×
Skip to main content

Lightboard

Lightboard for Teaching

Welcome to the Media Production Studio’s webpage on the Revolution Lightboard located at the Information Commons. A Lightboard is a transparent white board made of glass with internal lighting to make writing glow. This equipment allows faculty/staff to write and draw on the board while lecturing or giving a presentation, all without having to turn away from your students. In the studio, the lecture or presentation will be filmed through the glass and then mirrored so any text or drawings will appear correct to the students.

On this page you will find examples of the Lightboard being used, an FAQ to answer common questions, a section explaining best practices when behind the Lightboard, and links to PowerPoint templates for you to download and prepare your presentations to be used with the Lightboard.

 Lightboard Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to write backwards?

Of course not! You’ll write as you would on any regular whiteboard. During the recording and/or during post-production, the video will be inverted to be clear and legible for your viewers.

What makes the writing glow?

Lights have been built into the board and when neon dry erase markers are used on the glass, the writing will glow.

What items do I need to bring to use the Lightboard?

You will not need to provide any specific items to use the Lightboard. The Media Production Studio will have markers for you to use. Please bring any notes, scripts, or props, if needed.

Do I have to clean the glass when the recording is finished?

You will not have to clean the glass once the recording is finished. The Media Production Studio will take care of cleaning the board.

Is it possible to insert digital images?

Yes, and not just digital images. You could also use video to assist with your lectures.

Can a Lightboard be used in a live setting for streaming?

While the Lightboard can be configured to work in a live setting, it is only available for recorded sessions.

How long does a recording typically take?

The length of time it takes to film depends on the length of the content and any preparations done before filming. A discussion about production plans and a possible in-person tour would make the recording session quicker.

How long should each video be?

We recommend making videos in short chunks rather than one long video. Our recommendation is to keep videos under five minutes.

How much advance notice is needed for filming?

At least 72 hours advance notice is needed to set a recording session.

Best Practices

Planning for Recording on the Lightboard

  • Set a clear objective for the recording, trying to make each recording one topic
  • Focus on meeting your objective before filling up the Lightboard with writing or images
  • Consider writing or drawing some aspects of the lecture on the Lightboard before recording
  • Any images or text you want to add should have a black background
  • Practice on equal sized white board

What should be worn during a recording?

  • Avoid wearing black or dark colors. Those colors will blend into the background and the final recording will only be your floating head!
  • Try and wear a solid color.
  • Avoid wearing anything with a logo or text as they will be inverted during post-production.

When You're On Camera

  • When writing on the board, look at what you are writing instead of the confidence monitor
  • To assist the viewer, point to and look at, the text or drawing on the board
  • When you are lecturing and not writing on the board, try to look at the camera
  • Try to not draw horizontal lines through your eyes or mouth. Leave an opening so you are always seen on camera
  • Draw black dots on the glass to help with navigating where to write or draw on the board
  • Don’t erase during the recording

PowerPoint and Images

  • PowerPoint slides should have black backgrounds
  • Any images or text you want to add after the recording should have transparent backgrounds
  • You can run a movie in PowerPoint and point to or talk about the video
  • Set-up for 16:9 ratio and black background before creating your slides

Diversifying Content with Images/Video Clips/Audio Clips

Including images, video clips and audio clips can help maintain student engagement. These types of multimedia can also be used as a transition, similarly to the screencast, where the video can cut from a talking head point-of-view to narration over different forms of multimedia content.

Copyright Resources

When using images, video, and audio that you did not create, consider reviewing the Copyright Resources pages here: https://www.luc.edu/copyright/

Digitization and Conversion

Digital Media Services does not provide any services related to digitization and conversion. There are a few options to take into consideration. For on campus recommendations, LUC Libraries may be able to assist or obtain the materials for circulation and/or viewing via digital streaming. A purchase request can be made here: http://libraries.luc.edu/avpurchase

For outside sources, a 3rd party service such as Chicago Scanning (www.chicagoscanning.com) would be able to conduct a digital transfer for a fee. However, there might be copyright issues on the DVD's if they are not your own material.

Links to royalty free webpages

Anyone wishing to add images, video, or audio and wants to avoid possible copyright infringement should peruse our TechConnect webpage where we have provided links to royalty-free websites. Some content creators will ask for proper attribution but otherwise allow for their creations to be copied and distributed for academic purposes.

Multiple angles when recording to give a sleeker look

Utilizing multiple angles will help with the pacing of your videos and adds a new dimension to your videos. Capturing multiple angles with one camera is possible but adds time to your recording schedule by having to record the same scene twice. In our screencast, we will show you how to record simultaneously with two cameras. This is beneficial if you want to record yourself writing on paper, sheet music you’re reading from while performing, or a lab demonstration. If in need of another camera, visit our Equipment Loan Program page to browse our inventory and check on availability.

Last Modified:   Fri, January 20, 2023 1:39 PM CST

Lightboard for Teaching

Welcome to the Media Production Studio’s webpage on the Revolution Lightboard located at the Information Commons. A Lightboard is a transparent white board made of glass with internal lighting to make writing glow. This equipment allows faculty/staff to write and draw on the board while lecturing or giving a presentation, all without having to turn away from your students. In the studio, the lecture or presentation will be filmed through the glass and then mirrored so any text or drawings will appear correct to the students.

On this page you will find examples of the Lightboard being used, an FAQ to answer common questions, a section explaining best practices when behind the Lightboard, and links to PowerPoint templates for you to download and prepare your presentations to be used with the Lightboard.

 Lightboard Frequently Asked Questions

Best Practices