IMPORTANT NOTE: The content in this article is not for a Echo360 course (a reminder email is sent out approx ~6-8 weeks before the upcoming semester). A Echo360 course is needed if you want automatic scheduling of your classes, or if you are using the student engagement tools during class/Live Stream/ or have published pre-recorded lessons. An Echo360 course provides an inclusive virtual classroom with the provided Classroom tools. The instructor can monitor who is participating and who is not, using the course
Analytics tool.
Overview
Echo360 provides a media embed button within Canvas, it is a quick way for publishing new videos and get them in front of your students or for media you are reusing from previous semesters, Students can play the recording on their screen, participate in Discussion, read a transcript as they are watching (videos must be transcribed if you are reusing your videos). The embedded player is also ADA accessible for those with a need, students can choose how they want to view the media captions (instructors must enable captions first). Instructors can monitor video views in their Library.
NOTE: Embedding videos in Canvas is not the same as publishing videos to an Echo360 course.
What is the Difference Between Embedding Media and Publishing to an Echo360 Course?
There are visual differences and locations to embedding media in Canvas and publishing your videos to an Echo360 course. Both provide video players are ADA accessible and similar in its functionality but differ slightly:
- Echo360 Course: Provides students access to view all published content via the Classes list page, commonly used for scheduled/Live Stream classes or for ad-hoc recordings in the classroom or for personal recordings. An Echo360 course provides an inclusive virtual classroom with the provided Classroom tools. You can monitor who is participating and who is not, using the course Analytics tool. NOTE: All content published to an Echo360 course can be reused but you must clone the media because during a Canvas course import to another course the linking to course breaks. Echo360 doesn't allow for out of term access.
- Embedding Videos in Canvas: Provides students the ability to view standard video(s) or videos with polls (interactive media) inside of Canvas (e.g., Assignment, Discussion, Page, etc.). The video player provides a Discussion panel to engage students in the topic. You can monitor video views in your Library of a specific video, via the Analytics tab. All embedded videos successfully import to other Canvas course(s) making it simple to embed new videos or reuse content stored in your Echo360 library.
Why Embed Videos in Canvas? (recommended when using Modules)
Videos or interactive media can be embedded from the owner's Library or if you have
Post permission from a
Collection of media that has been shared with you.
Echo360 Collections allow instructors to share media with other instructors outside of an Echo360 course. If there is a video transcript students can read along as they are watching your video or if applicable a screen reader can read it for them.
If you use Modules to structure your course material and use Echo360 videos, we recommend embedding them via the Rich Content Editor embed plugin within Canvas (e.g., Assignment, Discussion, Page, etc.). The embedded videos allow students or other users enrolled in your Canvas course viewing permissions to watch your videos. Choose to embed a standard video player or post a secure video link. Students can use the Discussion panel and ask a question or comment on a post someone else has made while watching the video.
The Echo360 embedded video player meets accessibility needs with variable speed playback, volume controls, closed captions, and supports a screen reader. The instructor can see who has watched each video in their Library. For a detailed walk through of the video player and its features check out Viewing Embedded Echo360 Media.
- You can launch recording tools via Create New Media tab.
- Embedding videos do not use up your Canvas course storage, they store in Echo360.
- Videos can be embedded within an (e.g., Assignment, Discussion, Page, etc.).
- The embedded player provides Q&A/Discussion for students or instructors to engage in conversation.
- Embedding your videos has great benefits for faculty to reuse content outside of a Echo360 course.
- You can see video views in your library or access video Analytics from the chart icon (bottom-right) of the embedded video, (sample image below). Note: The mini player doesn't have the Analytics icon or the Expand button shown below.
Benefits of Embedding for Faculty
Embedded Media can be Reused. It can be copied for future semester use without breaking links and you can view user-specific analytics in your library and does not take up the Canvas course storage they are stored in Echo360. Before publishing be sure to review/edit the video transcript to ensure it meets ADA Compliance for all viewers.
Describe Your Video. The video title displays at the top of the embedded player or a secure video link. Be sure to edit the video title in your library so it displays a proper name when your students view the video for playback, it also makes it easier to find the video in your library for reuse.
