Courseware and Tutorial Development
Blended learning (instructor-directed), tutorial videos, and remote learning (self-directed) share a singular mission: to allow students to learn where and how they choose. To produce an informative, lively learning experience, Ken applies an organized approach to designing and producing eLearning content.
An overview of our traditional (with live voice recording following a script) proven, step-by-step approach used to develop courseware and tutorials shown below:
Note: For those interested in bypassing a more structured live voice narration approach (with outlines and formal scripts), scroll down to the bottom of this page to view specific How-To instructions (under the “Screen Recording Articles” section).
Learning should be fun and engaging
Now, courseware must be accessible in the ways learners prefer to learn: online, live classroom, or a combination of the two. Online, self-paced courseware should always contain a combination of workbooks, presentations, demonstrations, downloadable material, and recorded videos.
The secret is the upfront planning. Identifying common components (templates, sounds, video libraries, …) saves time and gives courseware a consistent look. If you want a great guide on planning courseware, consider reading every page of Tim Slade’s excellent The E-Learning Designer’s Handbook. (He posts some great free Youtube videos on eLearning, too!)
Voiceovers and recordings
Brief: Specifies the strategy and goals of the video project. Identify the tools (PowerPoint, Camtasia, AKG, Universal Audio, Neumann, ...) and recording environment (home recording studio, closet, ...) you’ll use.
Script: The voiceover and presentation used in the video project.
Storyboard: For each component, a visualization roadmap for the component is created.
Video component: The actual component is recorded, edited, annotated, and produced.
Preparation means everything
Starting with a goal and intended audience, storyboard, outline, or sketch the flow of the recording. Tools like Omni Group’s OmniOutliner, Sketchbook Pro, and MindNode make it effortless to transform into a script.
Once everything is set, practice repeatedly until it feels right. To record, forget about paper scripts. Script pacing apps that highlight your voiceovers in real-time are available for iPadOS (or iOS) devices with SmartPrompt Pro. Twelve South's HoverBar Duo is amazing for positioning the script-pacing tablet near the mic.
Course design
Let’s not forget about what should be included in two types of eLearning material: explainer videos and courses.
The sequence of steps used to create courses consisting of screen (app) recordings and slide presentations is iterative and straightforward with AI-generated voice narration:
Where can my course be posted?
You'’ll need a password (with a trial account) to view a Thinkific video lesson
Thinkific LMS
This comes up all of the time. After careful evaluation of learning management system (LMS) sites, we have settled on Thinkific®* as one of the best for posting courses and tutorials. This LMS handles everything you would expect a virtual classroom would need:
High-quality streamable videos
Preview “teaser” lessons (can be on Youtube)
Detailed course/lesson descriptions
Resources to download
Closed captions (optional)
Quizzes
Student management and course purchase options
* You may be considering another LMS (like eLoomi®, DigitalChalk®, …) that supports your overall eLearning goals.
But what if you only need a video review site?
Screencast
When all you need is a simple place to host eLearning videos that doesn’t require a login or course management features* than an LMS does, TechSmith® Screencast® may be the answer.
* Although Screencast can support closed captions, markers (chapters), quizzes, user timeline commenting, and other key features, it does not support downloadable assets. (Instead, insert a link to the files on Dropbox.)
Video tutorial examples
Installation course
I created an introductory video lesson from a Wi-Fi connectivity certification course (with knowledge checks and final quiz) for an Upwork® client. Their partners and installers have busy schedules and prefer viewing a video rather than reading a boring installation user guide (which I wrote for the client). Click to view the video (with or without closed captions):
No captions: Wi-Fi Access Point device overview
(1080p, slides, AI voiceover from script)
No captions: Voice narration, voiceovers, and basic screen recording information
(1080p/1440p, slides/app, my voice narration, and AI voiceover examples)
Explainer: Live Narration with Screen Recording
Perhaps the fastest way to go when you need to create a professional screen recording. Without spending the time creating scripts and editing live narration, the advent of realistic AI-generated voiceovers makes this far easier. First, the client or subject-matter expert (SME) records the screen (app, PowerPoint, …) while providing real-time voice narration of what is being shown. The production process involves transcribing the audio voiceover to text, making some fixes (edits), and then generating a voiceover using the combination of Camtasia and Audiate. Add some effects, correct timing, lower third (L3) heading, and an Intro/OUTro (with some royalty-free background music) to produce the final polished result:
Video shorts
For those short infomercial-type of “quick takes” that can be posted onto Youtube®, Tik Tok®, and Instagram®, this was fun to create:
No captions: An attention-grabbing video
(1080p, iPhone 12 and remote mic, slides, voice narration in studio and live)
Captions: Wi-Fi Access Point device overview
(1080p, slides, AI voiceover from script)
Camtasia screen recording course
Excerpt from the upcoming Quick Start: Creating App Tutorials with Camtasia course. Click to view the video (with or without closed captions). This was a fun one that highlights a variety of screen recording fundamentals like: zoom-in, highlights, lower third headings, three AI-generated voiceover artist examples, and optional webcam (for live voice narration). A must-see for anyone interested in learning about screen recording.
Captions: Voice narration, voiceovers, and basic screen recording information
(1080p/1440p, slides/app, my voice narration, and AI voiceover examples)
InDesign long document creation course
Excerpt from the upcoming Quick Start: Creating Long Documents with Adobe® InDesign® course (scheduled for an early 2027 release) . Click to view the video (with or without closed captions). This was recorded with my voice and an AI voiceover.
No captions: A quick overview of long document basics
(720p, slides, my voice narration)
Captions: A quick overview of long document basics
(720p, slides, my voice narration)
Captions: An attention-grabbing video
(1080p, iPhone 12 and remote mic, slides, voice narration in studio and live)
Original: Live recording of an audio
(720p, screen recording, voice narration using integrated laptop mic, and no webcam)
Voiceover polished result: Transcribed audio with basic effects
(720p, screen recording, voice narration, and no webcam)
For courseware and tutorial instruction, we only use TechSmith Camtasia® family of products.
Screen recording articles
Click to view one of these articles:
In-Depth Audiate for Voiceovers (advanced)
Camtasia keyboard shortcuts (for creative console devices and keypads)
For more information on courseware/tutorial screen recording development services: