Screencasting
What is it?
A screencasting program saves the activity on your computer screen as a video.
What is it used for?
Instead of describing or making a printed list of steps for a process, a screencast can record and display an actual video of that process. For example, a screencast could take a student on a video tour of a Blackboard course. It could show a step-by-step calculation of a problem, or demonstrate how to use a particular piece of software, or record a narrated PowerPoint slide show lecture. You can edit the screencast once it has been recorded, have it zoom into areas that you highlight, and overlay text boxes or drawing on it.
What do I need?
You will need a screencasting program. These range in price from free to several hundred dollars. They differ in the range of options, capabilities and ease of use. CTL has created a feature comparison list of recommended screencast programs: http://www.uvm.edu/ctl/resources-teaching/screencasting/comparison.php
How do I get started?
Try it! The next page in this document provides a guide for getting started with Screencast-o-matic, a simple yet robust screencasting program. You can use the free version (lets you record only) or the $15 Pro version which includes a full suite of editing tools.
Can screencasting software let me make a video of writing on my screen?
The screencasting software captures whatever happens on your screen so if you have software or a tablet device that allows you to write, the screencasting software can capture that. For example, if you currently use PowerPoint you may have tried the Pen option that lets you write on a slide during Slide Show. The screencasting program would allow you to create and save a video of that writing, but the writing feature itself is a part of PowerPoint.
Can I put a screencast in my Blackboard course?
Yes. Specifically, as with other videos, you upload your screencast to your UVM space using MediaManager, then link it to your course. Instructions for how to do this are at: https://www.uvm.edu/mediamanager
Are there tips for creating a good screencast?
Yes. See the “Screencasting Tips Checklist” section in this document for ideas on how to ensure a more polished and effective screencast.
Where can I learn more?
CTL provides workshops on Screencast-o-matic or the more complex Camtasia. We also support these programs through our Dr Is In walk-in help. We would love to talk to you about how you might use screencasting in your teaching. (Workshops and Dr Is In schedule at our website: http://www.uvm.edu/ctl)
Screencast-o-matic Pro: Quick Start
1) Start Screencast-o-matic from the icon: Once it loads, click the Record button to open the recording frame and settings buttons.
2) Click and drag the frame to change the size of the capture area, or choose a pre-set size. If you expect your viewers will be using a mobile device, go small (ex: 640x480 or 800x600)
3) Choose your settings:
a b c d e f g h
Hope Greenberg, Center for Teaching and Learning, UVM, Jan. 2014 1
a) Start recording.
b) Turn microphone on/off.
c) Set audio level.
d) Choose a predetermined size.
e) Turn web cam off/on.
f) Record only from webcam, not screen.
g) Recording settings and hot key settings.
h) Cancel recording.
Hope Greenberg, Center for Teaching and Learning, UVM, Jan. 2014 1
4) Click the Start Recording button. There will be a short countdown.
5) While recording you will see these options:
a b c d e f
Hope Greenberg, Center for Teaching and Learning, UVM, Jan. 2014 1
a) Pause the recording.
b) Microphone level.
c) Time duration of recording.
d) Draw with pen and eraser tool.
e) Restart to completely redo the recording process.
f) Click Done to end recording and begin editing or save the video.
Hope Greenberg, Center for Teaching and Learning, UVM, Jan. 2014 1
6) After clicking Done you will see the edit and save screen. Click “Edit Recording” to edit your video. There are a growing number of editing tools available. See screencastomatic.com for instructions on how to use them.
7) During the editing process you can “roll back” to any point in the process by using the “History” feature.
8) To complete the recording, give it a name. To save a copy to import back into SOM for later editing, choose Export. When complete, Publish (save) your video by clicking on one of the Publish options listed. To save an .mp4 version to your computer or upload to your UVM space and link to Blackboard, choose “Video File.”
Screencasting Tips Checklist
Objectives
“No wind serves him who addresses his voyage to no certain point.”
¨ Can you list the specific things you expect your viewers to learn from your screencast?
¨ What are the main points you wish to focus on?
¨ Will your viewers be familiar with the terms you use during the screencast or must you define those terms as part of the screencast?
¨ How will you assess your viewers’ understanding of the material covered?
Planning
“Measure twice, cut once.”
¨ What is the overall design approach you will take (demonstrating a process, static images accompanied by narration, writing on screen, ‘talking head’)?
¨ Have you created a storyboard?
¨ Are there files, images, or clips you will need to create before beginning? Are there copyright issues?
¨ If you are recording from an internal microphone, can you use a mouse and external keyboard to reduce clicking noises?
¨ Do you have a plan for how you will handle flubs? (For example, do you want to pause after mistakes so that you can more easily edit those portions out?)
¨ Have you run through the steps you will be recording to see where you need to speed up, slow down, pause or allow time to open/close windows?
Scripting
“Talk less, say more.”
¨ Does your screencast have a clear introduction and conclusion?
¨ Have you written a script and edited it for maximum clarity?
¨ Have you considered where you will describe what you are doing and where you can show instead of telling?
¨ Have you practiced reading the script to determine a good speaking speed and vocal inflection?
¨ To be fully ADA compliant, your screencast needs to be captioned. If ACCESS is providing captioning services they require that your screencast's transcript match the final version exactly. Contact for more information.
Preparation
“Look before you leap.”
¨ Is your computer screen uncluttered?
¨ Are the files and programs you will need readily accessible? (Consider opening, hen minimizing, the applications you will need.)
¨ Have you turned off reminders, pop-ups, and done updates to avoid interruptions?
¨ What’s visible during your screencast? Are there sensitive files open, browser windows or histories that you may not wish to share, recent searches that might be distracting (or worse, embarrassing)?
¨ If, during your preliminary run-through, you have opened windows, created sample files, clicked on links, etc., have you cleared those away so the actual screencast will appear fresh?
Recording
“Hope for the best, expect the worst.”
¨ If recording audio, do you have a quiet place to do the recording?
¨ Do you have a way to minimize interruptions from others?
¨ Have you done a test recording, without speaking, to determine if there are any annoying background sounds?
¨ Have you done a test recording with speaking to check audio levels?
¨ Have you practiced where you will be moving your mouse pointer so that you can avoid hesitant, repetitive, quick, or jerky movements?
¨ If you display any text onscreen is the font large enough to read?
¨ Is what you are saying at any given point related to what’s on the screen?
Post-production
“Where we cannot invent, we may at least improve.”
¨ Have you edited out extra footage, especially at the beginning and end?
¨ Do you need any text or drawing overlays to clarify specific points?
¨ If you have both speaking and music tracks are they balanced appropriately?
¨ Would zooms and highlights help your screencast?
¨ If your screencast is over 15 minutes long are there points where you can split it?
¨ Have you checked your captions or overlays for typos?
“‘There may be some points I've missed,’
as the monkey said when he fell over the hedgehog.”
Hope Greenberg, Center for Teaching and Learning, UVM, Jan. 2014 1