Challenge #11 - Screencasting

Oh, the possibilities!

I remember back when I first learned how to screen capture, or take pictures of items on my computer screen. I started doing it all the time! For example, if someone asked me how to set a certain preference, I'd take a picture of it and send them. A picture is worth a thousand words, right? Well, screencasting is even more valuable. Screencasting allows you to record the actions taking place on your computer as well as narrate for further explanation. You may have checked out some of the screencasts I posted in earlier challenges -- like Challenge #2 -- that helped to demonstrate how to do something.


I've been using Screenjelly, but there are several other free screencasting software available as well, including Jing (a download), Screenr, and Screentoaster. Each site offers a tutorial or demo video for ease of use.

**This just in (2/15/2010): My new favorite screencasting site is Screencast-O-Matic. The free account allows you to record for up to 15 minutes! And it can be hosted indefinitely on their site or on YouTube, or it can be downloaded as a movie file to your computer.

Once you create your screencast, it can easily be embedded in your blog or web page, shared to FB or Twitter, or uploaded to YouTube or other video sharing sites.

What to do...what to do.

Here are a few examples of how screencasting can be used for school or personal use:

1. Show students how to create a slideshow in iPhoto.
2. Help your dad how to create a playlist & burn a CD in iTunes.
3. Verbally comment on a student's displayed work.
4. Discuss the dos and don'ts of slide design in a Powerpoint.
   
5. Demonstrate an application of your choice.
6. Narrate your vacation photos.

Really, the possibilities are endless. How will YOU use screencasting?

Our Challenge to You:

• Create a screencast of your choosing with one of the following: Screencast-O-Matic, Screenjelly, ScreenToaster, Jing, or Screenr. See the examples above for ideas.
• Embed the screencast into your blog by using the share tools.

Points of Discussion for your Blog:

• Do you see yourself using screencasting with your students? Why or why not?
  
• How difficult was this challenge for you? Explain any successes or roadblocks you encountered.

Take It a Step Further: (optional)

• Explore the collection of public screencasts available on each of the sites. See if you can learn something new, or find something to share with your students or anyone else.

Want to Know More?

Wikipedia's Definition of Screencasting
What is Screencasting? - O'Reilly Media
An Introduction to Screencasting - TechSoup