Virtual backgrounds when creating PowerPoint Recordings

For recorded lectures and presentations, some instructors prefer to create narrated PowerPoint files.

You can include your webcam video in these types of recordings, this helps students to see you and your passion for your subject and helps to build a connection with your audience.

I received a ticket with a query about whether the background of the video could be blurred. I found that using the same technique I outlined for Collaborate works with PowerPoint recordings.

Use in PowerPoint

1. First, open Snap Camera and choose a background.
2. Open PowerPoint and start recording.
3. Go to settings at the top right and expand Camera and select Snap Camera.

A screenshot that shows how to select Snap Camera as your camera when making a Narrated PowerPoint.

Now when you are recording yourself, your chosen alternate background appears behind you:

In this example, I’m narrating my PowerPoint with my video on, and I appear to be in front of the University library, even though I’m at home in my spare room.

Uploading to Blackboard

Narrated PowerPoint files can get seriously large and will usually not be suitable to host directly in Blackboard. Instead, export the recording as an MP4 file and then upload it to your streaming / media /recorded lectures service and embed it in your Blackboard course.