Nov 05 2009
The Best Tools For Making Screencasts
Screencasts are audio-narrated “tours” of what you see on your computer screen (they don’t have to narrated, but it works much better if they are). Screencasts that I have seen are primarily used to show how to use various computer applications. They are wonderful teaching tools, especially for technological dummies like myself.
They can also be used as good speaking opportunities for English Language Learners.
I’ve written a lot about how I use online video games with ELL’s. One thing I’d like to do is have students play video games using “walkthroughs” (instructions and hints about how best to “win”) and create instructional screencast ”walkthroughs” that would teach other students how to play the game.
Of course, students could also just leave a stationary picture on the screen and talk about it.
In order to make it on this list, the application needed to be accessible to ELL’s and not require any downloading of software, since downloads are problematic for many schools.
Here are my picks for The Best Tools For Making Screencasts:
As regular readers know, my favorite is Screentoaster. It couldn’t be more simple to use, and they’ve recently added both the ability to record audio and add subtitles. All you do after you log-in is click on a button, open up the window on your screen that you want to record, and it starts recording your screen. After that’s been recorded, you can provide audio or subtitles. And it’s free. I’ve also placed it on The Best Sites To Practice Speaking English.
DemoGirl also has a screencast on how to use that application, but it might not include its newest features.
Screencast-O-Matic is also nice, but a bit more complicated than Screentoaster.
Two newer apps that look good are Screenr and Screenjelly.
The great site Teacher Training videos has a screencast on how to use Screenjelly.
And, though I’m limiting this list to apps that require no software download, I do feel I have to at least mention Jing, which is a very popular free tool available by download. Teacher Training Videos also has a screencast explaining how to use Jing.
If you think I’m missing any tools, or if you have other ideas on how they can be used effectively with students, feel free to leave a comment.
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5 responses so far
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Hi, Larry. I’ve been usign http://screenr.com to make screencasts. What I like about it? It’s easy to use and after you record, you can tweet it automatically and also download it to your youtube account. The easiest tool I’ve used so far. The quality of the image is also very good. The only problem is that you have a limit of 5 minutes.
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Good list. I really love Screentoaster too. Without a doubt the most simple screencasting tool I have ever used. The problem I find with Jing is that it doesn’t give you enough options once you have made the screencast. You can’t save the file to be edited in another program. Screentoaster will allow you to save your file as either a .mov file or even a Flash movie.
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Dear Larry,
I just loved your list, as always
I must confess that once I started using Jing, never stopped! I even have a paid account to http://screencast.com to upload all my screencasts to it. It´s worth every penny.
Thanks for one more wonderful list!
Beijos.
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Had a lot of fun creating a screencast using Screenr. Seemed the most logical choice since I am already on Twitter and didn’t have to create yet another account. What a great tool!
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