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Using Your Smartphone As a Tool for Live Streaming and Capturing Video In the Field

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This workshop will introduce tips and equipment for using a smartphone or tablet to obtain live video in the field, whether from workshops, farm visits, demonstrations, field days, or research plots. Microphones, tripod mounts, and apps will be discussed. An emphasis will be on equipment that can be stored and carried around with minimal planning yet still provide good quality.

The second half of the workshop will look at live-streaming options and reasons to consider live-streaming for Extension work. The similarities and differences between live-streaming options will be discussed. as will tips for quality production ad handling common problems. We will actually transmit a live video on one or more (as time allows) of these live services to demonstrate the process.

  • Facebook Live
  • Twitter
  • Snapchat
  • Instragram
  • Youtube

Presenters

Jill Heemstra, University of Nebraska jheemstra@unl.edu and Michele Walfred, University of Delaware (remote connection) walfred@udel.edu

Jill has is an Extension Educator at the University of Nebraska and has coordinated the Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center since its beginning and has deep interest in innovative outreach methods for Extension.

Michele is a Communication Specialist for the University of Delaware and is one of the foremost experts in the Cooperative Extension System for live streaming.

Handouts

recommended equipment for field video

  • tripod
  • microphone and “dead cat” filter
  • velcro “stickers” or
  • battery pack/s
  • generic release forms (talk to your university/agency communications)
  • “nice to have” but not essential equipment (additional memory/expansion card, gimbalized mount, headphones to listen to test clips, lenses for smartphone, pop filter)\
  • if it is timely and relevant capture it any way you can, don’t worry if you left your microphone at the office

tips for field video

  • do a test and listen/view
  • be aware of background (limping cow story)
  • obtain a written release or ask person at start of recording if it OK (and keep that permission for future reference)
  • plan ahead as much as possible
  • recommended for live streaming
  • share the finished video with those participating before public release if possible

recommend for live streaming

  • at least one other person
  • battery packs
  • microphone and tripod
  • nice background
  • professional attire
  • “nice to have” but not essential equipment (gimbalized mount, headphones to listen to test clips, lenses for smartphone, pop filter)

tips for live streaming

  • OBTAIN PERMISSION AHEAD OF TIME – especially if you are at a private farm or recording wasn’t expected (it may be different for a conference or public event)
  • do a test run from the site to assess connectivity, but expect connection issues
  • ignore trolls, be ready to ban or block if necessary
  • don’t worry about perfection but instead strive to relate to your audience
  • plan ahead and promote and ask others to help promote the event
  • if spontaneous, decide if you need the recording (that will affect how you set up or which live-streaming option you choose)
  • remember that a live-streamed event can be captured/recorded and edited later for long-term use

The authors are solely responsible for the content of these proceedings. The technical information does not necessarily reflect the official position of the sponsoring agencies or institutions represented by planning committee members, and inclusion and distribution herein does not constitute an endorsement of views expressed by the same. Printed materials included herein are not refereed publications. Citations should appear as follows. EXAMPLE: Authors. 2017. Title of presentation. Waste to Worth: Spreading Science and Solutions. Cary, NC. April 18-21, 2017. URL of this page. Accessed on: today’s date.