This guide walks you through four key steps of the video and presentation process: Recording, editing, formatting, and presenting. Use the tools that work best for you at each stage.
Record your screen or camera with Clipchamp; it's TU-supported and integrates with your other Microsoft Office applications! As you finalize your video file, be sure to trim sections and add transitions.
Clipchamp offers text as well as stock images and music, all within this single app.
Import your own media for an even greater creative control! Level up your video or presentation slides with free customizable icons from Noun Project, diagrams from PresentationGO, and templates from SlidesCarnival.
Sharing asynchronously? Export the final product as an mp4. For synchronous presentations, get your audience involved with Q&A and polls by Slido. You can even make participation anonymous.
All tools share screen, camera, or both and are multi-platform.
| Tools | Platform | Best For | Standout Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clipchamp (free with NetID) | Web | Most students and coursework needs | Native editing and automatic captions. Basic noise filters (remove pauses, detach audio). Easy to embed in Office 365. Supports up to 1080p. |
| Loom (freemium) | Web or Desktop | Students collaborating with professionals or tracking engagement | Native editing and automatic captions. Emoji reactions and comments (signed-in users only). Supports up to 720p. |
| OBS Studio (free and open source) | Desktop | High-quality, custom video production and streaming | No built-in editing or captions. Advanced audio controls (noise gate, multiple sources). Supports live streaming and flexible layouts. |
Start with Clipchamp (free with NetID)! It's easy to use with drag-and-drop editing, auto-captions, and export templates. Great for trimming, adding music, and layering text or graphics. Perfect for course projects and basic video production.
Looking to fine-tune your video layout, resolution, or audio? These desktop tools offer more power than Clipchamp—ideal for course projects with specific requirements or creative video production.
| Feature | VSDC Video Editor (free) | Shotcut (free and open source) |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Windows users who want structured setup and strong text options | Cross-platform users preferring open source |
| Platform | Windows only | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Project Setup | Choose final platform (YouTube, Instagram, etc.) before you start; auto-sets resolution/layout | Manual configuration; more flexibility but less guidance |
| Text Editing | Advanced control over font, size, timing, animation | Limited built-in text tools; best for simple titles or captions |
| Audio Features | Basic editing + visual waveform display | More advanced audio filters and multiple track support |
| Learning Curve | Gentler: Asks questions upfront to configure automatically | Steeper: More professional interface |
Learning Technologies Librarian Brittni Ballard notes: "Before TU offered Clipchamp, I preferred VSDC over Shotcut because it asked me upfront where I planned to share my video and automatically adjusted all the technical settings like resolution and dimensions. This saved me from guessing at optimal video parameters. VSDC also offered better text editing tools for tutorial titles and call-outs. However, if you're on Mac or prefer open-source software, Shotcut is your best bet for advanced features."
The Clipchamp interface features the main workspace in the center with the editing toolbar on the left. Editing options are including "Your media," "Record & create," "Content library," "Templates," "Text," "Transitions," and "Brand kit" on the left with "Captions," "Fade," "Filters," "Effects," "Adjust Colors," and "Speed" on the right. The timeline at the bottom shows various tracks, including the video and text layers. Shapes and text have been added on top of the video. Learn more about editing in Clipchamp with this developer-produced guide.
VSDC allows you to add and remove panels to the main workspace. The topmost menu adopts a familiar approach to the Windows ribbon, featuring "Projects," "Scenes," "Editor," "Export project," "Tools," and "Activation." Editing features are displayed in the toolbar below. The main workspace features a video with text overlay and blurring with a panel on the left displaying scenes. The panels to right display Properties and Basic Effects, while the timeline at the bottom features color-coded layers for overlays, video footage, voice audio, and background music. Learn more about editing with VSDC via this user-created tutorial.
Shotcut allows you to add and remove panels to the main workspace. The topmost menu is simple: "File," "Edit," "View," "Settings," and "Help." Editing actions are displayed in the toolbar below. The main workspace features a video with panels to left displaying the Playlist with thumbnails for each clip. The panel to the right displays the Audio Peak Meter with green bars indicating audio levels, while the timeline at the bottom features various video, audio, and overlays. Learn more about editing with Shotcut via this user-created tutorial.
Free to use with attribution. Great for: Title slides, transitions, or B-roll imagery.
Free and customizable.
Present ideas clearly using editable visual templates.
Already using Zoom? → Stick with Zoom Polling to avoid extra steps for participants.
Want robust Q&A features? → Choose Slido (follow these steps to login with your TU email address) for threaded discussions and upvoting.
Need a complete presentation platform? → Try Mentimeter for slides plus interaction in one tool.
| Tools | Best For | Features | Setup Complexity and Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoom Polling (free with NetID) | Presenters already using Zoom who want simple polls or short quizzes | Multiple choice, single choice, quiz | Built into Zoom—no separate login or browser needed. Great for reducing distractions and accessibility barriers. Only the host can create polls. |
| Slido (free with NetID) | Robust audience Q&A and flexible live polling in a Webex presentation | Q&A, multiple choice, ranking, rating, word cloud, quiz, open text | Best for sessions with open-ended questions or ranked feedback. Q&A includes upvotes, replies, and nickname/identity options. Not a slide builder; must use alongside Google Slides or PowerPoint. |
| Mentimeter (freemium) | Creating interactive slide decks with embedded engagement features | 10+ question types, plus quizzes and slide-based content (images, videos, headings, etc.) | Functions as a full presentation tool. Audience Q&A is more limited than Slido. Free plan doesn’t collect names. Requires separate tab or device to participate. |
