The Student Stories video project aims to spread awareness about the high cost of textbooks and to give credit to the instructors who are already using more affordable options in their classes. The content and scope of these videos will depend on you: the students! After all, it's your story. If it weren't for your feedback, this project would not exist. Thank you! We appreciate you taking the time to read this message.
To share your story anonymously instead of via video, send in your story using our Student Stories Google Form.
If you have any questions about this project, please contact Abbey Elder at aelder@iastate.edu.
Submission Directions
- Prepare your story: what do you want to say? It might be a good idea to write up an outline before you start recording.
- Record your video with the equipment available (see below for more information).
- Download and fill out our Media Request form so that we can legally use your video.
- Use our Dropbox link to upload your video file and your signed Media Request form.
- You do not need to add any transitions or edits to your video. We will cut it together with others and make sure that you look and sound your best!
Tips for Recording
- Start with your name, major, and (if you'd like) your rank (freshman, sophomore, etc).
- Do a short practice recording to make sure that you're happy with the sound/framing of your space before you record your final video.
- Create an outline for yourself so you can feel comfortable and so you don't have to re-record if you remember something you want to include later.
- When you start recording, wait for a moment before you start speaking, and make sure you include pauses in your speech. Long silences can be cut out later, but we can't add pauses very easily!
Finally, think about how you want to present yourself in your video. Here are a few ways to think about your video:
- Think of it as a video diary or vlog, where you're sharing your experiences with a wide audience.
- Think of it as a one-sided interview, where you're explaining your story to someone who wants to learn more.
- Think of it as a stand-up routine or poetry corner: you are presenting your story in a curated way that is comfortable for you.
Icons used in this section are Compose, Winner, and Upload by Icons8.
Video Formatting
Resolution
- Minimum: 720P video
- Preferred: 1080P video
You can check video quality by right-clicking on your file and checking the Properties tag on your PC, or by checking the video's information on your phone!
If your smartphone is from 2018 or newer, your phone camera is probably fine for this project! Just be sure to turn off Battery Saver mode while you record so you don’t limit your recording quality.
Format and length
If you are using your smartphone to record, film in horizontal mode rather than vertical mode (see image on right).
Try to keep your story between 1 minute and 5 minutes in length. We may edit your video into a compilation of similar stories, or publish it as a standalone feature, depending on its length and content.
Making your Video
Where to get equipment
If you’d like to get a tripod for your phone, a nicer webcam, or even a full camera and microphone setup to record, you can rent equipment from:
- University Library Tech Lending
- College of Design
- Center for Technology in Learning & Teaching (School of Ed only)
Where to record
Record in a small room or study space to limit echoes. If you record outside, do a short test video first to see how background noise may affect your submission. We can edit out some sounds, but not the MU fountain!
Study Rooms in the University Library and the Student Innovation Center may be a good fit, but you can film wherever you are comfortable.