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techcamp-new-screencasting

Page history last edited by pollyalida 14 years ago

Wiki Main Page > School Library Tech Camp > 10: Screencasting

 

School Library Tech Camp - Thing 10: Screencasting

 

Introduction

 

Screencasting tools let you create a video of actions that are taking place on your computer screen. This lets you create a step-by-step video of how to do a search in your library catalog, how to search a database or how how to use a piece of desktop software. Anything you can show on your computer screen, you can capture as a video. You can usually add an audio narration to your screencast and some tools let you add captions and notes. The screencasts can be embedded on your web pages for easy access by your students and faculty.

 

Think of how many times you explain the same things over and over and over. Whether it’s how to download an audiobook, search a database, or how to copy a file from one folder to another. It’s much easier to show someone how to do these things than to tell them in words or with a handout. Screencasts let you show them how to do something, even when the library is closed or the staff if busy.  Another benefit of screencasts, studenst can go at their own pace, stopping, starting and rewinding the screencast as needed.

 

There are many different screencasting tools available and a wide variety of features. Some are free, others cost a bit of money. Some are web based and run in your browser window, others are downloaded to run on your desktop.

 

Some Examples

 

 

Selected Screencasting Options

 

There are more and more tools coming out that create screencasts. Some run from your desktop, some are browser based. They run the gamut of pricing from free to very expensive. Features also vary from just a quick recording with no option to edit, to tools with tons of sophisticated editing options.

 

Free desktop applications

  • Wink -- free, open source, capture screen action, post capture editing, audio options
  • uTIPu - Pretty nifty free screen recording tool. Download application and run it from your desktop. Has screen zoom option. No post recording editing, but audio track can be re-recorded. FIles saved as .flv. Free hosting on uTIPu website.

 

Free browser based applications

  • ScreenToaster - Web based, very easy to use, no editing. Records audio and lets you record from your webcam to create a small video inset. Select portion of screen to record. Add audio & captions after recording. Upload and store on Screentoaster, upload to YouTube. Save to hard drive as .avi or .swf.
  • ScreenJelly - Quick, simple and no frills - no post recording editing. Limited to 3 minutes. Records the full screen and audio. Can record anything on your computer (browser of desktop apps) Choose whether to share via twitter, email or other social tools. Recording is saved when you share it. Embedding code is provided.
  • Capture Fox - Handy addon for Firefox that will record anything on your computer screen (browser or desktop apps). Choice of recording quality and frames-per-second.  Recording is saved to your computer. Must upload to a video site to share.

 

Commercial

 

Macintosh software (I haven't tested these)

 

 

Activity

Using the free, browser based tool ScreenToaster, create a short screencast of a Google search or something similar. Pick something simple so you can get a feel for using ScreenToaster, rather than worrying about the complexity of what you're demo-ing.

 

Getting Started

  • Start by opening a new browser tab and going to a web screen that you can use as the subject of your recording. You could demo a Google search, a search in your library catalog, etc.
  • Open another browser tab and go to http://screentoaster.com and register for a free account.
  • Once you’ve registered, you’ll be sent a confirmation code, but you don’t need to confirm it right away.

 

Recording

  • Select the RECORD option in the popup window, you’ll be logged in to your account and you’re ready to go.
  • The recording options screen will pop up.
  • Settings:
    • Full Desktop records everything on your computer screen
    • Rectangular area lets you select a region of the screen to record
    • Audio – allows for input via a microphone. You can record audio as you’re recording the screen, or go back and add the audio later. Try both and see which you’re more comfortable with.
  • Find the web site you want to record and hit the ALT + S keys when you're ready to record.
  • Use ALT + S to pause & restart the recording also.
  • When you’re done, use the ALT + S to pause
  • Return to the Screentoaster web page and click on the Stop Recording button.
  • Your recording will appear in the Preview screen. Review it an see if it’s ok. Re-record if necessary

 

OPTIONAL: Adding Audio & Subtitles

  • Audio – in the Edit Video section, click the audio button. Select your audio device. Click Record and start talking! Your audio will be recorded with the video. Some people prefer to record audio as they record the video. Your choice!
  • Subtitles – Click on the Subtitles icon and start the video running. Stop the video wherever you want to add a sutitle. Enter the subtitle in the box on the screen. Be sure to click on the ADD button at the end of the subtitle box.

 

Saving, uploading, downloading

  • If you want to upload the video to YouTube, do it now. Once you save the file to the ScreenToaster server, you won’t be able to get it to YouTube..
  • Similarly, if you want to download it to your computer, do that now too.
  • Save as a .mov file if you want to open it in a video editing program for further editing.
  • Save as a .flv file for offline viewing.
  • Finally, upload to ScreenToaster to save it and make it available to others.
  • Once uploaded you can copy the embed code to add it to your web pages and blogs.

 

Tips for Screencasting

 

  • Make a plan! What problem are you trying to solve?
  • Focus on who the target user is, what do they really NEED to know.
  • Shorter is better. Create short screencasts on very specific topics, let users pick the bits they need.
  • Outline what you want to say and do. Or write a script if necessary.
  • Don’t read stiffly from a script though.
  • Casual and friendly is more appealing than slick and formal.
  • Speak your way through a few dry runs to make sure your narration will work with the screen shots.
  • Remember to reset your browser cache if you need to make it look like you haven’t been to a screen before.
  • Don’t reveal personal information inadvertently – passwords, logins, etc.
  • Don't move your mouse all over the screen while you're recording! It comes out looking fidgety and annoying.
  • Watch your screencast carefully before you post it. 
  • Remember to credit any music, photos or any additional resources you use. Use with permission only.

 

More Resources

 

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