How do I create a screen recording using Kaltura Capture through My Media in Canvas?
About Kaltura Capture
Kaltura Capture is a screen, webcam, and audio recorder that is comparable to other software like TechSmith’s Camtasia and Snagit. However, the advantage of Kaltura Capture over other tools is that Kaltura Capture is integrated with Canvas. While the recording happens on your local computer, once completed, the video automatically uploads to your My Media account in Canvas. Because the video is automatically uploaded to My Media it is very easy to add the video to your Canvas course site. Finally, Kaltura Capture is supported by the institution so there's technical assistance available through CETL.
Is Kaltura Capture the best tool for your needs?
If you would like to:
- create a narrated PowerPoint presentation
- add audio narration to still images
- narrate while drawing on PowerPoint slides
Your best option is to use the record narration feature in PowerPoint, export the presentation as a video file, and upload the file to My Media in Canvas, which is the video distribution tool in Canvas. This article will explain the procedure for both Mac and PC computers. The advantage of creating a narrated PowerPoint presentation is that it can be easily edited in the future by simply re-recording the slides you'd like to change.
If you would like to:
- create a narrated tour of your Canvas course site
- demonstrate software applications, like Microsoft Excel
- display a website while narrating
Your best option is to use screen recording tools, like Kaltura Capture. Kaltura Capture has limited editing capabilities, however. If you'd like to edit your presentation before publishing to your students, or if you think you'd like to alter your presentation in the future, you may consider purchasing TechSmith's Camtasia at an educational discount directly through the Techsmith store. Camtasia offers a wide variety of recording and editing options, which means you have more flexibility in creating a polished presentation.
Before you begin using Kaltura Capture
- Follow design guidelines to ensure successful recordings
- Keep your video short, less than 15 minutes (if necessary, record your material in parts)
- Run a test before creating your final screen recording, in order to ensure that your audio and screen recording is working properly
- Determine if you are able to download and install software without intervention from IT support staff.
- If you have administrative access on your computer, see the section below Installing Kaltura Capture
- If you are using a computer that is managed by UWM's Campus Technology Support, you must install Kaltura Capture using the installation tools on your computer:
- For macOS use Self Service: https://kb.uwm.edu/uwmhd/105365
- For Windows OS, clients will need to be connected to the VPN if the device is not on campus in order to successfully install this software, instructions can be found here:https://kb.uwm.edu/uwmhd/page.php?id=83286. Once connected through VPN, or while on campus, use Software Center to install Kaltura Capture: https://kb.uwm.edu/uwmhd/page.php?id=56831.
- If you do not have administrative access on your computer, contact CETL for additional instructions.
Follow technical guidelines to prevent technical issues
- Be sure that you are using an updated version of Kaltura Capture. As of December 7, 2021, the current version is 4.3.1.
- After installing Kaltura Capture, open the application, click the Manage link, click the Information button and locate the Kaltura Capture Version.
- If you are using an Apple computer, ensure that your operating system has been upgraded to macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or higher.
- Prior OS does not allow screen recording.
- Ensure that your browser is up-to-date.
- Chrome update information
- Firefox update information
- Ensure that you are using a high speed internet with a consistent connection -- use a hardwired ethernet cable if possible.
- Be sure that your computer meets the system requirements for Kaltura Capture.
Installing Kaltura Capture
To use Kaltura Capture, you'll need to install the desktop application from within Canvas. This will create an installation with the correct setting, which will ensure that the videos you record are uploaded to My Media in Canvas. Installing the Kaltura Capture software according to these directions:
- Login to Canvas.
- Click Account in the global navigation on the left.
- Select My Media.
- If this is your first time using Kaltura within Canvas, you will need to click Authorize.
- Click Add New on the top right.
- Choose Kaltura Capture.
- The first time you use Kaltura Capture, you will need to download the application. Click the button on the screen to download and install the Windows or Mac versions.
- After installing Kaltura Capture, the application will not launch automatically. To use Kaltura Capture, return to the browser, from the “Account" area, select My Media. Click Add New on the top right, and choose Kaltura Capture again. The application will open and be ready to use.
Using Kaltura Capture
Here is a tutorial that will help you use Kaltura Capture’s features.
Adding your Kaltura Capture video to your Canvas Course Site
Once you've finished your recording using the desktop application, Kaltura Capture will automatically upload the video to your My Media account in Canvas. To find your recording:
- Login to Canvas.
- Click Account in the global navigation on the left.
- Select My Media.
- Your new recording should be listed at the top of the page. If you don't see the recording, you may need to refresh your My Media account, but clicking the Refresh button on the top right sidfe of the page.
Once you complete the recording and it's been successfully added to your My Media account, you will need to add the video to a Page in your Canvas course site, which will allow your students to view the presentation. Please follow this tutorial from Step #1 through Step #8. In Step #8, you'll see the video you created with Kaltura Capture. Click the "Embed” button, then skip to Step #21, and finish the tutorial. -OR- you can edit the way the video looks in your Page, by clicking the "Settings" button (looks like a gear) and follow the tutorial at Step #17 to the end.
Viewing Kaltura Capture Recordings
Important note
Kaltura Capture was introduced about a year ago, but instructors across the country experienced issues with the tool. The problems were intermittent, but they were disruptive for instructors when they occur. As a result, CETL decided not to recommend Kaltura Capture at that time. However, in recent months, Kaltura has been able to resolve the known issues and the tool has been stable for about 3 months. As a result, CETL is introducing this richly featured screen capturing tool. Please let us know about your experiences using Kaltura Capture. We are optimistic that this tool will be a valuable resource for your teaching, but please let us know if you experience issues (e.g. audio and video being out of sync, audio with no video, or not being able to upload the videos captured on the computer). Again, we believe that these past issues have been successfully resolved, but would appreciate your feedback, if you have problems.
The issue you are experiencing is specifically related to Macs and involves the Kaltura Capture recording to fail to stop, even after the “stop” button is clicked. Other users have found a resolution by making sure that both the camera and screen sharing features are enabled on the Mac OS.
Resolution for issues
- Recording failing to stop
Some Mac users are experiencing an issue that causes the Kaltura Capture recording to fail to stop recording, even after the “stop” button is clicked. The resolution for this issue is to make sure that both the camera and screen sharing features are enabled on the Mac OS.
Follow the steps in these articles and make sure that the checkbox in front of “Kaltura Capture” is selected:
Once the settings have been altered, re-start Kaltura Capture and attempt to re-record your presentation.