With the simple push of a button, faculty members at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) can enhance their curriculum preparation and instruction through an innovative recording program that requires no previous video production experience.

Earlier this year USM introduced the “One Button Studio,” an automated, simplified video studio, at four locations on the Hattiesburg campus. Each studio is equipped with a combination of special hardware and software that allows users to simply plug a flash drive into a USB port and push a button to start recording. The design of the studio allows users to create high-quality and polished video projects without prior knowledge about lights and cameras.

Dr. Masha Krsmanovic, assistant professor of higher education and student affairs at USM, says the innovative asset has provided multiple benefits.

“I have used the One Button Studio for different purposes, ranging from recording a full lecture for students to watch along with my PowerPoint, to recording brief introductory videos that I post in Canvas so students can get to know me before the semester starts,” she said. “I have also used the studio to record other materials, such as introductions to other videos I want students to watch in various courses.”

And what about the ease of use?

“It truly is as simple as it sounds, a ‘one-button’ tool,” said Krsmanovic. “The equipment is user-friendly, and I particularly like that the keyboard offers only a couple of very basic options, making it especially simple to use. Another feature I like is the demo video available as an option on the keyboard. Once I’m done with a recording, there is nothing else I need to do. My video presentation is instantly ready to go.”

The studios are currently available in Scianna Hall (College of Business and Economic Development); Chain Technology Center (College of Arts and Sciences); Asbury Hall (College of Nursing and Health Professions) and Owings-McQuagge Hall (College of Education and Human Sciences).

David Sliman, chief information officer at USM, explains that Howard Technology Solutions in Ellisville, Miss., was hired to install the equipment. USM Information Technology audio/visual technicians oversaw the installation.

“The majority of the equipment comes in a self-contained cart that is placed in an appropriately-sized room,” he said. “Everything needed to record a video is readily available with the push of a button. The correct lighting, microphone, background and sound proofing is installed in each room.”

Dr. Noal Cochran, associate dean in the College of Education and Human Sciences, points out that in addition to using the One Button Studio for course instruction and engagement, faculty also are looking forward to how the technology will enhance message delivery with P-12 educational partners.

“For example, the studio will allow us to share presentations and offer programming for high school students across the state participating in career and technical education teacher academies,” said Cochran. “While we encourage those prospective students to join us on campus for in-person gatherings and tours, available resources and health protocols make that difficult at times. With a high-definition camera and simplified recording setup, the One Button Studio makes it easy for us to create polished video projects that meet a variety of needs in our school, college and community.”

About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 131 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and large event venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 37 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of more than 14,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 27 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit usm.edu.