Photo By Artsy Course Experts

Teaching Content Using A Picture-In-Picture Layout

Post published:June 28, 2022
Post category:Engagement / Multimedia / Online Courses / Social Video / Technology

Table Of Contents Show

When you are laying out your course content and getting ready to record you will inevitably think about the right video layout for the bulk of your course content.

Depending on what you teach, this can include thinking about if you should:

Demonstrate your sewing machine process with close-ups
Provide a screencast of your photo editing
Talk straight into the camera to help motivate a fashion designer
Use slides to explain every step of 3D printing
Mix screen with your talking head

Video Overview

Teaching Content Plus Your Teacher Camera

When you display one large main piece of content while also showing a smaller extra piece of content, it’s called Picture in Picture (PIP).

It’s simple to use and not as complex as Photoshop, Illustrator, or Inkscape.

For example, you might show a large image of your hands on a guitar while placing a small square in the top right corner with your face explaining what you’re doing.

Second Video Position

The secondary PIP window can be placed anywhere on the screen.

Common positions include the top right, bottom left, and bottom right. The key is to avoid blocking essential content in the main window.

Also, keep in mind that English-speaking audiences read from top left to bottom right, so it’s best to avoid placing the PIP window in the top left.

Additionally, be mindful of closed captions or subtitles, especially if you’re teaching students who rely on translation or accessibility options.

Size Of Picture In Picture

Consider how big your secondary PIP window should be.

If it is too small, your face will appear like a tiny avatar, and students may miss the benefits of your facial expressions. Ask yourself if you even need a PIP. Maybe audio alone is enough for teaching your craft.

Also, think about whether students need to see your hands in the PIP window. If hand movements are essential, a medium to large window may be better.

However, making the PIP too large can take up valuable screen space, potentially blocking primary content or restricting elements like bulleted lists on your slides.

Teacher Video Backgrounds

Even though your teacher head and hands are in a smaller window, you still need to think about an appropriate background for your PIP window.

Should you use?

Natural home/work office background
Staged background set
Pull down single color or scene backdrop
Solid color or image using green screen
Blurred camera background

Shape Of Teacher Screen

Most video editing apps like Final Cut, Premiere, Camtasia, OBS, and Loom let you specify the shape of your PIP window.

Some common shapes include:

Circle
Rectangle
Rounded Rectangle

Some recording or editing programs allow you to add simple borders to help differentiate your PIP window from the main content. However, you may want to be selective about using large illustrated or animated borders around your head, as they can be distracting.

Production Can Start Getting More Complicated

When you use PIP, your video studio can get more or less complicated. You may need more lights, cameras, wires, stands, microphones, and backdrops.

This also includes having a potentially more complicated video editing process. This may add more time or costs to your creative course creation process.

For example, you may end up with two conflicting audio streams from two cameras or you may have to move your secondary PIP window around because you are blocking important content throughout different parts of your lessons.

Wrap Up

Using a PIP window to show yourself explaining content can be a powerful teaching tool.

However, like any tool, it can be misused or overused, so use it wisely and integrate it thoughtfully into your lessons.

Occasionally using a secondary teacher camera view in different configurations is a great way to keep video lessons engaging and maintain student interest.

For more creative teacher tips to create, grow, and operate your online courses – check out our ArtsyCourseExperts blog.

FAQ Teaching Content Using A Picture-In-Picture Layout

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) is a video layout that allows a teacher’s video to be displayed in a small window while the main content (such as slides, demonstrations, or videos) remains the focus of the screen. This setup enhances engagement and helps maintain a personal connection with learners.

It enhances engagement and helps students focus and participate more in the lesson. It also helps students relate to the instructor while letting them view important lessons. Overall, it improves students’ understanding of course lessons.

Yes, you can. Most video conferencing tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet allow instructors to share their screen while keeping their webcam feed visible in a small PiP window. This enhances real-time interaction with students/

You can use clear visuals, maintaining eye contact to improve engagement and keeping your audio and lighting quality high for a professional feel.

Yes, students find PIP teaching effective because it combines the benefits of direct instruction with clear visual aids, making lessons more engaging and easier to follow.

So now, you’re a lot smarter. Thanks for hanging out!

Please subscribe to get more tips for creative online course teachers.

These lessons can also help you with Business Tools and Course Content: