File Types
Acceptable file types are listed in Tk20 in Administration List Domains File Types. In general, Tk20 will accept the most common file types such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and pdf. Tk20 also accepts video files in the following formats:
- .mov
- .mp4
- .avi
- .mpg
- .wmv
- .m4v
List of Requirements/Guidelines for video file upload
- Videos files must be in one of the accepted video formats.
- Videos should not be in HD.
- Video files should be 500MB or less.
Compression
- Tk20 strongly recommends that all video files, regardless of size, be compressed.
- At a minimum, video files must be compressed to be no bigger than 500MB.
- Pearson recommends video files to be within the 200-300mb range to be safe.
- Most university-owned computers have video compression software (e.g. QuickTime, Window Media Player). If you have questions about video compression, please consult with your institution’s IT department.
- Handbrake can be used to compress video files. Instructions for this program are listed below.
Using Handbrake
Once you have the software you will drag your video file onto the “Handbrake” icon. The software will open and you will see the screen below:
In the screenshot below, the red circled area is the known as the “Destination” or the location where you will save the file. In this instance, the file will be saved on to the desktop. From this screen, select the “Video” tab, circled in purple.
After selecting the “Video” tab, you will be directed to this screen. You will then enter a desired “Quality”. We recommend choosing “iPod, iPhone, or iPad” in PresetsLegacy (circled in red). This will ensure it is compressed to the smallest size possible. Make sure to select H.264 for the video codec. Click on the “Start Encode” button (circled in purple). The file will be saved on your desktop with the title listed on the “Destination” field (underlined in red).
If you saved it to your desktop, the completed file will appear like this:
NOTE: Remember to make sure the file is under 500mb. We recommend the file is between 100-300mb to ensure a successful upload.
Disk Space for File Uploads
Each user in Tk20 has a set amount of disk space available for uploads. Students generally have enough disk space for multiple file or video file uploads. Individual user disk space can be changed from the Basic profile tab, and disk space for Roles can be changed from Administration Security Roles.
Viewing and Annotating Uploaded Files
Tk20 offers assessors the ability to view and annotate student submissions in Word and Video file formats, and view submissions in PDF format. Tips for viewing and annotating:
- When selecting a student file submission to view or annotate for the first time, the editing software will require several moments to process the file and display the file contents on-screen.
- Annotations can only be completed for Word documents and Video files.
- PDF documents exceeding 1MB will not display within the assessment screen. Files of this size must be downloaded for viewing.
Troubleshooting
The video file is not uploading
- Check that the video file is compliant with the file format and file size requirements.
Video upload is slow
- This may be attributed to server location (e.g. remote versus on-site). The greater the distance, the longer it will take to upload the file.
- Network details (e.g. wireless, T1, remote versus on-site, etc.) may depress upload speed. Users can run a test through http://www.speedtest.net/ to determine upload speed.
The file was uploaded but it doesn’t appear now
Make sure you see the on-screen message “Upload Success” before navigating to another page.
HELP RESOURCES
Students and faculty should contact their Tk20 Unit Administrator for additional assistance with uploading videos to Tk20. This information is located on your institution’s Tk20 login page.