Video Clip Prompting Questions and Guidelines

Guru Vandana 

What is the ask? Share the video clip of your experience from attending the Guru Vandana (Teacher Appreciation) program in the past.

What is the purpose? To create promotional and testimonials videos. 

These videos will be used as a resource for Guru Vandana, a yearly program of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, USA (HSS) and HEF (Hindu Education Foundation, a project of HSS).

What should be the duration of the video clip? Between 1 to 2 minutes

Are there any guidelines for the script? Yes, below are a few suggested questions that you can answer for the video clip.

• Your very brief introduction: What is your name? Please mention your school district, school, and city name.

• For how long have you been teaching or have been an educator?

• How many times did you attend Guru Vandana? How was your experience of attending Guru Vandana in the past? Please mention any specific aspect of the Guru Vandana which you like the most.

• Share your thoughts on how the Guru Vandana program is helping to build a stronger student-teacher connection through community involvement.

• How Guru Vandana is helping teachers to learn more about Hindu culture and enhance cultural proficiency for a better understanding of the diverse demographic?

• Are you planning to attend Guru Vandana (virtual) this year?

• Would like to mention anything specific learning on being an educator in this unique school year due to paramedic (COVID-19)?

Are there any guidelines for the video recording? Yes, below are the guidelines to follow when recording your video clip for Guru Vandana.

Camera:

• Record in the landscape mode, this means holding the phone horizontally.

• Place the phone or camera on a sturdy surface (use a tripod, if possible).

• If possible, have the phone or camera elevated off of the floor.

• If using a camera phone, use the camera on the back, NOT selfie mode.

Background and attire:

• Simple is always better. 

• Choose the outfit that you won’t have to adjust while recording.

Lighting:

• Use a well-lit area with a decent background. 

• Don’t face the sun if recording outside. 

• Try to record opposite a window. Avoid having a window behind the teacher/subject.

Audio:

• Do not include any background music or any other sound/music clip with your video.

• If shooting inside, please pick an area in which there are sound-absorbing materials (carpet, curtains, etc.). If you’re taking the video outside, please make sure it’s a quiet area with minimal noise distractions. 

• Make sure that the device you are recording with is: not covered or blocked. 

Always test before you record. Make sure the video and audio quality is as good as you can get it.

About Guru Vandana:

To honor the teaching community for their exemplary service in educating the students, the first week of ‘May’ is dedicated to Teacher Appreciation Week in the USA and the first Tuesday of the same week is recognized as National Teacher Day. Hindus have been emphasizing the importance of Teacher, or ‘Guru’, from time immemorial and hence been recognizing their contributions at every opportunity. This day brings people together to honor the student-teacher relationship and to celebrate those who are responsible for the growth of our children. While parents provide the physical and mental well-being of a child, the Guru is entrusted with the responsibility of imparting the knowledge and education.