The structured adoption of educational video in Higher Education often develops at the intersection of regulatory change, institutional strategy and technological capability. The experience of Haute École Libre Mosane (HELMo), a Belgian university college preparing over 8,200 students across more than 40 bachelor’s and master’s programmes, illustrates how these dimensions aligned through the implementation of UbiCast technologies.
HELMo’s move towards digital course provision followed a Belgian decree requiring the publication of teaching materials online. This encouraged wider use of learning platforms and prompted academic teams to reconsider how materials were structured and delivered. As explained by Izida Khamidoullina, Head of the e-learning department, this context accelerated the adoption of short educational videos. The institution initially equipped each department with a backpack containing cameras and microphones. A technical educator was recruited, and a study group was formed with teachers in order to experiment with this new approach. Early observations showed that videos were particularly useful for students who were struggling to keep up with their studies or who needed to catch up on missed classes. Educational video quickly became a tool to support academic success. The Covid-19 health crisis further accelerated this development. Rather than slowing progress, it encouraged more creative and spontaneous uses of video and led the institution to consider an institutional solution available to all staff.
HELMo adopted UbiCast’s Nudgis platform as its institutional video solution. The decision was justified by several practical considerations: the ability to easily record high-quality educational videos, the possibility of using multiple capture sources such as video and audio, the centralisation of media on a single private platform, and direct access to content from Moodle. This integration allowed teachers to work within their existing learning environment while making video resources accessible to students through the institutional platform.
In addition to the Nudgis platform, HELMo used UbiCast’s WebStudio tool. This browser-based solution allows teachers to record interactive video lessons directly from their web browser. Through its integrations, including Moodle and Brightspace, teachers can create interactive videos directly from their learning management system without having to navigate separately through the private platform interface. With only a few clicks, teachers can capture their webcam and presentation slides. After recording, they can edit the video by adding elements such as backgrounds or cropping media. More importantly, they can enrich the video with additional resources available in the sidebar, including attachments, comments, quizzes and surveys. According to Dominique Hermesse, teacher and programme director, the strength of the technology used lies in its interactivity, which helps reduce the impact of videos that might otherwise feel too long. The platform also enables students to ask questions through the chat next to the video, with responses sometimes provided by peers.
HELMo emphasised short-format educational videos, ideally not exceeding 10–15 minutes. These concise formats allow students to absorb content more effectively without feeling overwhelmed. Educational videos are used both before in-person sessions, to prepare students, and after class, to review concepts that may have caused difficulties. Teachers also use short videos to clarify specific theoretical points that students may not have fully understood during lectures. The institution recognised that effective video requires preparation. Storyboarding and scripting are considered essential steps to ensure clarity and conciseness. Preparation includes selecting the topic, identifying key points, linking relevant resources and determining the narration style.
A central challenge identified by HELMo was ensuring that videos were pedagogically enriched. This enrichment includes chaptering, inserting complementary resources and integrating quizzes. These elements enhance the overall educational experience and increase student engagement. The integration of interactive elements such as quizzes, polls and attachments significantly strengthens engagement and supports understanding.
Educational videos provide flexibility, allowing students to engage with content at their own pace and revisit materials as needed. This flexibility supports exam preparation and reinforces comprehension. Video also supports accessibility. It benefits international students whose native language is not French, students with disabilities and students unable to attend sessions in person. The selected platform offers the possibility to subtitle videos, contributing to greater inclusivity.
HELMo’s experience demonstrates how educational video can become embedded within institutional practice when supported by appropriate tools and organisational commitment. The gradual progression from departmental experimentation to institution-wide adoption enabled staff to build confidence and explore creative uses of video. By combining short, structured formats with interactive features and integration within the learning environment, HELMo positioned educational video as a practical component of blended learning. The HELMo case illustrates how UbiCast’s Nudgis platform and WebStudio technology were integrated into an existing institutional ecosystem to support interactive, short-format educational video.
Image: Jean Housen (CC-BY 3)
