This page brings together some useful resources that help to explain some common processes in Panopto.
(Please note that this guide is still being updated, and some screencasts are still being developed).

Introduction

Panopto can be used to record screencasts, but can also be used to store and share videos recorded in other applications, such as Zoom or Screenpal (previously known as Screencast-o-matic). It has advantages over other video-sharing sites because of its security, Blackboard integration and interactive features.

This video is a quick introduction to Panopto and some of it’s features.

Why Use Panopto?

  • Video storage and publishing tool
    Similar to YouTube, Panopto is used to store video/audio files and make them available to your desired audience. Recordings can be created directly within Panopto or created using other software or recording devices and uploaded into Panopto. Unlimited storage is available for all Panopto users.
  • Simple video editor
    Panopto has a simple, web-based editor that makes it easy to perform common edits, such as trimming and replacing sections. Editing is non-destructive, which means that you can always undo any changes you make in the future should you need to.
  • Add quizzes and polls to recordings
    Unlike other video tools, Panopto can be used to check students’ understanding of the material in the video. Playback can be paused automatically and students prevented from continuing until they answer the quiz.
  • Linked to Blackboard
    Each Blackboard module has its own area for storing videos that automatically ensures that the only the students on the module will be able to view the video. Videos can also be embedded in other parts of the module to better integrate them with the other materials in the module site.
  • Supports student assessment submissions
    Panopto can be used to support secure student video submissions, such as presentations, demonstrations or screen recordings. Submissions are copied to a secure area so that students can’t edit the video after it has been submitted – something that can happen with video submission through other tools.
  • Automatically generate subtitles
    Panopto can automatically generate subtitles to allow us to meet our legal obligation to do so. Automatically generated subtitles are acceptable for this and pre-emptively editing them is not required, rather they can be left as-is until corrections are requested by students. By default, subtitles are generated for British English, but 17 other languages, such as French, German, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese, and 2 other English accents (US and Australian) can be used instead.
  • Analytics
    Panopto produces detailed analytics for videos and folders of videos. These can show, among other things, which students have viewed a particular video, how many times a video has been watched, and which parts of a video have been watched most. This information is useful for understanding student engagement and identifying concepts that students are struggling to grasp.

 

Creating content from scratch

The Panopto Create Button menuThere are several different ways of starting to record in Panopto. If the recording is for a specific module then the recommended way is by using the integrated Blackboard version. But you can also start the downloaded app version directly from your computer desktop if you’re working off-line. You can also launch the simplified recorder from the Panopto website. If you are using a SHU laptop you will need to download the Panopto Recorder from Apps Anywhere.

Uploading existing content

If you already have videos that you can use (e.g. presentations that you’ve recorded with Screencast-o-matic, or webinars that you’ve recorded with Zoom or Collaborate) then you can upload these to your module site or personal Panopto folder.

Embedding in Blackboard

Different ways to present your videos to students.

Please note that “Mashups” tool in the Bb Content Editor has been replaced with an “add content” function, which looks like this:

Blackboard's "Add Content" symbol

Moving things around in Panopto & Blackboard

If you have recorded or uploaded directly to your module site then you shouldn’t need to move any of your videos, but some staff embraced Panopto as a place to store videos before it was fully integrated with Blackboard. Or you might have a video that you want to share across several sites.

Sharing settings

If the video is stored in a module’s Panopto folder, then only the people who can access the Blackboard site can view the video. If you’d like to change those settings so that someone else can view it, or if the video is in a different folder and you want to share it on a Blackboard site then you may need to change its settings.

Basic editing

How to cut out mistakes and trim the video, how to update it’s name or insert one video in to another one.

Analytics


It can be interesting and worthwhile to look at your video reports and analytics. These can help to identify the most engaged learners as well as those struggling with particular topics. The visualizations highlight topics of interest as measured by timestamped comments and personal notes.

 

Download a Panopto Video to a PC

 

Further Resources

If you can’t find the solution to a particular problem on this page then there are dozens, if not hundreds, more on the Panopto support pages, which are divided in to different themes:

We have also provided training that explores the advanced and niche features of Panopto.

If you are looking for guidance from a student perspective then the Digital Skills website is a good place to refer them to: Panopto Guide for Students