Transcript Missing from Embedded Media? If the Echo360 media was embedded prior to the transcript panel feature being released, or if it is embedded prior to the media having a transcript applied, it may need to be re-embedded to show the transcript.
Did you know? You can embed polling questions directly into a video to check for student understanding without using the Active Learning Platform.
Benefits of Embedding for Students
Provides ease of access to your Echo360 video/audio media as it plays directly in a Canvas. It reduces confusion by keeping students in the same area, or Module, they started in rather than providing links to content (e.g., External Links, Course Links).
The media player remembers where you left off, video can be resumed or started over.
The transcript is readable and searchable while watching the video.
Embedded media can be viewed on a computer (the player is responsive to screen size) or on a mobile device using the Canvas Student app.
Embedding Echo360 videos in Canvas (watch the video or view instructions)
View Video: How-To Embed in Canvas
For best viewing experience with Echo360, use the browser Firefox, you can check your version at whatismybrowser.com
Embedding Videos - Tips
- Pros of embedding videos. As a recap, the benefits of embedding videos are it's quick, videos import to other Canvas courses, and video views can be seen in your library.
- Hide the Echo360 tab when embedding videos. ITS recommends hiding Echo360 from the Canvas course navigation especially if you are using Modules so there is no confusion from students on where to watch your videos.
- Student View does not work for Echo360. Using Student View will generate an LTI error as the test student does not have login credentials for Echo360.
- If media is removed from your library a 404 Not Found error message displays in Canvas. This is normal because Canvas doesn't know the media has been removed.
View Instructions: Embedding in Canvas
Accessing the Echo360 Embed button in a Content Window
Click the image to enlarge then close the browser tab when finished.
PRO TIP for Embedding Content: You can embed one or more videos or secure links, place your mouse cursor where you would like to embed your next video.
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View Instructions: How-To Embed your Video
- Go to the Canvas course, and open an (e.g., Assignment, Discussion, Page, etc.) where you would like to embed your media or secure link.
- Click the Edit button of the content type. (e.g., Assignment, Discussion, Page, etc.)
- In the content window, click a spot on the page where you want to add the recording.
- On the editing toolbar, click the Apps (plug shaped icon) and click Echo360, or if you don't see it click "View all" then click Echo360.
- The tab "Library" is active and selected by default, you will see the most recent videos in your library. You will see a list of all the media stored in your library.
- You can find the media that you want to embed in a few different ways: (see sample image below)
- Use the drop down menu to sort by "Date Created, Name, or Type."
- Use the scroll bar to find the media you want to embed.
- Type in the name of the video in the Search Content text box. HELPFUL TIP: You should always name your video a short concise title so you can locate the video later in your Library. View instructions: Edit your Media Name.
- Use the funnel icon to filter your search, by media type, term, or course, and click Apply.
NOTE: Scheduled captures automatically are labeled the name of your course, we recommend to rename your class recordings. So that you can locate the video(s) you want to reuse and embed in Canvas.
- Select the media you want to embed by clicking on it. (You will see a blue rectangle surrounding your video) Then, click Next.
- The media you selected shows as a thumbnail with the embedding options to choose from (sample image shown below), select them as appropriate or you can accept the default selections; when finished, click "Insert."
IMPORTANT NOTE: Don't use the mini player, if your are embedding videos with polls (Interactive Media) the polls will not display.
- Repeat steps 2-7 to add more than one video to a page.
- Once you are done embedding your video(s) click click Save or Save & Publish as appropriate. if you are not ready for students to see it, click Save.
- Once the content type is published, students and users enrolled in your course can watch the embedded video(s) play on their screen. Instructors can monitor the video views in their Library from the Analytics button/chart icon (bottom-right) of the player.
NOTE: If you selected Autoplay (video will Automute) or Start At configurations for the video, those are enabled for the viewer.
If you want to take up less room post a link to the media instead of embedding it, click the Link slider button. Check out "How to Post a Secure Video Link into a Content Window".
