, please include the following information:

  • State the issue clearly. 
  • State if the issue or question is about access to course videos, Canvas assignments with video, or Canvas discussions with video.
  • Provide the Canvas course URL for assignment.
  • State the device you're using -- computer or mobile device. 
  • State the browser you're using.

Contact Panopto support: Call or start at chat on Panopto's support website. Available Mon-Fri, 5:00am to 5:00pm PST.

Or, contact A&II support: Send an email to aii@samuelmerritt.edu , and provide the following information:

Troubleshoot and Explore Solutions

Video Best Practices

Considerations for planning your video prior to recording

  1. Decide on the content you'd like to present in your video.
  2. Determine what what type of video is best for conveying your message?
    • Video/audio podcast (head shot) to explain or describe a clinical case (diagnosis, treatment)
    • Video/audio plus PowerPoint
    • Audio plus PowerPoint
    • Audio podcast
    • Or, a more complicated video production requiring a variety of shots and video clips (including people, indoor and outdoor locations, props), and assembling in one final video.
  3. What recoding tools are available to you?
    • Computer webcam
    • Computer screen capture tool (like Panopto, Zoom, Google Meet, Camtasia) 
    • Mobile device (mobile phone, tablet, digital camera)
    • Tripod
    • Mic
  4. Considerations for in-person or online collaboration assignments:
    • What tools are available for recording?
    • How can you edit the video?
      • Who will collect all the video clips from all the recording devices to one?
        • Connect devices to the computer and import clips?
        • AirDrop video files (iOS)?
        • Upload to a shared online folder?
  5. Do you have access to editing software? Mac products and some Windows products come with basic editing software.
  6. Other considerations: length of video, adding voice/over narration, music, etc. credits

Tips for setting up video and audio

Frame your shot

  • Position your device where light is plentiful.
    • Light should come from the front, sides and above the subject(s).
    • Avoid shooting in shadow (light behind subject).
    • Choose neutral settings and avoid spaces with lots of distractions.
  • Secure the device and make sure it's always attended.
    • Cameras: Always place on a table or traditional tripod
    • Laptop computers: Place on a solid surface, or portable stand with camera facing subjects.
    • Mobile devices: Use a tripod when ever possible. Alternately, use a mobile device holder. If you have no other option, have someone hold it. 
  • Make sure the device is set horizontal and if you the camera provides the option, select the 16:9 aspect ratio for full 1080 resolution.
  • Capture full scene and full range of subject(s) motions. This will ensure maximum picture "resolution" and audio best audio possible.
    • Place the device as close as possible to the subject(s).
    • Then, zoom out as wide as you can until you see head(s) and feet and capture all the elements you'd like in the scene. (Most internal computer webcams do not have a zoom feature.)
    • Adjust the camera angle to capture full scene and motion of subjects by distancing the device away from the subject(s), a step at a time, until you can see the subjects/activity. 
      • Tilt screen, camera, or mobile device to adjust the frame - to capture more of the upper half or lower half of subject(s).

      • Pan the screen, camera or mobile device to adjust the frame - capture more or less of the sides.

        Note: If you are too far away from the subject(s), zooming in degrades the picture and audio quality. 

Capture optimal sound - Using a mic is always preferable.

  • Set your device in a quiet place away from loud, humming, buzzing sounds, or other distracting activity.
  • **If you position the camera close enough to the subject(s), you should be able to capture good quality sound from a mobile device. 
  • If you use the internal computer mic make sure the "input" sound is set close to max.
  • If you have an external mic, position it as close as possible facing the subjects (for aesthetics, place mic out of the camera frame visibility; however, audio is more important and if capturing good sounds means having the mic visible, choose sound quality! 
  • Speak as natural as possible, but remember the mic. 

Do a test recording

After framing your shot (and placing the mic-if using). Have the subject(s) do a walkthrough the movements. Make note of when you'll have to adjust picture and sound.

  • Adjust the frame - Can you see the subjects while they are moving?
    • Move the camera, computer or mobile device farther or closer to subjects.
    • If someone is holding the camera, they should adjust their position closer or father away from subjects. 
    • Avoid zooming in if possible.
  • Adjust the mic and/or audio settings on your device - Use headphones - Can you hear the subject(s) as they move and speak?
    • Move device closer to subjects.
    • Raise the mic level on your device if possible.

Canvas assignments with Panopto video

  • Plan your recordings: review the video best practices guide on this webpage (section above)
  • Students have many options for recording videos. Visit the webpage, "Methods for recording a video assignments" to decide what method works best for you.
    • See the section, "Record using the web-based recorder Panopto Capture" (recommended method)
      (plus submit assignments and post replies in Canvas discussions) 
    • Also, Record, upload and submit Assignments with the iPad 

Canvas discussions with Panopto video

Adding Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) Captions in Panopto Recordings  

As of January 28, 2021, all new Panopto videos automatically generate ASR captions. Videos uploaded prior to January 28, 2021 were not captioned automatically.

Creating Educational Video Resources for the Community

Review the tips below for creating educational resources and tutorials for community organizations.  

Plan your video 

  1. Plan your recordings  (see best practices for recording videos.) 
  2. Determine what device and app you’ll use for recording:
    1. Video / audio (straight up talk, demonstration – with Panopto or Quicktime, or mobile device video recorder, or other device)
    2. Video / audio + PPT (with Panopto)
    3. Audio + PPT (with Panopto)
  3. Consider using a mobile device and native apps for recording.
  4. Determine where you'll store the videos temporarily.
  5. Determine where you'll store the videos permanently.
  6. Consider how and who will need access to the video.

Steps for producing your video

  1. Record (multiple) video clips in your computer or mobile device. 
  2. Move video clips to a folder in your device.
  3. Edit videos with the app of your choice (Apple iMovie or Clips, and Windows Movie Maker are free).
  4. Export the video to the MP3 format to retain the best possible resolution.
  5. Upload the final video in Panopto.
  6. Access the video for live presentations, or share the video link.

Resources for recording video and screen sharing on your computer

  1. QuickTime (screen recording) (Mac only)
    1. Record
    2. Trim videos (beginning & end).
    3. Use iMovie to edit video "project".
    4. Export movie in "MP4" format and provide file to agency for sharing.
  2. SnagIt (PC only)
    1. Record
    2. Trim videos (beginning & end).
    3. Use Sngit to edit video "project".
    4. Export movie in "MP4" format and provide file to agency for sharing.
  3. Camptasia (Mac or PC)
    1. Record
    2. Trim videos (beginning & end).
    3. Use Camptasia to edit video "project".
    4. Export movie in "MP4" format and provide file to agency for sharing.
  4. Panopto for Mac or PC
    1. Download the Panopto Recorder app.
    2. Configure the Panopto recorder settings for your recording.
    3. Record the video session.
    4. Upload the recoding to the Panopto [Assignments] folder for the course.
    5. Edit the video in Panopto.
    6. Determine how you'll store and share the video.

Maximize learning with Panopto's video engagement features 

See the graphic illustration, or video tour 

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