Title: Screencasting
Course: 21 Things for Students > Section: Screencasting

Screencasting

Animated Presentations - Powered by GoAnimate.

Introduction

Quest 1 Cartoon Creation

This Quest challenges you to discover how to create an online comic.  You will learn to use a program called Writecomics, and can practice it until you become very good at using the program.

Quest 1: Cartoon Creation

Special Agent Briefing

The first part of this mission is to make a cartoon.  Practice using the program Writecomics.com until you become very good at using the program.  If you need more practice then keep “playing” with the Application until you know how to use it, and you can explain the steps to another agent without hesitation.  You may want to write down what you do in a list format to help you in the next quest (screencasting).

Steps:

1. Open or download this step-by-step set of directions:  cartooncasting.pdf

2. Create an example so you get familiar with how the program works.

3. After you create your own example cartoon, your task is to create one to teach others about a science or technology concept.

2. Go to the web site called writecomics.com and get started!

4. Save your cartoon and post to your secret file space, to your portfolio, or web presence and obtain approval from your SSI.

To Complete this Quest

You have completed the first part of the mission.  Now you are ready to move onto the next part of this mission, Quest 2.

Check off this quest

Quest 2: Preparing

This is a Vimeo hosted video about Planning to do a Screencast.

Introduction

Now that you have experienced the fun of making a cartoon! It is time to learn to create training videos. As a 21t4s agent there will be many times you will be called on to help others, and show them how to do things on a computer. You can't always be present to do the training, so creating a training video is a great way to share your knowledge virtually (not physically present). We're going to model this first, and then you will use the special template (or even index cards) and make your plan. Check in with your SSI Chief and see if you can get a microphone out of your Agent equipment bag for the recording.

Steps:

1. Watch the video above demonstrating the use of ScreencastOmatic to do a tutorial about Shortcuts in Google Searching. This shares tips on preparing to do a screencasting. PowerPoint was used as the storyboard. The tips are also available in the two files below. The first file is the actual PowerPoint one used for the recording. The second file is a pdf showing the PowerPoint in case you cannot open the first file.

Here is the PowerPoint file used

Here is a pdf of the PowerPoint

2. Now think of a some tip, web site to share, or idea that you want to demonstrate. Think of some subject area, neat discovery in science, or a way to use a computer program. Remember you will be recording what you show on the screen!

3. You might find this Word document helpful for planning out what you want to show. Write your script out so you can talk without a lot of 'uhs' and 'ums.' Storyboard.doc

4. Are you ready? Your task is to start brainstorming, plan out your idea and check it with your SSI Chief. Then write your script or storyboard it.

5. Check with your SSI Chief to see if your computing device will work with this program (Requires Java 1.5 or later). You can test this by going to the Screencast-O-matic.com web site and click on the "Test Your Java" link provided underneath the demo video. Those with an iPad will be able to use various apps to create tutorials instead of this one and will be covered in Quest 3).

The Backup Plan
Wise Agents plan for alternatives or back up plans in case something goes wrong or you don't have the needed equipment with you. There are many other programs you can create tutorials with, but some of them require you to download a program to the computer to use them.

1. Some of you may have access to a "Smart board" device which lets you record your presentations on it.

2. screenr - records your screen and tweet it out. Records audio and provides an embed code for your web page.

3. Jing is another program you can download. Here are some tips from TechSmith (creators of Jing) on how to do a good screencast. You will find some useful ideas here no matter which software option you choose.

4. You can plan out your training tutorial and have a classmate record you teaching about it.

Completing this Quest

Save your planning document to your secret filespace, portfolio or web presence.

 Check off this Quest

Screencasting Question

Should you create a script first before proceeding with the creation of a screencast?

- True
Feedback: Nice job!
- False
Feedback: Try again

Screencasting Question

What is screencasting?

- Casting your screen
Feedback: Try again
- Capturing your screen shots to create videos
Feedback: Great job!
- Fishing
Feedback: Sorry, try again
- Building Computer Screens
Feedback: Sorry, try again

Screencasting Question

What is an easy way to create computer tutorials?

- Watching TV
Feedback: Sorry, try again
- Screencasting
Feedback: Great job!
- Reading Books
Feedback: Sorry, try again
- Writing Blogs

Screencasting Award

Congratulations you have completed the Screencasting Mission.

To receive your Badge or certificate for completion from your SSI Chief :

1.  Take this Screencasting quiz .  The password for the quiz is screen21 .  Do your best!

2.  Take a screenshot of your quiz results to show your SSI Chief.

3.  Please take this short survey to share your ideas on how to improve these activities and this 21things4students resource.

4.   Show your completed work for this mission to your SSI Chief to receive your Screencasting Badge.