Screencasting

Have you ever tried screencasting? Basically, it's a digital video recording that captures actions taking place on a computer display. You could demonstrate how to use specific operating systems, software applications or website features while narrating your actions. Screencasts have become very popular when searching videos on how to complete some kind of action on your computer. For example, if you're trying to figure out how to use the snipping feature on your computer, someone has more than likely uploaded a screencast of them performing the exact actions that you're looking for. This process makes it so much easier because you actually have a visual to guide you through whatever steps your completing.  

I have taken the liberty of practicing with a couple of free screencast applications that are among the many. I'm going to be honest, I have never really created my own screencast before, so the process was all new to me. And, I have to say, It wasn't as bad as I thought. 

My first screencast was created using Screencast-O-Matic. I thought it was a pretty simple program to use. I like that it allows you to adjust the screen capturing area to as large or small as you prefer. It has the option for you to record only the view of the screen, yourself using the webcam, or both. The free subscription allows you to record videos for up to 15 minutes long, which is usually more than enough time to create what you need. I also like the feature that displays the sound bars to show that your video is actually capturing sound. Although you do have the option of not recording sound at all. Another thing is, once recording begins, the smallest toolbar stays located near the bottom left corner to help you keep track of the length of your video and find the stop button easily. And the highlighted cursor is always a big help to your viewers, so they always know where you are clicking or what you're pointing to. Once your recording is complete, options are given to edit, share, or save your video. It's that simple. Take a look at the screencast I created using this application. 

The second application that I used to create a screencast was Apowersoft. This application was just as simple to use as Screencast-O-Matic. With the free subscription, you are able to choose the size of the captured screen, you can choose to record sound or not, and as a bonus, you are also able to capture the system sounds as well, if need be. Although the application allows the recording of the screen and using the webcam, it does not give you the option to record both at the same time. Something else I noticed was that the toolbar that remains during recording, is rather large. An added feature is that you are able to draw on your screen while you are recording. You can add text, highlight areas, and include boxes or circles. Once done recording, you have the same options to edit, share, or save your video. Take a look at the screencast I created using this application. 

I think that both applications are great choices to use when creating your screencast. They have about the same options under their free subscription, and they are both easy to use. If I had to choose between both of them, I would probably stick with Screencast-O-Matic because I liked the feature of being able to use the webcam at the same time as recording the computer screen. 

Some Ideas!!

Now that you've seen how easy it is to create your own screencast, here are just a few ideas to get you started.

Teach your students:

• how to use new applications or software
• how to properly cite sources 
• how to verify their online sources
• how to create their own screencast

Teach the staff:

• how to use new applications or software
• how to locate and utilize the online resources available to them
• how to create visual lessons and guides to utilize in class