Creating Educational Videos & Testimonials with Pictory AI

Use Pictory AI to create short, accessible educational videos with subtitles and narration for adult migrant learners. Learners can replay videos at their own pace to improve listening comprehension, supported by subtitles for low-literacy and multilingual backgrounds.

DigCompEdu Competence Area(s)

Digital resources, Teaching & learning, Empowering learners

Time

Preparation time 10 minutes

Implementation time 45 minutes

Educator Progression Level

Explorer

Target groups

Any Language Any Proficiency Any Topic / Any Group Size

Minimum student digital skill level

Basic

Minimum student language level

A1

🎓 Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

  • Create short educational videos using Pictory AI text-to-video feature.
  • Apply appropriate prompting techniques to generate accessible, culturally sensitive content.
  • Add subtitles, narration, and vocabulary elements to support low-literacy learners.
  • Share and use videos as authentic classroom resources or flipped learning materials

Ingredients

Item / Resource Quantity Purpose
Pictory AI account (free trial or paid) 1 per educator To create the educational videos
Video script or lesson plan 1 per session For prompt input into Pictory AI
Images or keywords Various Use own images or let Pictory AI select from keywords
Audio narration (optional) 1 per video Own voice recording or AI voiceover (select languages)
Device with internet access 1 per educator Access Pictory AI platform

Utensils

  • Computer or tablet with internet access
  • YouTube, LMS (e.g. Moodle) or shared folder to save and upload videos
  • Headphones (optional, for reviewing audio)

🥣 Preparation – Before Implementation

  • Choose the video purpose: explainer (e.g. how to make a doctor’s appointment), vocabulary introduction, or learner testimonial.
  • Prepare any images you want included in the video.
  • Keep the target group in mind – low-literacy learners benefit from subtitles and simple visuals.
  • Go to pictory.ai, click “Text to Video” then use “Idea to Video” to use the AI script generator.

🔥 Implementation Steps

  • Paste your lesson plan or prompt into the “Idea to Video” field to generate a script.
  • For best results, include: purpose, target group, one topic only, language level, visuals described, subtitles requested, video length, and supportive tone.
  • Edit the AI-generated script to match your teaching style, or use the “Optimise” and “Rephrase” buttons.
  • Select a video style appropriate for language learners (kinetic, minimalist modern, etc.).
  • Let Pictory automatically select visuals, or go to “Visuals” to upload your own images.
  • Review auto-generated scenes: replace culturally sensitive images, add icons, remove overly fast scenes.
  • Add subtitles via Auto-Caption. Choose a large, clear font for low-literacy learners.
  • Add narration under the Audio icon: record your own voice or use AI-generated narration.
  • Add background music if desired.
  • Insert key vocabulary using the “Text” or “Element” features.
  • Export and share: click Export, choose 720p resolution, download the video.
  • Share via Moodle, YouTube, or generate a QR code for printed worksheets.

🧂 Differentiation & Inclusion

  • For beginners (A1-A2): Use simple visuals and slow narration, add translations or icons, limit each scene to one idea.
  • For intermediate learners (B1-B2): Include real-life photos, add comprehension questions in the video, include short dialogues.
  • For mixed-level groups: Make two versions — simplified and extended.

🍴 Assessment & Feedback

Criterion Excellent Good Needs Work
Quality of prompts written Prompt includes all key elements: purpose, level, visuals, tone, length Prompt includes most elements with minor gaps Prompt is vague or missing key elements
Video accessibility Subtitles, clear visuals, and appropriate pacing for target group Subtitles present but pacing or visuals need improvement Missing subtitles or visuals are confusing
Cultural sensitivity All visuals are appropriate and inclusive for the learner group Most visuals appropriate; one or two need review Visuals are culturally insensitive or inappropriate

⚠️ Ethics, Privacy & Safeguarding

  • Do not enter learner names or private data into AI text generators.
  • Ensure school policies allow use of AI-generated educational materials.
  • Review generated activities for cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.
  • Always check Creative Commons licensing on any uploaded photos.
  • Keep videos short to ensure engagement and avoid information overload

🍱 Extensions / Follow‑Ups

  • Use videos as warm-up activities in courses.
  • Build a series of short videos (e.g. At the doctor, at the store, at the Job Centre).
  • Ask learners to dictate a story, then produce a video as motivation.

🔗 Cross‑Subject Link

  • Use videos for flipped classroom activities

References & Resources

Pictory AI: www.pictory.ai

CEFR Level Descriptors – Guidelines for language proficiency levels https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/level-descriptions 

AI in Education Guidelines – Ethical guidelines for educators on using artificial intelligence

https://education.ec.europa.eu/focus-topics/digital-education/actions/plan/ethical-guidelines-for-educators-on-using-artificial-intelligence