Online Student Presentations

Coming to you from
CGCC Communication Faculty

Dr. Jade Williams

Mariam Zamila

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Impromptu speaking can be a challenge in online courses. We have tried to identify the most effective, efficient, and reliable ways for students to deliver impromptu speeches. You may be able to use an impromptu as a verbal assessment, a way for students to practice speaking about your content.

Below are our two preferred methods thus far. Both use Canvas Quiz to house the activity, but each uses a different means of recording. We share these methods with you and welcome your input.

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INSTRUCTOR PREPARATION: To prepare these assignments for your students, follow these simple steps:
1. Create a Canvas quiz.
2. Add possible speech prompts as separate essay questions. Each question you add will contain a different speech prompt—be sure to select “Essay question” as the question type.
3. Combine questions into a single question group and set to select one. When you have created all the questions/prompts you wish to include, then create a question group and set it to select only one question.
For example, you might choose to add 10 different impromptu prompt options to the quiz, knowing that each student will randomly receive only one of those 10 prompts upon entering the quiz.

HELPFUL TIP: Create an unlimited-attempt Practice Activity so students can practice going through the steps.

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Using Screencast-O-Matic for Recording
●     Go to https://screencast-o-matic.com
●     Click the “Record for free” button in the middle of the webpage.
●     Click the “Launch Free Recorder” button. A recorder frame and settings box will appear on your screen.
●     In the Record settings box, select Record both the screen and webcam. This is crucial; without both, you will not earn points.
●     Also in the settings box, click on Narration and make sure that your computer’s microphone is selected.
●     Adjust the recording frame to its largest width and height, making sure to capture your computer’s date/time and as much of your screen as possible within the frame.
●     Finally, click the red Record button. A 3-second countdown will start, and then the recording begins.
 
YOUR IMPROMPTU SPEECH:
Once Screencast-O-Matic begins recording, go to our Canvas site and follow these simple steps:
 
1. Open the Impromptu Speaking Activity quiz on our Canvas site.
2. Start the quiz.
3. You will be given one impromptu speaking prompt. Read the prompt aloud.
4. You may take no more than 30 seconds to collect your thoughts. Then, begin speaking.

Notes on Impromptu Expectations and Time: You are permitted to take this topic in any direction you wish as long as you are coherent (without going on tangents). Be sure to have 2 to 3 clear main points (explain them), as well as a basic closure to wrap up your presentation. Time: Speak for 60 - 90 seconds.
 
5. When you have finished speaking, immediately STOP/PAUSE the recording.
6. Then click DONE.
7. Select “Quick Share.” Your video will automatically upload to Screencast-O-Matic, and your computer will automatically copy the link.
8. Immediately paste your video link into the textbox in the quiz question/prompt.
9. When the link is in the box, click on “Submit quiz.”
 
REMINDER: You have only 10 minutes to submit the assignment once you start the quiz. You may need the extra time to allow for video processing, so move swiftly through the steps.

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PROS
➡ Free
➡ Quick and easy to use
➡ Link available immediately after recording (do not need to wait for uploading/processing)
➡ Easily accessible through Speed Grader for instructors

CONS
➡Students may be unfamiliar with Screencast-O-Matic (A practice assignment recommended)
➡Students need to go outside of Canvas to access Screencast-O-Matic site
➡Video saved in Screencast-O-Matic, not in Canvas

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Using Canvas Quiz for Recording
Directions: You have only 10 minutes to complete this impromptu video/assignment after opening the Impromptu Quiz. Be sure to carefully read all the directions before opening the Impromptu Quiz.
 
Impromptu Expectations and Time: As you prepare to present your impromptu speech on the topic you are given, keep in mind that you can take this topic in any direction you want as long as you are coherent (without going on tangents). Be sure to have 2 to 3 main points (explain them), and have a basic closure to wrap up your presentation. Your goal is to speak between 45 - 90 seconds.
 
Allow Canvas to use your built-in microphone and camera/webcam to complete this assignment.
 
To Record: Once you start the quiz:

1. From the toolbar above the text box, click on Insert.
2. Scroll down to Media and choose Upload/Record Media.
3. Choose the Record option on the right.
4. You will be able to begin recording by pushing Start Recording.
5. Once you are done with your recording, feel free to give the video a Title and hit Save Media.
6. IMPORTANT: Be sure to Wait while the media uploads. During this time (it might take 2-3 minutes), you will first see a gray box and then your recorded video in the gray box.
7. Once you see the video you just recorded in the box, then click Submit Quiz. If you click prior to the upload, your instructor will not receive your video.

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​​ WARNING: Does not work with Safari browser. Firefox is the preferred browser.

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PROS
➡ Free
➡ Quick and relatively easy
➡ Available in Canvas—students have all they need right in the quiz assignment
➡ Students are familiar with Canvas and Canvas quizzes
➡ Easily accessible through Speed Grader for instructors

CONS
➡ Mac users may run into issues (see Canvas student guide)
➡ Students may be unfamiliar with recording in Canvas quiz (A practice assignment is recommended)
➡ Does not work with Safari (Firefox or Chrome preferred)
➡ Students need to wait for the video to load before submitting
➡ Students can review and re-record before submitting

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Share Your Ideas
Special thanks to Jade and Mariam for sharing their collaboration about recording student presentations. For upcoming Tech Tuesdays, we will be calling on you to share your experience and examples. If you cannot wait to share, please contact us at [email protected] and [email protected].
Your Faculty Liaisons, Jen & Vanessa