How to Post a Secure Video Link into a Content Window
This method also uses the Echo360 embed plugin, it creates a secure video link instead of using the embedded player. It is the same procedural steps shown above on how to embed a video in a content window.
- In the content window, place the cursor where you want to post the video link.
- In the toolbar, click the plug-shaped icon, and select Echo360, if you don't see it click View all then choose Echo360.
- Search and select your video in the list, to see the different ways you can search for a video stored in Echo360 watch the video above.
Select the
Link option (
this is a secure link not public), please refer to
how to post a secure link using the Echo360 embed button in a content window in Canvas.
A secure link only allows students or others enrolled in your Canvas course to view your video(s), media cannot be viewed outside of Canvas.
Quick tips for posting a link
The name of the video link will be the same as the video title. You can
edit the media name in your library before posting a link.
Once the content is published, students will click the secure link to playback the video, it will open in a new browser tab.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Firefox browser, the latest version is recommended for viewing video content.
Generate a Secure Link for Embedded Media
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Create New Media
From the same window you embed your videos, you can create new videos on your computer with Universal Capture (requires software installed on your compuer) or use Browser Capture, it works online in your web browser (Chrome, MS Edge, or Firefox), on any computer including Chromebooks and Netbooks). Both tools allow you to record your screen, audio, and webcam, your recording(s) will store in your Library. Click the Create New Media tab to choose how you want to record your video lecture.
NOTE: If you need transcripts for new videos you recorded or uploaded that you are going to reuse, you can request a transcript by filling out our Echo360 Transcript Request form and ITS can request your transcripts for specific videos. Alternatively, you can publish your video(s) to your Echo360 Development Course (First Name Last Name), if you don't have one you can request one call our Support Center at 989.964.4225 or email support@svsu.edu
Upload Existing Media
Upload videos from your computer to your Echo360 library, after uploading to your Echo360 library you can use embed your video using the Echo360 embed button.
How to View Media Analytics in Echo360
You can access media analytics from different locations (see screenshots below) in Echo360. For specific media, you can access the video Analytics (chart icon, bottom-right) directly from the embedded video itself. To view a consolidated overview of all video views for all media published click the Analytics tab (top menu) next to the blue Create button.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are monitoring video views for embedded media, always refer to the individual media Analytics in your Library for accuracy, or through the consolidated Analytics tab (views are updated hourly). If you are using an Echo360 course and embedding videos within Canvas, video views will NOT be reported on the course Analytics page.
What does Echo360 Track Video Views After a Class Session? Echo360 tracks ALL usage (video views) regardless of how it was captured Live Stream or recorded. The data includes student names, total views, total view time (duration), number of times a student joined a Live stream or viewed a recording, and the last viewed Date.
How do Video Analytics work? The way Echo360 analytics work is it includes ALL VIEWS whether the students have watched or interacted with the content in the DURING or AFTER class. The video views are updated hourly.
- Embedded video player: Click the chart icon (bottom-right), to quickly see video views in your library (sample image below). Note: The mini player doesn't have the Analytics icon or the Expand button shown below.
Monitoring Discussion in the Embedded Player
The videos or interactive media can be embedded in any content window in Canvas. The Embedded media player features a Discussion panel where you can get your students to engage in the lecture topic.
- Students can post anonymously instructors will always see who made the post. Click the three ellipses to reveal the name.
- The Hide Names button is there for instructors to hide student names to other students.
- Discussions can be endorsed using the thumbs up icon and replies to the topic can be done by clicking the chat bubble icon .
- + Comment when clicked on will start a new Discussion, content can be referenced at a specific point in the media.
- Instructors can remove individual comments or an entire discussion.
For more details, see Monitoring Discussion and Viewing and Participating in Discussion.
Embed a Video with Polling Questions (post to Canvas or an Echo360 course)
Check for student understanding and embed polls in your video, polls can be created new or reused. You can see poll responses in your Library or download the data. The process also uses the Echo360 embed plugin using the Interactive Media type. Videos with polls can be embedded in Canvas or published to an Echo360 course. Learn more about embedded polling in Echo360 (add polls to a video or a presentation).
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