Today I am going to talk about screencasts. Screencasts can be very useful in the
educational setting. There are several
free screencast apps to chose from depending on what you are wanting and
needing from the application and how comfortable you feel the app is. Here are two screencasts I recently explored
with.
The first screencast I explored was Screencast-o-matic. I have never used this program before but I
had heard of a couple of teachers using it in another grade level. Signing up for a free trial was quick and
easy. This program did require a
download of the software used but it did not take long. Short tutorial videos are offered for the
many features and common questions for Screencast-o-matic. I found these very beneficial because I was
not at all familiar with the program.
After I view a couple of videos that were only about 2-3 minutes each, I
felt ready and comfortable to explore the program. Users are able to set the size of frame they
would like to have the screencast show.
The option of a webcam is available or just the voice option. What I liked about this application is I was
able to pause and review my screencast before closing it out. Users can trim their work, add background
music, and even add captions for their users.
The free trial allows 15 minute videos and allows users to share their
work through email, Google Classroom, Twitter, and Facebook. Saving to Google Drive requires an
upgrade. I really liked the simple tool
bar that appears at the bottom of the screen while in use. Here is an example I made using
Screencast-o-matic explaining to students what all the Library Media Center web page
at Hajek Elementary has to offer.
The second screencast I explored was Screencastify. I have had some experience with Screencastify
but I have not had the time to truly explore all of the features this app has
to offer. I personally used
Screencastify this year for only reason, and that was for students who received
oral administration on assessments. I
would record the questions and answer choices on Screencastify and, because it automatically
can download to your Google Drive, I would then share the screencast with
students who received oral administration.
Screencastify has so much more to offer!
The simple set up is appealing to users.
Screencastify is used in the Chrome browser with an extension so no
download is necessary. Users have
options of operating through a browser tab, desktop (which is the only one I have
tried to record tests) and the use of a webcam.
The free trial allows user 50 videos a month each with 10 minutes of
length. The watermark will be visible on
the video but it is not in the way of the viewer so I did not think that was a big
deal. The Premium package allows users
to edit their work, there is no watermark, and they can make longer videos with
no limit on the amount made. Today, I
made a screencast in the browser tab. I
was able to use the multiple tools available in the toolbar. One problem I ran into was I wanted to switch
back and forth between tabs on my computer and I was unable to do that with
this program. The extension would only
work on one tab at a time. Here is a screencast
I made using Screencastify explaining to students the basic functions of Flipgrid.
After using both of these apps today, I found Screencastify
easier to use. I was able to download my
video directly to my Google Drive which was the selling point for me. I also found the extension in my Chrome browser
more convenient to use as well.
Both applications can be used for multiple reasons in the
classroom. Teachers would like to have
videos uploaded for reoccurring questions or topics can provide a place for students
to refer to when needing a refresher.
Teachers may also use both of these apps when they are absent and need a
lesson taught. I love the idea of
providing a place for students to seek out answers to. Screencasts allows students to be in charge
of their own learning giving them a place of reference. They also serve multiple learning styles. I look forward to working more with
screencasts in my classroom.
I also found Screencastify much easier to use and I felt for me it was more beneficial since the district I am in is Google driven. You did an amazing job on your videos!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about screencastify, thanks for the info! Also, I really like the idea of recording the oral reading of the test. That's a great tool you just put in my pocket. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou shared some helpful information. I really like the idea of using a screencast on a day that we are absent. I hadn't thought of that! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your screencasting video (Flipgrid is awesome and it helps to have a video students can use to help them use it). I am going to recreate a similar video to yours for my students. Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteI loved your idea about using Screencastify for oral administration. That is definitely something I will be implementing in my classroom this coming school year. You did a great job with both Screencast videos!
ReplyDeleteLoved the ideas with oral administration and reoccurring questions. So many things that can add more time to our day and help us be at all places at once! Thank you!
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