Screencasting
In the Classroom
What is a Screencast?
The act of capturing drawing and voice on a blank page.
What is screen recording?
The act of capturing drawing and voice on top of an image or webpage.
Intro to Screencast
Who's using Screencasting?
- Distance education teachers
- Classroom and University teachers
- Software developers
- Organizers of seminars
- Organizers of business meetings
How can a teacher use Screencasting?
- Training (learning new software or new products)
- Teaching a step by step lesson (how to complete a task)
- Reteaching (absent students, tutorials, review)
- Educating parents (to help at home)
- Modeling thinking (think aloud)
- Instructions/ directions (stations)
Training Video: How to use www.newspapermap.com
This 4 minute video will use screencasting to visually and auditorially explain to students how they should use this website. This tool can be used for students to access at home, after instructions were given out as a reminder, or to be used in stations.
Training: Newspapermap.com
Step-by-step Lesson: Historypin.org
This is a 4 minute video explaining in 6 steps how a group of students should research the setting of their novel before reading.
Step by Step: Historypin.com
Modeling and Think Aloud
This is a quick 4 minute video of a think aloud while reading nonfiction text. This is a quick example of a screencast that could be used for students to review if they are having trouble after the whole group lesson, or for parents to watch in order to help their students at home.
Think Aloud
Screencast Tools
There are multiple Screencast tools out there and many bloggers have created their own list of favorites. Admittedly, I've only used two (Jing and ezvid), but I will share a list of free tools for you to explore.
1. Ezvid
2. Jing
4. CamStudio
5. Screenr
Just like any tool, it's important to choose the right tool for you! Check out the sites, look them up on youtube and research them a little. Choose one that makes you the most comfortable.
Steps in Creating a Screencast
1. Start with the end in mind.
- What is your reason for creating a Screencast?
- What would you like your audience to gain from viewing the Screencast?
- How will you decide if your purpose was met?
2. Storyboard Planning.
- Using scratch paper, plan out your Screencast.
- Sketch what will be on the computer.
- Write what you plan on saying.
- Practice, practice, practice.
3. "Perform"
- Clear your desktop (close tabs and anything that is not being used)
- Begin creating your Screencast.
- Speak slowly and clearly.
- Edit (if you can).
- Review.