If you want to illustrate processes in the laboratory, operations on people and animals, traffic and construction work, a discussion between people or several people presenting, botanic species, animals’ behaviour or anything that moves, a live recording is often much more illustrative than “dead” photos. There is an unlimited range of applications of camera recordings. The webcam recording can be added as a small part-video in the corner of the screen with the other main visual elements. The visual side is often not necessary, may even take too much attention away, but the personal element is good for introducing yourself to the students and your facial expressions may add extra emphasis to certain statements. The quick and easy way to make a video of yourself speaking to the students is to use the webcam in your computer / tablet / smartphone. Audio recordings mean smaller file sizes than video and can also be heard on pure music playback devices.
If you teach pronunciation or practicing listening skills in a language course or otherwise only want the students to listen, the visual side being unimportant, you should make an audio recording.
The following is short descriptions of the most common formats and what their advantages are. And you as a teacher have free time for doing e.g. With a video each student can repeat parts and see it when it fits the schedule. In a video you can focus your messages and ensure it is delivered precisely, with the best visual aid.
A piece of video does not transmit the full range of information you get from a person speaking live, but it has some advantages. Your choice of format should depend on what you want to communicate. In this article “Video” means all pieces of visual / audio recordings you can see on your computer, tablet or smartphone.