How can I use Panopto for student video assignments in Talon?

How can I use Panopto for student video assignments?

Using Panopto for Student Video Assignments

This article outlines recommended setup options to help students successfully record and submit short video assignments, such as presentations, reflections, or demonstrations.

For the smoothest student experience, instructors should:
  1. Add the Panopto Video external learning tool to the course
  2. Include the Panopto student recording document template in the module
  3. Set up the activity as either:
    1. An assignment, text-only submission type (students submit videos privately to the instructor)
    2. A discussion topic (students view and respond to each other’s videos)

Examples of Student Video Assignment Ideas

Panopto works well for short, focused video activities, including:
  1. Short presentations (e.g., 3–5 minutes explaining a concept or solution)
  2. Reflection videos responding to a prompt or learning experience
  3. Project walkthroughs or demos showing progress or final work
  4. Practice presentations for speeches, teaching demonstrations, or professional skills
  5. Peer‑response videos when used in a Discussion topic

How do I set up Panopto Assignments in Talon?

Step 1: Add the Panopto Video External Learning Tool

Adding the Panopto Video external learning tool gives students direct access to Panopto from within Talon. The first time students click this link, their Panopto account is automatically created and connected to the course.
  1. Go to Course Content
  2. Navigate to the module where students should access Panopto (Week 1 or a Course Resources module works well)
  3. Select Add Existing Activities
  4. Choose External Learning Tools
  5. Click Panopto Video
  6. (Optional) Rename the link to something student‑friendly, such as “Panopto – Record and Upload Videos”
Idea
Tip: Encourage students to click the Panopto Video link early in the term so their account is ready before a video assignment is due.

Step 2: Add the Panopto Student Recording Document Template

Including the Panopto document template in your module gives students clear, step‑by‑step guidance for recording and submitting their video. This is especially helpful for students who are new to Panopto.
This document template provides students with guidance on:
  1. Accessing Panopto through Talon
  2. Recording a video using Panopto
  3. Submitting a Panopto video for an assignment
View the Panopto Student Recording Document Template

In this course, we will use the Panopto to submit video activities. Panopto is a video delivery and capture software. You can capture video directly into Panopto or you can upload videos captured on other devices to your Panopto course folder. 

Google Chrome and Firefox are recommended browsers for Panopto. Safari has routinely run into problems. The Pulse app can also be problematic as it uses Safari on iOS devices.

Quick Account Set Up

  1. Click on the Panopto Video link in this course to create your account and creator permissions. That's it. 

How to Upload Video to Panopto

This will depend on the specific assignment, but in general...

  1. Access the assignment (or discussion) where the video will be submitted.
  2. Click the Insert Stuff button on the toolbar > Choose Panopto
    insert stuff button on the toolbar
  3. Click on the Upload tab.
  4. Click "Choose video or audio files" to find your video file.

    upload tab showing the space to upload video or audio files 
  5. Select your file and click Open.
  6. Once your file is finished uploading, click the (green) Insert button.
  7. If all looks correct, click the (blue) Insert button.
  8. Submit or post your assignment. 

Watch a video on how to submit a Panopto video to an Assignment or a Discussion (NOTE: the Insert Stuff button has been updated from the time these videos were created).

How to Record a Panopto Video

We recommend using the Panopto Capture web-based recording option. 

  1. To access the tool, go to the discussion topic or assignment where you want to submit the video.
  2. Click on the Insert Stuff button on the toolbar and choose Panopto.
    insert stuff button on the toolbar
  3. Click on the Record tab.
  4. Choose Launch Capture.
    record tab and launch capture button
  5. Watch a video tutorial on how to use the Capture tool.

Support

Panopto has many tutorials and help articles available for new users. You can also reach out to the Student Helpdesk for support.

 You can easily add the template by following this "How to Add a Document Template" tutorial. 


Step 3: Set Up the Video Activity

Choose the option below based on whether students should see each other’s videos.

Option A: Talon Assignment (Students Submit Only to Instructor)

Idea
Use this option when student videos should be private between the student and instructor.
  1. Go to Course Content → Create New → Assignment
  2. Set the Submission Type to Text Submission
Alert
⚠️ Do not choose File Upload. Students will embed their Panopto video rather than attach a file.
     3. In the assignment instructions, tell students to:
    1. Record their presentation using Panopto
    2. Open the assignment
    3. Click Insert Stuff
    4. Choose Panopto
    5. Select and embed their video
    4. Set the due date, points, and rubric as usual

Option B: Discussion Topic (Students View Each Other’s Videos)

Idea
Use this option when students should watch and respond to classmates’ videos.
  1. Create a Discussion Topic
  2. Have students use Insert Stuff → Panopto to embed their video directly into their discussion post
This option works well for peer feedback, presentations, and reflection activities.

Need Help?

If you’d like help adding Panopto tools, choosing the best activity type, or wording assignment instructions, contact AISD.

Resources


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