Screencasting

Notes for Course Facilitator

Summary:

This page defines screencasting and provides an overview of instructional strategies regarding screencasting.

Suggestions:

  • It is recommended that his page be updated to include specific resources related to screencasting on your campus.

Gentle reminder: Update all content highlighted in yellow to reflect your institution.

What is Screencasting?

Screencasting, also referred to as video screen capture, refers to a digital recording of the action on a computer screen. The visible windows on the desktop, the movement of the mouse, and the speaking voice of the presenter (usually captured by an external microphone) are all parts of this process. The overall effect is that a user is able to view what the faculty member is viewing while hearing their voice. This can be a useful tool for instructors who want to illustrate a specific concept, demonstrate how to solve an assigned problem that can be difficult to resolve, or provide a video tutorial for specific software applications that are required for students to know in order to complete a specific assignment. Some screencast applications include:

 

The Challenges of Using Screencast

As with any technology, there are some obstacles to overcome. Some applications are fairly technical in nature and require web cameras and microphones. Currently, all of them require the instructor to stay seated in one location so that the video and audio can be accurately recorded. This may be difficult for instructors who enjoy the freedom of movement when delivering course material. Keep in mind that it is best to record your screencast in a smaller window so that when you place it in your course, it will fit and not cause the user to scroll side to side or up and down in order to see the entire screen.

There are also other methods instructors may consider to infuse their persona into the online class, such as introductory or content videos, photographs, and audio files. Of course, nothing takes the place of instructor announcements, assignment feedback, and timely responses to student concerns via email or chat.

Instructors should be aware that most screencast technologies are considered third-party software applications, which means they are not supported by <Replace - Institution Name>. Should issues arise pertaining to the technology itself or its use within the online course, the instructor would need to speak directly with the technology’s developer (if applicable). 

Also, materials in online courses should be Section 508 and copyright compliant. Any audio portions of a screencast need to have a text transcript or captions available for individuals who have hearing impairments. Select a screencasting tool that allows you to add alt text to images, and closed captions transcripts. 

The following screencasting tools have built-in captioning ability.

  • Captivate
  • Camtasia Studio Pro
As far as copyright is concerned, make sure you have permission to use any images, photos, etc., that you include in the materials you create.
 

Instructional Strategies & Best Practices

  • Provide some material using video or audio as a way of enhancing instructor persona within an online course.
  • Demonstrate problem-solving, online techniques, or uses of software applications that will assist the student in completing assigned tasks.
  • Create specific and focused screencast segments to engage the visual learner with course content. Using shorter, focused segments is an element of best practices when planning screencasts.
  • “Chunk” course material into small screencast segments to engage learners with content prior to classroom discussions for blended courses.
  • Visit the site, Lectures in a Can Links to an external site., to learn about various types of screencasting software for the Mac and the PC as well as options and steps for creating screencasts and how to upload them into your course.
  • Some screencast software has a 5-minute limit, but there are others with no limit such as Camstudio; however, they lack the progress bar.

Visit Teaching Online Pedagogical Repository to learn more about using a screencast to create video tutorials and explanations. 

 

Optional Further Reading

 

Creative Commons License

TOPKit Sample Course was prepared by the University of Central Florida (UCF). This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License Links to an external site..