What should I consider before requesting a streaming video?
Can I preview a film in Kanopy or Swank's collection?
I see several films that would not be appropriate for the classroom. Any advice?
I found a title in Swank or Kanopy that I would like to use. What's the next step?
A film I'd like to use is already licensed. Can I use it? Even if I did not request it?
How long are films available, once licensed?
Should I create an account with Kanopy and Swank?
How will my students access the films?
How do I embed videos into my Canvas course?
How do I create custom video clips or playlists?
Any technical requirements for watching streaming videos?
Can I watch streaming videos on my phone or TV?
Is closed captioning available?
I still have some questions. Who should I contact?
Consider how your course could maximize the benefits of streaming videos. An ideal situation would be:
Remember, streaming videos allow for unlimited simultaneous viewing!
No. You can view trailers in Kanopy and Swank, but you're not able watch the entire film until it's licensed.
If it's important to see the whole film before requesting a license, we recommend:
Kanopy and Swank's collections are quite diverse in subject matter and ratings. When browsing, keep in mind we will only purchase access to films on a title-by-title basis, using the same discerning criteria applied to other library material purchases.
Your students will not be searching the entire catalogs of Swank or Kanopy. You can send them direct links to the films they are required to watch or embed those films directly into Canvas.
Fill out a request form. Your request will be reviewed by Julie Deardorff, Director of Collection Services.
Yes! Faculty can use any currently activated film in their class. The more uses, the better!
Films are generally available for one year (365 days) once they are activated.
Yes, to use certain features and functions, you need to create a free account within Kanopy and Swank.
In Kanopy, create an account using the Login or Sign Up buttons in the top right corner of the homepage. Read full instructions here. Creating an account on Kanopy will allow you to save videos to your Watchlist to view later, create clips and playlists, and view through mobile and TV apps.
In Swank, the first time you open the Content Catalog, you'll be asked to identify yourself as Student or Instructor. If you select Student, you will enter the content catalog immediately. If you select Instructor, you'll be prompted to create an account. You need to be on-campus to set up this account, but this account can created at any time using the "Login/Instructor" link in the upper right corner.
There are multiple ways to share a film with your students, including:
Embedding videos into Canvas enables you to insert a film and its video player directly into your course. This way students can watch it without clicking a separate link and leaving the Canvas system. Off-campus users will be prompted to log in with their CU username and password in order to load the film.
For Kanopy, read instructions for embedding films here.
For Swank, click the Copy LMS Link button below the video. Paste this code into the Canvas HTML Editor to embed the link. This link will direct students to the Swank Content Catalog.
Creating clips allows you to showcase excerpts or snippets of a film. Clips can be organized into custom playlists for your students to watch. If using clips from multiple films, keep in mind that all those films will need to be licensed.
This function is only available in Kanopy. Read full instructions here.
You'll need an Internet connection to watch films on Kanopy and Swank. The films cannot be downloaded to your device; they only stream online.
For Swank films, if you are using Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari, you may need to download Google plugin called Widevine Video Optimizer.
Yes! Swank and Kanopy have apps for Apple and Android phones.
Kanopy also has a TV app for the following platforms.
Yes, films with closed captioning are available.
Learn how to enable captions, subtitles, and transcripts in Kanopy here.
If the library owns a DVD or Blu-Ray of the film you want to show, check it out. Make sure your classroom has the necessary equipment to play a movie. Most likely, you will need to request a setup via the Classrooms & Labs: Request a Setup with IT. Select "DVD player" from the checklist of options. These DVD players will play both DVDs and Blu-Rays. Note - these requests need to be submitted at least 2 business days in advance to avoid a $50 fee.
Feel free to reach out to your liaison librarian or Julie Deardorff.