Uses in the Classroom: Screencasting allows one to capture whatever tasks he or she is peforming on the desktop. This can be accomplished through still images or through video. Voiceover is allowed through most software which allows for descriptive narration of what the viewer is seeing. Screencasting would allow an educator (whether in the school or other setting) to record specific tasks occurring on a computer screen; which could include a powerpoint, lecture video, or software walk through. Screencasting could allow a teacher to exhibit a dynamic video that alternated between lecture video (by using the internal device) and a powerpoint presentation that may describe the steps of a math problem. Or, it could simple walk a student through the steps of a specific software program that he or she will have to use in the future. Screencasting allows a student to interpret information that is presented in the video and apply it in a practical manner. It also allows repetitive access to the video better processing or review of content.
Issues to Consider: I ran into one main issue with this assignment that should be included as 'Issues to Consider'; Software Compatibility.
As a Mac user, I often run into viewing issues with Flash media. I would consider the type of computer my students/learners would be using to access the screencast. This might alter what software I use to create the screencast (i.e. how it is saved, whether flash media or other) or how I provide access to the video; whether via website, school network, or CD-ROM. The educator should also consider what is necessary to create a screencast and if all those requirements are located on the computer that will be used. Through this process I learned that Jing files (swf) created by a Mac are unable to be converted to files easily uploaded to YouTube or Blogger. After trying that route, I downloaded the free version of Camtasia (for 30 days), which allows easy upload to YouTube. YouTube videos are also very easily uploaded to Blogger.
Copyright: The website I used to create the screencast was developed by my place of work, Instructional Technology Services, Inc., (Instructional Technology Services, Inc. 2004-2012) in collaboration with the Michigan Education Association to provide access to online professional development.
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