Getting Started with Screencasting Office of Digital Learning | The University of Arizona
Overview
While the process of creating points of engagement in an online learning environment can take many shapes, none beat solutions that help to establish actual presence. Screencasting tools are well-suited to support this task in that they allow you to combine various types of multimedia with your voice and even your video simply (and often freely!)
This module will provide you with a brief intro to the educational uses of screencasting, and offer a bevy of tools for both you and your students to utilize.
Figuring out what to screencast should be your first step prior to selecting a tool to make the recording. There are many, many resources out there with similar features, and having your use and purpose in mind will help you to select the right tool. Are you thinking about using screencasting to do any of the following?
- To film an introduction or primer for an assignment, module, lesson or a course?
- To give a tour of content (from a website or software application) appearing on your desktop?
- To provide recorded feedback on student work that you'll annotate and highlight on the screen?
- To allow your students to record a presentation of their work?
- What other uses can you think of?
Screencasting tools may include such components as the ability to record your voice, the computer's audio, your video, screen clicks and cursor movements, your annotations and drawings. Based on the purpose of your screencast, you can then determine what functions you will need to get the job done, and select a tool that supports these functions.
Not all screencasting programs are alike - with free options, some of the functions that you may require (such as recording the audio from your computer) may only be available with a paid upgrade. Don't be afraid to combine a free tool with another free application out on the market in order to make a product that does exactly what you want it to. This technique, called "app smashing" is a great way to make a final product that won't force you to settle for anything less than perfection.
Web-Based Tools
Screencast-o-matic
- Type: Web-Based
- Cost: Free (with Watermark)
- URL: http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/
This robust tool allows you to begin screencasting without the need to download any software. Though it is free, it includes a 15 minute time limit and a watermark on the videos. Or, you can pay $15/year to remove these limits and add features such as recording system audio and using their online video editor.
Snagit for Chrome
- Type: Web-Based
- Cost: Free
- URL: https://www.techsmith.com/snagit-google-chrome.html
For Chrome users, leverage this small and speedy screencasting tools that connects directly to Google Drive. No time limits or watermarks, but you are limited to recording your screen and audio.
Screencastify
- Type: Web-Based
- Cost: Free (with Watermark)
- URL: https://www.screencastify.com/
This Chrome extension sits happily in your browser waiting to be turned on at anytime you are ready to record your screen. With the free version, though you have a watermark and a 10 minute time limit, you can record system audio and your webcam. Pay a one-time fee of a little over $20 to unlock premium features.
QuickCast
- Type: iOS App
- Cost: Free
- URL: http://quickcast.io/
Mac users can leverage this lightweight app to record their audio and video, including mouse clicks, for up to five minutes.
Software Downloads
Camtasia
- Type: Software (PC or Mac)
- Cost: $179/PC or $75/Mac with Ed Pricing
- URL: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia.html
A screencasting powerhouse and non-linear video editor all built into one, paying for this program will spoil you with features so comprehensive, you will be ruined for all other screencasting tools. Take advantage of the seamless integration with PowerPoint, and advanced annotation, assessment and captioning tools. Note: Mac version has less of the features as the PC version.
Articulate Replay
- Type: Software (PC)
- Cost: Bundled with Articulate Storyline ($800-1500)
- URL: https://www.articulate.com/products/replay.php
Users of Storyline need not hunt down a separate screencasting tool, as Articulate Replay gives them the ability to record audio and narrations over a multi-camera setup.
ScreenFlow
- Type: Software (Mac)
- Cost: $99
- URL: http://www.telestream.net/screenflow/overview.htm
Mac users were long without a killer screencasting tool, but Screenflow offers such robust features that they need not worry any longer. Leverage this recorder plus non-linear video editor to create professional screencasts of anything you can imagine.
CamStudio
- Type: Software (PC)
- Cost: Free
- URL: http://camstudio.org/
An oldie, but goodie, CamStudio's code is actually what was used to create commercial offerings such as Camtasia and Captivate. PC users can leverage the same functionality as CamStudio's high-price competitors at no cost whatsoever.
Record on an iPad
ScreenChomp
- Type: iPad App
- Cost: Free
- URL: https://www.techsmith.com/screenchomp.html
A favorite of teachers and students alike, this app allows you to annotate and draw on images on the iPad as you narrate. Videos can then be emailed, linked or embedded.
Show Me
- Type: iPad App
- Cost: Free
- URL: http://www.showme.com/
Another easy-to-use iPad app that allows you to mix together media and photos with your narration and annotations.
Explain Everything
- Type: iPad, Android, Microsoft App and Chrome Web App
- Cost: $3.99
- URL: http://explaineverything.com/
A heavy-hitter on the list of mobile screencasting tools, Explain Everything allows you to create rich, interactive videos with the swipe of a finger.
Mixed Media Screencasting
You may find that there are times that you would like to combine video from multiple locations, to include your desktop, web cam, and tablet/mobile device. Did you know that you can use Quicktime on a Mac to record not only video from your webcam with your audio, but also your desktop as well. And if you are using an iOS device that you can plug into your computer with a Thunderbolt cord, you can record the iPhone or iPad screen as well!
What Else?
What other screencasting tools do you like to use? How are you using screencasting in your classroom? Share your tools and techniques with us on the ODL Tools website (linked from the button below). We'll then share your feedback on this Adobe Slate or on our site.