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Transforming Video Integration in Canvas with MEDIAL

Updated: May 16

In the world of online education, video content has become essential. However, many educators face challenges when integrating video into their learning management systems (LMS), particularly with Canvas. This article explores how MEDIAL's Canvas Video App can enhance the video experience, making it easier and more effective for both teachers and students.

Key Takeaways

  • MEDIAL offers significantly higher upload limits compared to Canvas.

  • Enhanced content management and security features.

  • Built-in video creation and editing tools.

  • Automatic caption generation and editing capabilities.

  • Seamless integration with Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

  • Comprehensive analytics for tracking video engagement.

Uploading Videos: A Major Improvement

One of the biggest hurdles with Canvas is the upload limit. The built-in uploader often restricts file sizes to around 500 megabytes. This can be a real issue for longer lectures or high-quality projects. In contrast, Medial allows uploads of up to 100 gigabytes. This means educators can upload larger files without worrying about hitting a wall.

Moreover, Medial provides flexible control for administrators. They can set different upload limits for various user groups, allowing faculty more space than students, for example. This level of customization is a game changer.

Managing Video Content Effectively

Once videos are uploaded, managing them can become a hassle in Canvas. The built-in management tools are basic, often leading to cluttered digital spaces. MEDIAL, however, offers a clear overview of all user content. Administrators can easily edit, delete, or even purge old videos from a central location.

Additionally, MEDIAL allows for automated content policies. For instance, videos older than two years can be archived or deleted automatically, keeping the digital space organized without manual intervention.

Security: Keeping Content Safe

Security is always a concern when it comes to online content. With Canvas, once a video is uploaded, it can potentially be downloaded by anyone with the right skills. MEDIAL addresses this by using LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability) for secure streaming. Videos can only be played back if the user is logged into Canvas, preventing unauthorized downloads.

For those who want to share videos publicly, Medial provides a simple toggle switch to make specific videos accessible outside the platform, ensuring that security is the default setting.

Creating and Editing Videos Made Easy

Canvas has basic recording tools, but MEDIAL takes it up a notch. The MEDIAL interface allows users to record their screen, webcam, or both simultaneously. This flexibility is perfect for creating tutorials or lecture captures.

After recording, users can edit their videos directly within the browser. Medial offers tools for trimming, cutting, and even exporting sections of videos. This integrated editing feature saves time and eliminates the need for separate software.

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is crucial in education. Canvas allows users to upload caption files, but what if you don’t have them ready? MEDIAL can automatically generate captions using automatic speech recognition (ASR). While ASR isn’t perfect, it provides a solid starting point. Users can also request human captioning for better accuracy.

Moreover, MEDIAL includes an in-browser caption editor, allowing users to correct any mistakes in the captions easily. This level of accessibility ensures that all students can engage with the content effectively.

Seamless Integrations with Other Tools

MEDIAL shines in its ability to integrate with other platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. For example, if you record a Zoom meeting, MEDIAL can automatically pull that recording into its library within Canvas. This means no more downloading and re-uploading, saving time and effort.

Analytics: Understanding Engagement

One of the standout features of MEDIAL is its analytics capabilities. While Canvas offers little to no analytics on video usage, MEDIAL provides detailed insights. Educators can see view counts, engagement scores, and even track how students interact with the videos over time. This data can inform teaching strategies and help identify areas where students may struggle.

Conclusion: A Game Changer for Video in Canvas

In summary, MEDIAL presents a significant upgrade over the standard video tools in Canvas. With higher upload limits, better content management, enhanced security, and powerful creation and editing tools, it transforms the video experience for educators and students alike.

Imagine easily uploading large files, managing content effectively, creating dynamic videos, and having robust analytics at your fingertips. MEDIAL could truly change the way video is used in education.

If you’re interested in exploring MEDIAL further, check out their website for more details and consider signing up for a free trial. This could be the solution you’ve been looking for to enhance your teaching and learning experience in Canvas.

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