You have several options for recording your videos for edTPA. It’s important that you choose an option that you are comfortable with and that you practice recording before beginning your edTPA learning segment.

Remember that the picture quality does not need to be very high (360p or 480p is fine), but you do want to make sure your audio is as clear as possible. You may want to use an external microphone or have someone carry your device close to you while you are working with students.

Please reach out to to the edTPA Coordinator if you have any questions about the resources listed below.

Recording Tips from the TU COE Videographer

The following videos include recording tips for edTPA from the College of Education’s videographer. (Please note that you will need a password to view the first two videos – locate that information here or email edtpa@towson.edu.)

Swivl App

The free Swivl app, available for iOS and Android, is easy to use and will allow you to record in standard definition. You will be able to easily move your video off of your device and into Swivl Cloud for storage. When you trim and download your specific clips, they will likely be an appropriate file size to use for edTPA (under 500 MB).  If you do not already have a Swivl account, you will need to create one.

The following screenshots will highlight the most important functions you will need to use when recording your edTPA videos: Using the Swivl App to Record Videos for edTPA

Please also refer to the following guide from Swivl if you are recording in the Swivl app and uploading to Swivl Cloud: Recording Your Swivl Video

Make sure to put your phone or tablet in airplane mode when recording to avoid any interruptions.

Swivl Robots

A Swivl robot is a device that will turn and tilt your smartphone or tablet to track you while you are teaching. The robot also comes with several microphones that you can use in several locations in your classroom. Your department may have some Swivl robots available for you to use, or you may wish to borrow one from the Sandbox.

It’s not necessary to use a Swivl robot for edTPA, but it will definitely improve your audio quality if you do have the opportunity to use one.

Check out the Swivl User Guide to learn how to set up and use a Swivl robot.

Your Smartphone Camera App

Your smartphone camera is another good choice, but you may need to record in high definition. That means your video quality will be much higher, and so will your file size. You can also save space by adjusting the settings. In your camera settings, choose to record video at the lowest resolution available (such as 720p HD at 30fps).

Make sure to put your phone in airplane mode when recording to avoid any interruptions.

Your Laptop

You can also use your laptop’s built-in webcam to record your lessons.

Windows 10: Use the Camera app. Your videos will be saved to the Camera Roll folder in your Pictures folder.

Mac: Use Photo Booth. Your videos will be saved in your Photo Booth library. You will then need to export your files to your desktop or Photos library to trim them.

Chromebook: Use the Camera app. Your videos will be saved in the Downloads folder of your Files. This is not recommended as your Chromebook will record .webm files, which are not accepted for edTPA. You will need to convert your file to a .mp4 file before submitting edTPA.

Devices from Student Computing Services

OTS Student Computing Services has a variety of resources that you can borrow, including camcorders, GoPros, external microphones, and tripods. Please access the SCS Multimedia Equipment page for information on what resources are available and how to check them out. You should be able to download user guides for each device from the SCS site as well. Make sure that you test out any equipment before you try to record your edTPA learning segment!