PROJECT OVERVIEW
CLIENT
Professional Educator Standards Board
DURATION
6 Months: April 2023 – Oct 2023
PROJECT CATEGORY
Video Storytelling
The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) sought a video production team to bolster communication efforts, generating instructional and compelling video content tailored for paraeducators. This initiative endeavors to furnish accessible, translatable, and informative resources, catering to the needs of Washington State’s 26,000 paraeducators in navigating their career paths.
THE CHALLENGE
How might we transform complex information into engaging and accessible content while managing diverse styles and coordinating with multiple stakeholders?
METHODOLOGY & EXECUTION
UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM
- Understand Client Needs: Actively listen to video requirements and review feedback thoroughly to deliver tailored solutions using extensive production expertise.
- Uncover Expectations and Address Pain Points: Utilize user research and active listening to identify and address client needs that may not be explicitly communicated.
- Ensure Project Alignment: Present storyboards or reference videos before starting each project to align on style, tone, and narrative, minimizing rework and ensuring efficient execution.
PROJECT GOALS
- Create Four Videos: Produce four distinct videos, including tutorials, advertisements, and informative content, to address diverse client needs.
- Ensure Accessibility: Design videos to be accessible, making complex information easily understandable and engaging for all audiences.
- Manage Diverse Styles: Implement adaptable storytelling techniques to effectively convey varying styles, from educational tutorials to dynamic advertisements.
- Coordinate with Stakeholders: Streamline collaboration with multiple stakeholders to ensure timely delivery and high-quality standards throughout the project.
FINAL DELIVERABLES
In total, four videos were produced, including one branded video intro tailored specifically for PESB, as follows:
How to Create an E-certificate Account
A complex 40-page E-certification software manual was simplified into clear voice-over scripts to guide Washington paraeducators through the correct software operation. Essential processes were recorded as video material, and visual effects were used during editing to highlight crucial details and maintain audience focus.
Clock Hour 101
Introduced regulations and tips regarding clock hours in paraeducator training.
Similar to the “How to Create an E-certificate Account” video, this video also involved transforming lengthy policy documents into easily understandable content. The challenge was the lack of visual materials besides the policy documents. This required creative sourcing of suitable visual imagery to complement the voiceover narrative while aligning with the script.
Promotion Video of Professional Growth Plan
Informed and encouraged Washington paraeducators to participate in the Professional Growth Plan, a highly valuable yet lesser-known program.
The primary objective of the PGP (Professional Growth Plan) video is to promote the PGP program. This required a shift in style, adopting a storytelling approach different from the first two videos. Since this video would function more like an advertisement, it needed a lively and engaging narrative to captivate the audience’s interest.
Paraeducator Training Program Overview
Provided a detailed introduction to the entire training process and main requirements of the Paraeducator Training Program.
Crafting the “Paraeducator Training Program Overview” video involved the challenge of condensing a complex program into a dynamic 5-minute narrative. The goal was to balance seriousness with liveliness to ensure paraeducator engagement while delivering accurate program details. Various video approaches were suggested, leading to the decision to showcase Dr. KO, the Program Manager, on-screen, resulting in a successful on-location shoot — an uncharted venture!
VOLUNTEER REFLECTION
Our collaboration with PESB has been a journey marked by successful outcomes and skill enrichment. Through meticulous project management, diverse video productions, and client-centered methodologies, we delivered impactful results. The extended timeline allowed us to surpass initial expectations, delivering four insightful videos that catered to the specific needs of Washington State’s paraeducators. Our team’s commitment to skill enhancement, demonstrated through powerful storytelling techniques and effective project management strategies, has furthered our collective expertise.
We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our clients, Liisa, Austin, Dr. KO., and Dr. Erica, whose guidance and encouragement have been invaluable. Additionally, we express our appreciation to Susan, our advisor, for her invaluable insights and assistance throughout the project.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to delivering impactful solutions and continuing to expand our capabilities in the realm of video production and communication.
– Flora Fu, Ian Chen, Dylan Espeseth
University of Washington