The Evolving Role of User-Generated Content in Education Storytelling

A mobile phone and a simple set-up can get you great results

A couple of weekends ago, I was immersed in editing projects for clients, including preparing video submissions for the ADEK Education Awards 2024/25 here in the UAE. The work brought together a mix of footage—some archived photos and videos, some content generated specifically by schools, and some contributions from parents. That was the big difference in that editing session compared to most, all the raw material I worked with was generated by someone else.

It was a far cry from how I approached user-generated content (UGC) only a few years ago. UGC often meant working with low-quality images or video clips that lacked cohesion or professional polish. However, the landscape has changed for the better. With improved technology and a growing understanding of the importance of storytelling, schools are embracing these authentic, community-driven contributions as an integral part of their marketing.

During that project, I also worked closely with the client to make the process smoother. I provided some technical tips on shooting videos—simple advice like stabilising footage, improving lighting, capturing clearer audio, and gathering as much b-roll as they could muster! I also suggested some content ideas to help their community create engaging and meaningful contributions. It was always rewarding to see how small adjustments could make a big difference in the quality and effectiveness of the final project.

For me as a videographer and editor, the shift is both exciting and challenging. I have gone from simply working around the limitations of UGC to collaborating with schools to elevate it. By blending those candid, authentic moments with professional editing, I could create something that felt genuine yet polished—a story that truly reflected the life of the school. One short video solely featuring parents (who had filmed their own content) felt particularly poignant.

The weekend’s work was a perfect example of how far UGC has come. It was no longer an afterthought but a powerful tool for connecting audiences, and I was very happy to help schools use it to tell their stories in fresh and inspiring ways.

If you need some UGC putting together or some advice on how to go about recording it, drop us a line at paul@noodlephotography.com or call on +971 (0)58 578 4572.