Screencasts
What is a screencast?
A screencast is a digital video recording of your
computer screen and usually includes audio narration. Screencasts are just one
of many different types of instructional videos. When you look at a tutorial for something in
Google, you are more than likely watching a screencast.
Screencasting not only saves you time answering the
same questions over and over, but as teachers, we know that viewers recall a
video better than when reading the instructions. Kids love watching videos. I know my personal kids spend hours watching
videos. The more entertaining you make
it, the more like they will watch it.
I worked with two different screencast sites for this
post. The first is Screencast-o-matic
and the second is Snagit.
Screencast-o-matic
Screencast-o-matic is a free screen capture utility. It has a subscription option that is $1.50
per month. I made a how-to video on
finding books on my school’s online catalog, and it turned out fine. It was easy to use. Some pros: video editor, mobile companion
apps, and online storage and publishing.
Some cons: no OCR functionality, only exports images as PNG files and no
scrolling capture. Here is the video I
made with screencast-o-matic:
Snagit 2022
With Snagit, I had to use the free 15-day trial to use
it. It has two main components: the screen
capture tool and the comprehensive editor tool.
There is good software support from TechSmith (the creator). You can
simultaneously record your screen and yourself with a webcam. You can control
the size and placement of the webcam. Some pros: easy to use, seamless screen
recording capability, picture-in-picture video, unified format for different
OS, multiple capturing options. Some
cons: some plans are a bit expensive (no free version available, only 15-day
trial), video editing lacks advanced functionality. Here is the video I made with Snagit 2022:
I agree that kids love watching videos! I also agree with you point of using a screencast so you don't have to go over instructions again and again. I think that screencasts are helpful to students who may also need step by step instructions for something that they can pause and watch as many times as they need to. It seems like most of us liked screencast o matic best. It was the best option that was also free.
ReplyDeleteI also liked screen-o-matic the best overall. I felt is was very easy to use and had features that the others did not have. I agree with screencasts being very beneficial to the teachers and students because it allows you to record instructions, students can listen to it as many times as needed, and anything that deals with technology, kids will love it!
ReplyDeleteMy kids love watching videos, as well! I wish I would have been able to use and explore Screen-o-matic, but it was blocked, even on my teacher chromebook! Ha!
ReplyDeleteI had not heard of Snagit before your post. I do agree with your cons about a tool that only offers a 15 day trial since most of us teach and spending money on resources is difficult. I also think you are right about students learning through videos and how they enjoy them.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had known about screencasts during lockdown. It is frustrating that you have to pay for something that has the potential to be such a powerful learning tool.
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