In a school library screencasts can be very useful and easy to incorporate. Librarians can create screencasts for students on various topics such as how to navigate databases, how to navigate the online catalog, how to conduct effective research, etc. Then librarians can take the videos they have created and post them on the school's website and all of the library's social media accounts. This is an effective way to provide instruction for students at all times even after official school hours when students are at home.
Some of the available options to create screencasts are Screencast-O-Matic, Screenr, and Jing. I was not able to test Screenr because I was having issues with Java permissions, but I did explore and create videos using Screencast-O-Matic and Jing. I will tell you that even though they are free both programs require you to download them into your computer. They were both easy to use and navigate, but I didn't like that Jing only limits a user to record 5 minute screencasts. So while Jing was easy to use I would not use it because of the time limit. When I was recording my Jing screencast I definitely felt rushed. I also did not like that since Jing is owned by Adobe Flash because when you save your file to your computer you can only view it if you have Flash installed into your computer. If you save the scrrencast to screencast.com which is Jing's storage site you are not given and embed code so you can only add a link to your video and I did not like that. I tried for a very long time to find an embed code, but I was not successful.
I would definitely use and recommend Screencast-O-Matic. It was so easy to use and there is no time limit on the length of your screencast. When saving your screencast using Screencast-O-Matic users are allowed to save the video to the Screencast-O-Matic website or upload them directly to a user's YouTube channel. Using Screencast-O-Matic was so easy that I am very satisfied with it.
Screencast-O-Matic
Using Screencast-O-Matic I created a screencast for students on how to create a comic strip using ToonDoo.
Jing
Using Jing I created a screencast to show students how to create a blog using Blogger which is owned by Google.
Your Jing was really fine, even if you felt rushed. It is perfect for a "how to" because if I want I can back it up to hear what you said. My biggest problem, personally, with "how-to" videos is the lengthy intro and all the talking! I always want to cut to the chase! You did a great job! Have you used the Screencast with your students yet? How did they like it?
ReplyDeleteBoth your screen casts were great. I agree with Dr. Gross in that a lot of how to videos are so long! Yours was short, sweet and to the point. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI agree. I like short simple videos. I like how they are student directed. Great job.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I like short simple videos. I like how they are student directed. Great job.
ReplyDeleteExcellent job creating your screencasts. I personally will be using Screencast-o-matic because it was the easiest one to work with.
ReplyDeleteI really like your screencasts. I didd not use Screenr either because of the same reason Java.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your description of screencasts and how they can be used in the library. I liked your screencast, helpful and to the point.
ReplyDeleteThese would be so helpful for students. Great job.
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