screencasting

Q3 Screencasting

17. Creative Communicaitons

A screencast is a super sweet tool that helps you record anything on your computer screen. Your challenge is to create a video screencast documenting your message using a computing device, microphone and script.

Making a Screencast

Step 1. Your goal is to create a video using one of the application tools:

  • Canva
  • Educreations
  • ScreenPal - Play the video below in the box to learn how to use ScreenPal. 
  • Alternative application suggested by your teacher.

Step 2. Refer to your Create & Plan document and the supporting detail you are going to address. You may find writing a script, storyboard, or drawing a draft of you ideas to be helpful.  

Step 3. Ask yourself if creating a video is the best media choice for your message, and reflect realistically about how much time you have to work on it, and to keep it to three minutes or less to keep the attention of your audience.

Step 4. Play and explore the software tool until you are comfortable enough to begin creating and editing your video. Note: Save your work frequently as you work.

Step 5. Read through the information in the three green drop down boxes below and complete the steps listed.

Step 6. Show video once it is created to another classmate or your teacher to make sure it communicates your message clearly. You may decide that this tool you used needs to be changed or minor edits are needed to clarify your message.

Step 7. When done, download or copy the link provided to share it with your teacher.

Advantages

  • Works great for doing web based tutorials.
  • Works great for step-by-step explanations.
  • Create homework help, problem/solution videos, visual presentations that mark up on the screen.
  • Easy to create.
  • Easy to embed or put on a webpage.

Disadvantages

  • Editing may be limited or nonexistent; get it right or start over.
  • Works best for short explanations; longer ideas or concepts may need a different medium.

Welcome to ScreenPal (2:10 min.)

Direct Link (2:10 min.)

Review the following Five Tips for a Good Screencast:

  • Know your topic well. You will sound like an expert in your delivery and feel more comfortable when recording.
  • Keep it simple. Three minutes or less is all that you need.  Cancel the fluff and blank space. You may want to use the Online Stopwatch as a resource.
  • Plan It. Script it with a short introduction telling what the video is about, follow that with the short and sweet demonstration, and do a quick review at the end.
  • Gift of your Voice. Talk like you are having a conversation with your best friend, with enthusiasm in your voice. Try to be as natural as possible.
  • Practice, practice, practice. Rehearsing several times. Stop wiggling your mouse! Your screencast records everything. Move it away if you are not pointing to a specific talking point. 

Note: Filler words like uh, um and but are distracting to your audience.

Screencasting Applications

  • Learn about screencasting tools. 
  • Check with your teacher for the appropriate program or app required for this activity that will work on your device. Some suggested resources are:

Steps for your first screencast

Step 1. For this first attempt, plan on approximately 10 minutes to complete a practice draft recording.

Step 2. For creating a script, this video, Scripting Your Podcast (1:42 min.), provides helpful tips.

Step 3. Think about what you will explain and point to it with your mouse on the screen as you record.

Step 4. Do a practice run without recording until you are comfortable and it flows well.

Step 5. Use the screencasting application you selected. 

  • Point out things with your mouse.
  • Tell your listeners about the details of your message.
  • Be enthusiastic.
  • Record only for one or two minutes.

Step 6. Play it back and see how it worked. You may want to try it again and make a few improvements. Turn to a partner for a helpful critique.

Step 7.  Download and/or save it, or the link to the recording, to share with your teacher.

Return to Creative Communications Q3 main page

 

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