Screencasts

A screencast is a tool that captures a video recording of the computer screen output with voice over narration by the user.  Educators can screencast lessons, how-to videos, instructions, answers to commonly asked questions, etc.  Screencasts are beneficial to educators and students because it provides a visual of the technology working in action while supported by voice instructions from the educator.    

So, how does it work?  What can I use?  How do I get started?

If you are a beginner, you are in the right place.  I too am a beginner.  I will share with you my first experience with screencasting.   There are many software options for screencasting, I chose to use Screencast-O-Matic and Snagit.  

I started with Screencast-O-Matic first.  I made the following screencast sharing information about Khan Academy website. 

Screencast-O-Matic was easy to get started with but you must download the software.  Using your web browser search for and locate Screencast-O-Matic.  Follow the steps to create a free user account.  Once you’ve created a free user account you can download the software to your computer. Then click the red launch free recorder button.  See screenshot below.

After following the prompts, this black recorder box will appear. 

Before starting the recorder select the area you want your viewers to see.   Then make the appropriate selections for your video.  Click the red Rec button to begin.  Look closely, I almost missed it.  It is inside small rectangular shape box located just above the black record menu box.

Screencast-O-Matic will countdown from three and then begin recording.  Once you have finished recording your screencast click the pause button and then the done button.  You can then choose to  save or share your video.  

Screencast-O-Matic was easy to use. I was able to screencast my video fairly quickly with minimal issues.  The free version limits recordings to 15 minutes.  You have basic editing tools that allow you to cut off the beginning and end of the videos.  A watermark logo will be visible in your video.  The Solo Deluxe plan is $1.50/month allows longer recordings, no watermark, and full video editing suite.  The Solo Premier plan is $4.00/month allows for advanced sharing and collaboration features and a secure backup for your videos. 

The free version of Screencast-O-Matic served my needs well, is easy to use, and I would recommend it.  

Using Snagit, I created the following screencast to show how to create a word cloud in Word.

Snagit is a product of Techsmith and requires you to download the software.  Search for Snagit in your web browser.  Then click the free trial button. See image below.

Select the appropriate download for your device and follow the prompts.

The following screenshot was annotated using Snagit.  I was able to insert the arrow and text to provide additional information on how to open the Snagit screen recorder.  This is a good editing feature offered by Snagit. 

Once you click on the Snagit icon this screen recorder window will open.

Make the appropriate selections for the type of screen recording you will do.  Click capture and select the area you wish your audience to view.  Click the red record button to start recording.  The software will countdown to let you know when the recording will begin.  Click the finished recording button when you are done recording.  Your screen recording will appear in an editing window.  You can put the finishing touches on the video before saving or sharing.  

The Snagit free trial lasts 15 days. I appreciated that Snagit did not require me to provide credit card information to start the free trial.  Sometime companies will automatically charge the credit card on file at the end of the trial period.  It’s nice to know at the end of the trial I can just walk away if I’m not interested in continuing to use Snagit.  After the trial is over, educators can buy Snagit software for 2 machines per user for $29.95.  

Snagit functions very similarly Screencast-O-Matic.  Snagit offers some nice editing features.  I was able to annotate a screen shot and cutout a small section from the middle of my video.  Of course these editing features are only free during the 15 day trial.  I’m sure Screencast-O-Matic offers similar editing features with the upgraded software.  

Screencast-O-Matic offers a low monthly fee to use its upgraded software.  This makes it affordable if you need access to more advanced features.  At $29.95 Snagit has a higher price point to upgrade, but you get unlimited access to the version you download.  You don’t have to pay for the software again until you wish to upgrade next. 

As far as features for price goes, Screencast-O-Matic meets my needs.   In the future, if I needed to screencast more often or need better editing and sharing features, I’d consider Snagit.  In the mean time Screencast-O-Matic work for me.