Screencast



Description: Screencast is a website. It is used to upload video, audio, presentation, and images. After the presentation is uploaded, a URL is established via Screencast. This allows manageability and sharing capabilities. This is a great tool for online as well as traditional classroom instructors. As instructors, we realize that our students learning styles vary and we design lessons with Web 2.0 technology to help facilitate learning. For example, Jing is an example of Web 2.0 technology that can be used to capture screen video and audio. It is a program that can be downloaded. Once downloaded an audio/video can be produced and saved. Once saved it can be uploaded to Screencast to be managed and shared with other instructors and students.

Process: Our job was to add audio to our visual instruction. I decided to do my instruction on the different components that make up the Excel 2007 window. This is one aspect of the onsite classroom that I feel is important to see and hear so making a movie for students to view seemed like a perfect way to do this. We could use Jing which is free software you download that lets you add visuals to your online conversation. I downloaded Jing and tried it but found I had trouble figuring out what exactly I was highlighting as the screen shot. After spending way too much time, I decided to try a site mentioned on the Jing website called Camtasia Studio 6. This program needed to be purchased or try it free for 30 days. I downloaded the 30 day trial. I found it very user friendly so I used it instead of Jing to make my instruction movie. I wanted to transfer what I do in the classroom to a online class. I put the Excel on the computer and show the class via the proxima. I then go over the names of the different component of the window. Point, show, tell, and explain the components. It has worked in the onsite class and I wanted to make it work in an online class. I found that Camtasia was easy to use. Once the production was completed, it automatically uploaded it to Screencast.com. Of course you have to have an account already set up and confirmed before the upload is possible. Screencast gives you a URL to be inserted as a link via words or pictures. I attached the link to the title information above which I made in PowerPoint with free to use clipart.

Reflection: At first I was so discouraged with Jing. I just couldn’t get the screen shot correct. I noticed that Screencast mentioned producing a movie with Camtasia Studio 6. As with the wonderful world of Web 2.0 technology, there is always more than one way to do something. Once I downloaded the trial version of Camtasia Studio 6, I was on my way. I just loved this program so much I am probably going to drop the $299 for the full version of the program. Maybe it says something about my learning style too. It was so fun with my Madonna mike on and the open Excel screen to just teach as I teach in the classroom. I didn’t use a script probably because I have taught this for the last 9 years (Excel 2007 for the last 3 years). All in all, I plan to use Camtasia Studio 6 and Screencast for many lessons in the future. The more I do, the more I want to do. I am very excited about teaching online classes.

References: (2009). Retrieved February 3, 2010, from Jing: http://www.jingproject.com/ TechSmith Corp. (2010). Retrieved February 12, 2010, from Screencast: http://www.screencast.com/ Williamson, D. S. (n.d.). //EDT 6020//. Retrieved January 18, 2010, from Wilmington University Blackboard: http://wilmu.blackboard.com/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2fwebapps%2fblackboard%2fexecute%2flauncher%3ftype%3dCourse%26id%3d_303251_1%26url%3d