Green Screen (Chroma Key) Innovations
A Journey with Green Screen Technology in Instructional Design
Introduction
In 2018, charged with the task of revitalizing my organization’s online courses, I embarked on an innovative journey at First West Credit Union, aiming to improve learners’ online expeirence with green screen technology. This venture was not just about enhancing the aesthetics of educational content; it was about weaving engagement and humor into learning. In this case study, I share my experiences, the challenges I navigated, and the triumphs of integrating green screen technology into our instructional videos, leading to a transformative impact within our organization.
The Genesis
The initiative stemmed from a desire to make instructional videos more captivating. Traditional methods often yielded informative yet monotonous content, lacking the engagement necessary to maintain viewer interest. Recognizing the untapped potential of green screen technology, I ventured into a realm of experimentation, aiming to seamlessly blend our educational messages with visually appealing backgrounds.
The Process
Green Screen Talking Head Video
The background image, enhancing continuity and cohesion, was sourced from the federal continuance brochure and applied using green screen technology.
Starting Small
My initial foray into green screen technology focused on creating simple “talking head” videos against versatile backgrounds. The key challenge was mastering the interplay between colors and lighting to ensure a natural integration of the subject with the green screen. Through a series of trials and errors, I honed the craft, elevating the quality of our videos.
Next Level Training Videos
After seeking some advice from a talented film school student, I shot raw green screen footage in a parkade, then produced the final transition video with Premiere Pro and Camtasia. To see the before/after of the raw footage, drag the slider. To view the video, tap/click on the button.
Elevating the Technique
With foundational skills established, I pushed the boundaries of our green screen applications. I ventured to place subjects in diverse and dynamic settings, such as cars, vineyards, and wooded areas during autumn. This wasn’t just about changing sceneries; it was about embedding our instructional narratives within engaging, relatable contexts. The chroma key technology was instrumental, enabling us to convincingly transpose our subjects into these varied environments.
Making Lemonade to Meet Deadlines
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade – especially when deadlines are looming and your concealer isn’t working. In the case of this film shoot, I drew on my sense of self-deprecating humour to get the job done. Humour not only entertains, but it also keeps folks engaged by sparking their curiosity about the next bit of comic relief.
Facing Challenges Head-On
A memorable challenge arose during a shoot in an autumn-themed setting when I had a prominent cold sore. Concealers were futile against its visibility. Instead of viewing this as a setback and cancelling the shoot, I tweaked the script to incorporate a dash of self-deprecating humor regarding the situation. This approach did more than just salvage the shoot; it added a layer of authenticity and relatability to the content, embodying my adaptability and creative resilience.
The Impact
The adoption of green screen technology significantly transformed our approach to instructional design. The positive reception from our Learning and Development (L&D) team led to substantial investments in green screens and audio booths, empowering the whole team to produce similarly innovative content.
My efforts and outcomes gained further recognition at the 2019 UBC Digital Media in Education Conference in Kelowna, where I demonstrated the ease and effectiveness of establishing a basic chroma key setup. Highlighting the importance of lighting and sound quality, I shared insights into making high-quality instructional videos accessible and achievable.
Reflections
My journey with green screen technology at First West Credit Union has been a testament to the power of technological innovation in enhancing educational content. By blending technical skill with a touch of humor, I not only elevated the visual and engagement quality of our instructional videos but also showcased the transformative potential of adopting new technologies in the realm of education and training. This case study is a personal narrative of innovation, challenge, and success, reflecting my commitment to advancing instructional design.
A Journey with Green Screen Technology in Instructional Design
Introduction
In 2018, charged with the task of revitalizing my organization’s online courses, I embarked on an innovative journey at First West Credit Union, aiming to improve learners’ online expeirence with green screen technology. This venture was not just about enhancing the aesthetics of educational content; it was about weaving engagement and humor into learning. In this case study, I share my experiences, the challenges I navigated, and the triumphs of integrating green screen technology into our instructional videos, leading to a transformative impact within our organization.
The Genesis
The initiative stemmed from a desire to make instructional videos more captivating. Traditional methods often yielded informative yet monotonous content, lacking the engagement necessary to maintain viewer interest. Recognizing the untapped potential of green screen technology, I ventured into a realm of experimentation, aiming to seamlessly blend our educational messages with visually appealing backgrounds.
The Process
Green Screen Talking Head Video
The background image, enhancing continuity and cohesion, was sourced from the federal continuance brochure and applied using green screen technology.
Starting Small
My initial foray into green screen technology focused on creating simple “talking head” videos against versatile backgrounds. The key challenge was mastering the interplay between colors and lighting to ensure a natural integration of the subject with the green screen. Through a series of trials and errors, I honed the craft, elevating the quality of our videos.
Next Level Training Videos
After seeking some advice from a talented film school student, I shot raw green screen footage in a parkade, then produced the final transition video with Premiere Pro and Camtasia. To see the before/after of the raw footage, drag the slider. To view the video, tap/click on the button.
Elevating the Technique
With foundational skills established, I pushed the boundaries of our green screen applications. I ventured to place subjects in diverse and dynamic settings, such as cars, vineyards, and wooded areas during autumn. This wasn’t just about changing sceneries; it was about embedding our instructional narratives within engaging, relatable contexts. The chroma key technology was instrumental, enabling us to convincingly transpose our subjects into these varied environments.
Making Lemonade to Meet Deadlines
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade – especially when deadlines are looming and your concealer isn’t working. In the case of this film shoot, I drew on my sense of self-deprecating humour to get the job done. Humour not only entertains, but it also keeps folks engaged by sparking their curiosity about the next bit of comic relief.
Facing Challenges Head-On
A memorable challenge arose during a shoot in an autumn-themed setting when I had a prominent cold sore. Concealers were futile against its visibility. Instead of viewing this as a setback and cancelling the shoot, I tweaked the script to incorporate a dash of self-deprecating humor regarding the situation. This approach did more than just salvage the shoot; it added a layer of authenticity and relatability to the content, embodying my adaptability and creative resilience.
The Impact
The adoption of green screen technology significantly transformed our approach to instructional design. The positive reception from our Learning and Development (L&D) team led to substantial investments in green screens and audio booths, empowering the whole team to produce similarly innovative content.
My efforts and outcomes gained further recognition at the 2019 UBC Digital Media in Education Conference in Kelowna, where I demonstrated the ease and effectiveness of establishing a basic chroma key setup. Highlighting the importance of lighting and sound quality, I shared insights into making high-quality instructional videos accessible and achievable.
Reflections
My journey with green screen technology at First West Credit Union has been a testament to the power of technological innovation in enhancing educational content. By blending technical skill with a touch of humor, I not only elevated the visual and engagement quality of our instructional videos but also showcased the transformative potential of adopting new technologies in the realm of education and training. This case study is a personal narrative of innovation, challenge, and success, reflecting my commitment to advancing instructional design.