Do you want to share an image or video with your students, and maybe even families?
There are various ways you can accomplish this; see the table below. Each option has a section in this article containing more details and links for additional information.
Image Requirements:
Acceptable file types: png, jpeg, jpg, and gif.
There is no resolution limit
The max file size is 30mb*
Video Requirements:
Acceptable file types: mp4, mov, webm
Max length (when using in-app recorder): 5 minutes*
Max file size (when uploading from device): 30mb*
*Advanced Assessments have different size/length criteria than what is mentioned above. Continue reading for more details.
Article Table of Contents:
Class Board
When is this the best option?
If the image/video is to be used as part of a class announcement.
Details
Multiple images/videos can be added to a single post.
The maximum file size is 30mb for both images and videos. The max length for a video taken live in Otus is 5 minutes.
Both students and parents will be able to see the image/video.
You can enable or disable student commenting on the post.
You can schedule the post to be released at a later date.
Students and parents are sent a notification when a class board post is made.
You can pin a class board post to the top of the page.
Lesson
When is this the best option?
If the image/video is to be used as part of a learning activity.
Details
You can ask a question about the image/video using a Question Activity.
The maximum file size is 30mb for both images and videos. The max length for a video taken live in Otus is 5 minutes.
You can schedule lessons to be released at a later date.
Students and parents are sent a notification when a lesson is assigned.
Blog
When is this the best option?
If the image/video is to be used as a conversation with students.
Details
Multiple images/videos can be added to a single blog post.
The maximum file size is 30mb for both images and videos. The max length for a video taken live in Otus is 5 minutes.
Both students and parents will be able to see the image/video.
You can enable or disable student commenting on the post.
You can schedule the post to be released at a later date.
Students and parents are sent a notification when a blog post is made.
Bookshelf
When is this the best option?
If the image/video could be used as a resource or reference item that you'd like to add to the student's personal library for future use.
Details
You can share resources on the bookshelf with individual students, groups of students, or entire classes.
The maximum file size is 30mb for both images and videos. The max length for a video taken live in Otus is 5 minutes.
It is a great way to provide resources without needing to include them in a lesson or assessment.
You can also use this method to give students individualized feedback unrelated to an assessment.
Both the student and family will have access to the image/video.
Rubric, Simple, or Advanced Assessment
Rubric  | Simple  | Advanced  |
When is this the best option?
If the image/video is to be used as part of an assessment.
Details
Rubric - image/video can be added as an attachment to any rubric assessment. Students will click on a link in the upper-left to view the image/video. The maximum file size is 30mb for both images and videos. The max length for a video taken live in Otus is 5 minutes.
Simple - image/video can be added to any question to display along with the question content. The maximum file size is 30mb for both images and videos. The max length for a video taken live in Otus is 5 minutes.
Advanced - image can be used to write/draw on or add boxes for responses. Video can be included in any question. The maximum file size is 100mb for both images and videos. The max length for a video taken live in Otus is 10 minutes.
💡 Tip from the Otus Team : if choosing to not use it for a grade, add that information to the instructions when you assign the assessment, so the student's are reassured.
Mailbox
When is this the best option?
if you want to send the image/video as part of an email message.
Details
Images can be added as attachments. The maximum file size is 30mb.
Videos can be added by using a link, such as from YouTube or Google Drive.
You can choose any combination of students and family members to send the message to.
Family members and students will be able to view the content in their email inbox.
Family members and students can reply back to your message; the reply will go directly to your email inbox.
Portfolio
When is this the best option?
If the image/video is intended to highlight noteworthy student content, achievements, or milestones.
Details
Both students and parents can access the information on the student portfolio.
The maximum file size is 30mb for both images and videos. The max length for a video taken live in Otus is 5 minutes.
Items here will travel with the student from year-to-year, unless they are removed.
Students and teachers can leave comments on items in the portfolio.
💡 Tips from the Otus Team: the portfolio is not organized by class, rather, it is specific to each student.
Attachment to the Student Profile
When is this the best option?
if the image/video is not something the students or parents need access to, but still needs to be associated with that student (for example, a list of IEP accommodations).
Details:
Images/videos added here can't be seen by the student or families.
The maximum file size is 30mb for both images and videos. The max length for a video taken live in Otus is 5 minutes.
Attachments here can be seen by any of the student's teachers.
Anything added here will stay with the student from year-to-year, unless it is removed.