Screencasting 101

Technology can be used to:

Consume content e.g. read, research, access multimedia

Create content e.g. share original writing, audio or video recordings

Curate content e.g. organize content created by yourself or others in a way that others can also access it

Screencasts are one way that both students and teachers can create online content.

What is a Screencast?

Screencast

noun
A screencast, also known as a screen capture, is a digital recording of what is happening on your computer screen and enhanced with audio narration to create a movie that can be shared with others to explain something.

Not to be confused with a screenshot which is just a picture of what is on your computer screen or podcast which is strictly audio.

Some examples of screencasts:

• A screencast created on a laptop for this blog to explain how to add a Chrome extension that removes distractions from YouTube windows:
  

   
• A screencast created by a grade 4 UCC student using an iPad to explain how to determine the area of a rectangle:
  

  
  

  
  
  
• A screencast created by a PD organization using an iPad to explain how Google Drive and iPads can be used as a Portfolio:

Screencasting in the Classroom

Possible uses of teacher-created screencasts in the classroom include:

• providing "just in time" lessons - students can watch videos that describe how to do something at the time that they need to know
• "flipping" the classroom - students could watch a screencast for homework and then discuss or apply it in class the next day
• differentiation by “cloning the teacher” - record a lesson for only part of the class to utilize while you work with another part of the class
• part of a “sub plan” - leave directions for students when you are away

Possible uses of student-created screencasts in the classroom include:

• demonstrating their understanding of a topic
• assisting peers with understanding a concept
• reviewing what has been learned

How to Create a Screencast

The easiest laptop application that we already have on our laptops to create a screencast is Quicktime Player - it's a misnomer, it's a recorder as well as a player. This video is a explains how to do it.

There are several iPad apps that make creating screencasts very easy. In general, they all look like a white board and allow you to write on them and record your voice at the same time. It all plays back like a movie. In addition some allow you to import images and other videos. In this review for Appolicious.com, Jennie Magiera compares some of the pros and cons of some popular screencasting apps. Some how-to videos and classroom examples can be found below for the following apps:

• Explain Everything
• DoodlecastPro
• Show Me
• Educreations
• ScreenChomp
• Knowmia Teach
• Doceri

As always, if you would like to explore any of these applications with someone, please do not hesitate to contact us. Also, feel free to add your thoughts about these applications, other screencasting apps you know or possible classroom uses in the comments section below.