Module introduction videos help you set the tone for each part of your course. They are one of the most effective ways to establish instructor presence, build connection, and provide context for learning. Video allows you to communicate tone, enthusiasm, and clarity in ways that are difficult to achieve through text alone, supporting student engagement and trust (Teven & McCroskey, 1997). They also support different learning preferences when paired with captions and transcripts (CAST, 2014). 

Use the checklist below to plan, record, and share effective module introduction videos.

Purpose

• Does this video clearly explain what students should focus on in this module?  
• Does it connect this module to previous content or the overall course?  
• Does it help students understand why the material matters?  
• Are you adding value beyond what is already written in the module (not just repeating text)?

Content design

• Does the video follow the Review, Preview, Motivate structure?  
• Are you highlighting key ideas instead of restating all content?  
• Is the video concise and focused (about 2–3 minutes)?  
• Have you included a real-world example or application?  
• Have you avoided dates or time-specific references so the video remains reusable? 

Delivery

• Is your tone conversational and engaging (not overly scripted)?  
• Are you speaking clearly and at a steady pace?  
• Can students easily hear and understand your audio?  
• Are you showing your face or using your voice to establish presence?  
• Is your lighting and background clear and not distracting? 

Presentation

• Is the video located at the start of the module?  
• Is placement consistent across all modules?  
• Is the video embedded when possible to keep students in the course?  
• If linking, does it open in a new tab so students keep their place?  
• Have you avoided placing videos in hard-to-find or inconsistent locations? 

Accessibility

• Are captions included for the video?  
• Is a transcript or text-based alternative available (if captions are not)?  
• Is the video easy to access and play across devices?  
• Have you ensured students can understand the content without relying only on audio or visuals? 

Strong module introduction videos are clear, concise, and purposeful. When you focus on what students need to know, deliver it in an engaging way, and present it consistently, you create a more supportive and effective learning experience.