Screencasting 1012012 Summer Tech University

Download Screencast-o-Matic

• Great site: www.screencastomatic.com

• Download the desktop tool:

1. Click on “New Updates”

2. Go to the download page

Download Screencast-o-Matic

• Install Screencast-o-matic:

• Once installed, right click on the icon & select “Pin to Start Menu” and/or “Pin to Task Bar”

Create a Screencast

• Click on the SOM icon• Click “Use Free Version”• Set recording area by sizing the window• Open the appropriate website or software

application. (If you are using your pen, swivel the screen before you begin)

• When you are ready, click the red record button at the bottom left of the recording area window

• The application will countdown 3-2-1, and then just begin! To Pause click the button or Alt+P, if you need to consult notes etc…

• Once you are done, click the stop button… Simple as that!

Share a Screencast

• Save your screencast as a Windows Media file (.avi) or upload to YouTube

• Most content managers (blogs or Moodle, etc…) allow you to upload video saved on your computer. Be sure to save your screencast in a place where you can find it. I suggest in “Libraries”, under “Videos”

• If you save to YouTube, you can create a channel for your students to access. YouTube will also generate HTML code to allow you to publish and share on other websites if uploading video isn’t allowed

• You can also email these screencasts if they are small enough

Tips for Effective Screencasts

• Keep them short… under a minute is ideal, under two minutes is more realistic. Students will lose interest over three minutes!

• Practice makes perfect! Script it if you have to.

• Open all applications before you begin to improve efficiency.

• Use an inline microphone for improved voice recording (ex: iPhone headphones, or headphones w/attached microphone

Why Use Screencasts?

• Give instructions and eliminate repeating yourself!

• Create tutorials for students who were absent

• Test review of confusing topics for studying students

• Have students learn how to do this on their machines… have THEM create the topic reviews for their peers

• Use this method to test student understanding of difficult concepts. Have them talk it out and listen to their reasoning. Submit for a grade.

• Student-led conferences, or examples for parents