Title: Screencasting
Course: Tech Tools for Teachers > Section: Screencasting and Web Conferencing

How to screencast.

A screencast is a recording of a computer screen, often with audio narration. Screencasts can be used to record  writing on a SMART Board (e.g. how to solve a math problem or how to write a letter), to record a computer-based presentations, or to demonstrate how to use a specific software.

Teacher-created screencasts allow students to repeat a video as many times as they need to learn the material. You could also have students create their own screencasts to demonstrate their learning.

To record what is being said in addition to what is happening on the computer, a microphone is needed. Most laptops have built-in microphones, otherwise, three snowball microphones are avaiable for checkout (contact Caitlin or Penny). The snowball microphones can also be used to record class discussions in connection with slides or other material. At the middle school, bluetooth microphones (i.e. wireless) are also available to make it easier to record at a SMART Board.

Recording from a Computer

SMART Notebook includes a simple screencast software called SMART Recorder. Watch the video below for how to use it. If needed, teachers may install SMART Notebook on their home computers. Students may download the free screencast tool Jing, or use a web-based screencast tool such as Screencast-O-Matic or Screenr

Recording from a Mobile Device

A quick and easy way to have students create screencasts is to use iPads. Using apps like ScreenChomp or ShowMe, students can create screencasts of their writing/drawing with an accompanying voice narration.

Sharing

Teacher-created screencasts should be uploaded online so that students can watch them at home. Screencasts can be shared as unlisted videos on Youtube or private videos on Vimeo. The screencast tools and apps listed above also provide free online hosting for screencasts.

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