You can film Guaranteach videos any way you like!

Cameras

A wide variety of cameras can be used to film videos for Guaranteach. We highly recommend web cameras for their affordability and ease of use. Our favorite webcam is the Logitech Quick Cam Pro for notebooks, as it is affordably priced and has a convenient built in clip that allows you to place it virtually anywhere. We recommend avoiding cameras that do not give you the option of shutting off autofocus, as they can cause your video to blur out unexpectedly.

Microphones

Most webcams and cameras will have a built in microphone that will enable you to record sound as you film. If you are using live screen capture, however, you will need an external microphone. Most headsets will do the trick, but if you want a great microphone to minimize background noise, we recommend the Audio Technica AT2020 USB for a free standing microphone and the AT831 for a clip on microphone.

Computers

Any computer can be used to access Guaranteach’s videos or to upload a video of your own. Our site is compatible with Macs and PCs alike. If you are looking for a recommendation, we love the Asus EEE PCs with 1 GB of memory, as they are highly affordable and extremely portable. Newer models have built in webcams, which makes them even better for filming with ease. Thousands of our videos have been filmed on these guys!

Standard Format

The two main standard formats are seated filming and standing filming. In these formats, the teacher appears on camera, either in front of a white board or smart board, or with a small demonstration board or paper cutouts. The camera will be free standing at a fixed distance from the teacher or the board. The advantage of this filming format is that the student can be addressed directly and large scale demonstrations can be made.

Down-filming

Down filming, which is very popular on our site, is a method of filming where the teacher is never seen on camera. Instead, the camera is pointed downwards at a sheet of paper, a square of whiteboard, or a table with objects. The advantage of this filming format is that the math can always be clearly seen and the student can get an excellent vantage point on objects and procedures, such as cutting up a cookie to demonstrate fractions. A simple file rack is an excellent tool to facilitate down filming and pairs well with the Logitech webcam that is recommended above.

Live Screen Capture

Live screen capture is when you record any activity that is occurring on your computer screen. There are many programs that enable you to do this. We recommend Cam Studio, which can be downloaded for free at www.camstudio.org. This software enables filming PowerPoint presentations and drawings made with graphic programs. The advantage of this filming format is that everything that is filmed is clear, and complex images and structures can be displayed.

Diorama

In diorama filming, the teacher is not on camera, and their place is taken by a character or narrator. The set will usually include a background of some sort that the character inhabits or navigates. The advantage of this filming format is that it is engaging and dynamic and it provides a context for the math that students learn.

Video Length

Videos filmed for Guaranteach are usually 2 to 3 minutes long, though we will accept longer and shorter videos as well. We strongly prefer videos to be less than 5 minutes long.

File Size and Type

All video files musurrently, we accept .wmv, .avi, .mp3 and .mp4 files only. Currently, we accept .wmv, .avi, .mp3 and .mp4 files only.

Correctness & Appropriateness

Beyond being mathematically correct, all content must be age appropriate, and should avoid making any controversial statement or overt advertisements.

Copyright

Please do not use copyrighted materials in the construction of videos for Guaranteach.