Screencasting: Screencast-o-matic
Screencast-o-matic is one of many web based application used to create screencasts. It includes a webcam recorder, a video recorder, and a screen recorder and works on Mac and Windows computers. You may also consider similar tools like Debut, McGraw-Hill’s Tegrity, or Camtasia, to name a few.
Use it to introduce yourself to the class.
You can include your background and experience with the subject and add personal touches like photos and your favorite music to connect with students.
Use it to introduce the class structure.
Using screencasting to explain online course navigation and instructions helps provide the instructor presence so important to student success in online environments.
Use it to present content or demonstrate skills to your students.
For example, screencasting can allow you to
- record and present a speech, a story, an interview or a conversation.
- screen capture a presentation along with narration.
- screen capture a demonstration of a math problem being solved using a drawing program.
- create tutorials and step-by-step video demonstrations on how to use laboratory equipment or specific software programs.
- provide training on a range of topics.
- offer explanations and clarifications of complex concepts.
- record chunked lectures, or break up longer lectures into smaller segments.
Use it to provide feedback to your students.
Screencasting allows you to augment textual corrections with speech and drawings.
Read more.
Explore the source of the ideas above as well as Michael Keathley‘s summary of ways that screencapture can help students learn.
Pros
It’s easy to use. The product is very stable and has a simple
interface that is easy to use. The user sees a 3 .. 2 .. 1 .. Go! screen countdown before recording begins
It has specific features that other screen recorders do not. Specific benefits
of using Screencast-o-matic over other free screen recorders are the
highlighted cursor and click indicators, ease of use, the ability to add
captions easily, the ability for creators to add notes and for viewers to add
comments, and the fact that there is no application to download.
Cons
It’s branded. Logo / Watermark is always visible in bottom left-hand corner on recordings made by free version.
The free version has limited recording time. Free version recording time
limited to a max of 15 minutes. Keep in mind, however, online videos shouldn’t
exceed this limit.
The free version has limited capabilities. No facilities to edit on the free version,
only start, pause and stop. Screencast-o-matic videos cannot be edited directly
in the application where they were created unless you purchase a Pro account,
which costs $12/year. (The videos can be edited in a video-editing program if
they are saved to your computer.)
It doesn’t always play well with others. Both free and paid for versions not enabled to configure sound cards using XP operating systems – OK with Vista / W7 / W8 but not XP. Screencast-o-matic is Java based, so users may have trouble creating or viewing videos if Java is not installed and updated on their computers.
Read more and still more…and still more from Ohio State‘s elearning website.
This video introduces tools for a class: EDEC 323 Children’s Book Reviews.
This video serve a how-to function: Netvibes: Using the Link Module.