Lab Safety Video Project Overview

Objective
Our goal for the lab safety video project was to create a tailored instructional video that addresses specific lab safety procedures relevant to the Chemistry Department at Ventura College. The aim was to enhance the quality and relevance of lab safety instruction, improving engagement and retention of safety protocols among students.

Development Process

1. Planning
   • A departmental presentation to outline the goals and stages of the video, inviting feedback to refine the approach.
   • Conducted a preliminary survey to determine the most critical safety topics.
   • Developed a detailed storyboard with input from department members, ensuring alignment on the video’s scope and structure.
   • Secured a schedule for shooting and coordinated with student workers for various roles.
2. Preparation
   • Created a clear storyboard and identified essential props and attire for demonstrating safe and unsafe practices.
   • Collaborated with the lab technicians and student workers for smooth organization and resource management.
3. Filming
   • Scheduled filming across three days, each session lasting approximately two hours.
   • Filmed various lab safety scenarios, such as using an eyewash station, handling chemicals, and demonstrating appropriate lab attire.
4. Editing and Post-Production
   • Processed footage in stages, incorporating feedback from the department at each step.
   • Edited the video for visual consistency, including color grading and closed captioning for accessibility.
   • Created multiple versions for flexibility: with and without background music, combined clips, and segmented scenes. Formats include MP4, GIF, and PPT with embedded GIFs for presentation flexibility.
5. Feedback and Refinement
   • Updated clip order, added detailed captions, and refined graphics based on departmental input to ensure clarity and usefulness for all students.

Final Product
The completed video provides an engaging and relevant visual guide for students, addressing common lab safety mistakes and demonstrating best practices. We created different versions for versatile use: one for in-class presentations, another for on-demand access on Canvas, and a segmented version to integrate with individual lab sessions.

Implementation

• The video is shown to students on the first day of class and made available on Canvas for continual reference.

Challenges and Solutions

1. Lighting Consistency
   • Addressed minor lighting inconsistencies by color grading during editing to enhance visual cohesion.
2. Project Timeline
   • Managed the project alongside summer teaching responsibilities, prioritizing editing tasks to ensure completion before the fall semester.

Future Plans for Lab Safety Video Expansion

Following the success of the CHEM Lab Safety Video project, we are exploring the development of additional videos to further enhance safety instruction across lab courses. The initial video has been widely adopted by faculty and is now accessible to students via Canvas, helping them better prepare for their in-lab activities. Based on discussions with faculty and administrators, here are our proposed next steps:

1. Expansion to Additional Lab Videos
   • Purpose: To address additional safety topics that support students in building a strong safety foundation. These new videos will serve as accessible references for students both in and out of class.
   • Focus Areas: Topics may include specific lab techniques, equipment handling, and procedures to further reduce risk and promote a safe learning environment.
2. Enhanced Accessibility for Students Needing Interpreters
   • Goal: Provide videos that students with interpreters can review at their own pace, helping them absorb safety instructions more effectively. This will be especially beneficial for students who need accommodations to enhance their understanding of safety protocols.
3. Pre-Lab Video Series for V01AL Courses
   • Condensed Calendar: In anticipation of Ventura College’s upcoming transition to a compressed academic calendar, we plan to develop pre-lab videos for V01AL courses. These will provide students with key concepts and procedures beforehand, helping them make the most of in-lab learning time within the new schedule constraints.
4. Collaboration with Other Departments
   • Cross-Department Application: We are interested in collaborating with other departments that may benefit from similar instructional videos. This project has already demonstrated its value in the Chemistry Department, and expanding it to other fields could provide consistent, high-quality safety education across Ventura College’s labs.

We welcome other departments to join us in pursuing a renewal of the stipend from the office of Academic Affairs to continue funding this project. If you’re interested in collaborating or have specific departmental needs, please feel free to reach out.