Screencasting+Tools

Ever want to create a tutorial demonstrating how to do something on the computer? Screencasting tools such as the ones below allow you to do this quickly and easily!

Doceri for iPad
Screencasting tool for the iPad that's free! https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/doceri-remote/id412443803?mt=8&ls=1

Samples and Ideas
Use for presentations. Download to your iPads and have students record their presentations with annotations and voice.

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Pros
It's free! Combines screencasting and the ability to annotate with various tools. You can import a PowerPoint on which to annotate.

Cons
It's only available for the iPad. In-app purchase required to remove Doceri watermark.

Explain Everything
@https://explaineverything.com/

Samples and Ideas
This is a great tool to use if you need to write on the screen as you teach and record yourself. Works great for math and science classes. Here's an example from an outstanding physics teacher at Martin High School. media type="custom" key="29026951"

Pros
This is an extremely versatile tool that allows the user to import content, annotate it with writing and speech and publish. Works on iOS, Android, or Windows devices as well as Chromebooks. There's an online collaboration feature.

Cons
It costs money depending on which version you would like and whether you want to pay outright or pay for a subscription. Does not run on desktop or laptops computers (except Chromebooks). You'll need a stylus if you want to annotate on an iPad, but you can find them pretty cheap.

Jing
@http://www.techsmith.com/jing/ Screen software program-add narration/audio capability and publishing immediately on the web.

Samples and Ideas
Use for tutorials to show kids how to use the catalog, databases, or other tools. media type="custom" key="23457938"

Pros
If you use a computer with a built-in microphone, your keystrokes may be somewhat loud as in the sample above. You can upload them to screencast.com for free hosting. Then you can easily embed them.

Cons
There is a five minute limit.

=Screencast-o-matic= [] Create screencasts for presentations and demonstrations.

=Samples and Ideas= Demonstrate how to use library resources or web 2.0 tools for your patrons. Help teachers and students create screen casts. @http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5HVHXh5Wjc&feature=player_embedded

=Pros= You can record 15 minutes in the free version which is generous compared to Jing. You can embed video of yourself from your webcam into your screencast if you want your audience to see you talking. You can download in several formats such as .mp4 and you can embed videos into your webpages or blogs. With the Pro version (currently $15/year), you get editing tools and other perks.

=Cons= Requires email. You can only record for 15 minutes with the free version, but do you really want to put your audience to sleep with a longer version? Your video is stamped "screencast-o-matic" if you used the free version.

=Screenr= http://www.screenr.com Create screencasts for presentations and demonstrations.

=Samples and Ideas= Create technology tutorials. media type="custom" key="23458828"

=Pros= Easy to use. No need to download any software though you may be prompted to update Java. iPhone users can view videos created in Screenr. You can quickly post to Facebook or Twitter. Otherwise, you can use the URL or embed it for use.

=Cons= There's a five minute limit. You must log in to publish your screencast. All Screenr screencasts are public.

=CamStudio= @http://camstudio.org

=Samples and Ideas= Create longer tutorials or demonstrations in various formats. A great tutorial of CamStudio created with CamStudio can be found at []

= Pros = It's free and there is no limit to the length of the video, but don't abuse the power and bore your audience! It offers many different options for those looking for them (auto-pan, cursor following, screen annotating, etc.) You can record in different formats such as .AVI and SWF (Flash).

=Cons= It's not as user-friendly as most other free screencasting tools. Some, including me, have had trouble installing it. You may have to right click on the install file and click on Run as Administrator.

Screenmailer (for Mac)
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=Samples and Ideas= Create tutorials.

=Pros= It's free. Records up to 15 minutes Automatically uploads to screenmail.com when you're ready. You can stream videos online instead of downloading them. You can email a link to them. You can sign in with Google. You can embed video of yourself from webcam, so your audience can see your screencast and you talking at the same time.

=Cons= Videos are only accessible via Screenmailer URL. Can take awhile to buffer, so load it before your class. Your video cannot be downloaded. If you don't have internet access, you can't access the screencast.

Screencastify for Chrome Browser
@https://www.screencastify.com/ Screencast and Annotate presentations for free or have students explain something using Screencastify.

Pros
Available anywhere you can use Chrome. Just install the chrome app by going to the chrome web store. Free version (Lite) allows you to add audio and/or webcam to your presentation recording. Has several drawing tools available. Share via Google Drive, Youtube and Google Classroom

Cons
Only works as an app in Chrome.