Streaming FAQ

Copying and Pasting a Link from Email

The Microsoft Outlook system used by UCF creates 'safe links' for any active link shared within an email. These 'safe links' do not generally work within Webcourses. The best option for copying a film link in an email is to highlight the text of the link, right click, and choose copy. This information will then paste correctly into Webcourses. 

General Best Practice for Sharing Films with Students in Webcourses

We recommend that film links shared with students within the module or assignment related to the film viewing. Please do not share the links as part of the syllabus.

In addition at the beginning of the semester, please check to see you are sharing the most current links to the films. UCF began using OpenAthens as our authentication service in January 2020. Current film links should include the words "proxy.openathens.net" as part of the url.

Example: The current links for the Swank film Bully (2012) should look like this.

<a href='https://digitalcampus-swankmp-net.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/ucf298355/watch/C91E6629B99A11DF?referrer=lms'>Watch Bully</a>

or

https://digitalcampus-swankmp-net.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/ucf298355/watch/C91E6629B99A11DF?referrer=direct

Note: The licensing agreement for Swank films requires that film links be shared with students inside a Webcourse and not through email.

Embedding videos vs. Linking videos

Embedding videos in courses allows students to watch the film within the structure of the webcourse platform. Multiple UCF vendors such as Alexander Street Press, Films On Demand and Feature Films for Education have created an API function to make the process easier for faculty (see notes below).

Some UCF vendors only allow linking of films in courses. These links will open in the vendor's website (when using a desktop/laptop computer) or with the vendors' mobile app (when using a tablet or other smart device). For Swank films, using links rather than embedding the videos is part of the Swank contract for using the licenses.

Note: When using a film link, please share that link within the assignment page. Please do not share it with students in an email or in the syllabus.

API Embedding. What is It and How do I Use It?

API embedding is a quick and simple way to add a video to your course using a vendor provided script so the film can be watched within your webcourse.

Alexander Street Press has an API option within Webcourses for embedding films. The instructions for using this API are located on the Alexander Street Press Streaming Video guide.

Films On Demand has an API option within Webcourses for embedding films. The instructions for using this API are located on the Films On Demand Streaming Video guide.

Video Clips vs Whole Video

In cases where there is a specific moment of a film you want to discuss or make sure your class watches, you will want to make a clip. Each platform has a different method for making clips:

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Viewing in Online Courses

Synchronous viewing options - Not recommended

1. Showing the film via 'share screen' using the instructors Zoom or Canvas Collaborations meeting. Not recommended due to bandwidth issues for student participants.
2. Each student having a browser window open on their own computer with a separate browser window open to their Canvas course using a discussion board for live chat. Warning: this will be complicated to manage.

Asynchronous viewing option 

1. Ask students to view the film outside class meeting time
   1. host a live discussion session during class time (a few short video clips can be shown for emphasis)
   2. ask students to write and respond to discussion posts about the film
   3. assign students to write a report/paper about the film

General Best Practices for Face-2-Face Courses

The Face-to-Face Teaching Exemption (under 17 U.S.C. Section 110) allows members of the members of the University of Central Florida community to publicly display and perform the copyrighted works of other people (this includes entire works) during face-to-face teaching activities, provided you are using a legitimate copy of the work, i.e. in this case a legitimate copy of the video (which, in general, does not include one that you have videotaped yourself from a broadcast). The following includes notes about specific formats for consideration: 

• Copyrighted DVDs and VHS: Videos and DVDs in the library's collection, rental copies, and personal copies can typically be shown as long as they are lawfully made.
• Video Streaming Services: The library subscribes to several streaming services and includes: Alexander Street Press, Films on Demand, Kanopy, and Swank Digital Campus. These videos are licensed for educational purposes and can be used for face-to-face classes and are accessible for students both on and off campus.
• Personal Streaming Services (such as Netflix): Most personal streaming services have Terms of Service and/or Use that indicate that any content viewed from the service is for individual, personal use only and cannot be used for other purposes. Current legal interpretation indicates that the Face-to-Face Teaching Exception and fair use do not apply to these services due to the license signed by individual users. 

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Viewing in Face-to-Face Courses

There are many reasons why you may wish to view a video in your face-to-face course during class time synchronously. In those cases, be sure to follow the best practices for face-to-face courses noted in the section above.

If you have a face-to-face course but would like students to view video content outside of the formal class period, there are a variety of options to consider: 

• View content through UCF Libraries' streaming video platforms: Students can view the content both on and off campus. Links from such services can be included in any Webcourse component of your class or students can search for videos through the platform directly. 
• View content through streaming service providers, such as Netflix, with an individual subscription: If your students have a significant amount of videos, such as films, to view for a course, individual subscriptions to a service may be viable option when access is unavailable through UCF Libraries. Please check with UCF Libraries to see if films are available through existing streaming video platforms.
• View content from free online video sites, such as YouTube or Vimeo: Links can be shared with students for videos found on these sites. However, always ensure that video links shared from such sites are legal versions to avoid concerns of copyright infringement. If you are unsure about a video, both your subject librarian and the Scholarly Communication Librarian can assist. 
• View content from DVDs, Blu-Rays, etc. placed on course reserves at UCF Libraries: The Libraries' course reserves can house multimedia that students can check out and view asynchronously outside of your course. The course reserves policy provides additional information about this process. 
• View content from the UCF Libraries circulation media collection: UCF Libraries owns a variety of videos in various formats available for students, faculty, and staff to check out. 

Sometimes a film just isn't available for institutional licensing. In these cases, the only way to watch the film is to find it outside the library. Companies like Netflix and Hulu do not license their original content to libraries.