one step at a time
By now, you probably know that screencasting is no rocket science. All that is required of you is a topic to explore, a screen recording application, a microphone and a means for distribution. Even though the number of tools is increasing on a daily-basis, as with many other technologies, there are a number of apps out there that can make do for an effective and, moreover, easy product. But wait! Before you start exploring the excellent tools available to you, here are some handy guidelines, based on this lengthy article, to give your final product a more professional look:
1. follow a scriptIf you want to avoid being caught off guard with your speech, and the, otherwise inevitable, "uh", "um", "like" repetitions, you need to prepare a script. Although you are not required to write every word you're about to voice, it's a good idea to have an outline of what you mean to say.
2. RehearseThe best way to ensure the quality of your delivery is to practice. Screencasting tools give you the benefit of recording as many times as needed, and that can mean practice in itself, but don't be content with the first product unless it really meets your expectations.
3. Become familiar with the appIt may seem obvious, but practicing to deliver an efficient presentation is also directly attached to knowing your computer and the software you are using. Make sure to emphasize the fundamental details by taking into consideration that your viewer may not be watching your video with the best resolution or in full screen mode.
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4. test the sound qualityRegardless of the quality of your visuals, your screencast's efficiency will be largely based on the quality of sound you are offering your viewer. Beware of ambient noises, unexpected interruptions, and, especially, faulty microphones.
5. provide title slides and onscreen visualsJust like almost everything you see on TV, it's important to address visual learners who might grasp more meaning from what you write rather than what you speak.
6. edit, edit, and edit some moreAs is expected of writing, video production needs all the editing and revision it can get. This way, you can solve small errors and provide visual add-ons which will make your production richer in details.
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ready to start?
learn more about the tools
pc and mac apps
Overview of Camtasia Studio
[available for PC only] |
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How to use Keynote for screencasting
[available for Mac only] |
ipad apps
Bloomin' apps, by kathy schrock
The Educational Technologist Kathy Schrock has put together a great collection of apps that pertain to each category of the Bloom's Taxonomy. Even though the majority of these apps are not designed for screencasting, there are several of the apps referenced above in it. We consider it too great a list not to share!
want to create top-notch presentations?
If what you want is to create a simple recorded presentation to share with your class only, then following the guidelines above is probably enough. However, if your desired audience requires more attention to detail, you might want to learn about Augmented Reality. Although the name jumps to mind as something out of a science fiction movie, this technology is already in use in the majority of the TV commercials you see every day...and in an increasing number of screencasts as well. We recommend reading about the five potential uses of Augmented Reality in Education. Take a look at the video below for a neat Common Craft explanation.
Here's another cool video showing tricks on SnagIt and 3D screencasting: