Screencasting

toc =__Overview__= In this session you will be learning how to create screencasts (online instructional videos made from the screen of your computer) so that you can share your PD instruction with your faculty/staff. Screencasts generally are both video and audio based and are an excellent way to differentiate instruction. The purpose of this session is for you to be able to return to your school/district with the skills to make instructional videos so that your faculty/staff can use them as a resource for professional development.
 * __Integrating S____creencasting to Support Your Professional Development__ **

=__Outcomes__= At the end of this session, you will be able to:
 * Identify tools that can be used to create screencasts
 * Organize a storyboard or template in preparation for a screencast
 * Create a screencast with acceptable video and audio

=__Questions to Consider__= = = =__Tools for Screencasting__=
 * 1) How can you use a screencast for your work as a teacher trainer?
 * 2) What are the essential elements of a screencast?
 * 3) What are the limitations of a screencast?
 * 4) How else can screencasting be used within your school/district?
 * Best Online Version**
 * Screencast-O-Matic (15 minute limit)
 * Software**
 * Pixetell (Free Software)
 * SMART Recorder (Part of SMARTboard Tools; does not work well with webcam/video)
 * Apple Quicktime (For Mac Owners)
 * CamStudio (Free Software)(Does not work well with webcam/video)
 * Camtasia (Professional Screencasts)
 * Helpful Hardware**
 * USB microphone (if computer microphone gives poor quality)
 * USB webcam (if one is not built into your computer)

=__Activity 1: Exploring Different Screencasts__= Below are the same 2-minute video created by 3 different programs. Additional information is included about each created video. Watch each video, read the additional information, and consider the following questions. //Click here to explore the three different screencasts//
 * 1) What are strengths of this screencast tool?
 * 2) What are weaknesses of this screencast tool?
 * 3) Of these three, which screencast tool would best meet my needs as a trainer? Which tool would best meet the needs of my teachers?

=__Activity 2: Recreating a Screencast__= During this activity, you are going to recreate the screencast below, which focuses on creating a Google Form. All necessary materials are below. Click Here for the materials and screencast video include component="comments" page="Screencasting" limit="10"
 * 1) Watch my video to see what you will be creating
 * 2) Download all the necessary materials
 * 3) Open all necessary materials and the screencast tool. Close all other windows.
 * 4) Practice twice!
 * 5) Record and save your screencast.
 * 6) Upload and link you screencast. (Click here for help!)
 * Share Your Recreated Google Forms Screencast! **

=__Activity 3: Creating Your Own Screencast__= During this activity, you are going to create your own screencast.
 * 1) Determine the topic for which you wish to create a screencast
 * 2) Create a script. Open any files, programs, or windows you may need for your screencast. Close everything else.
 * If the process is complex, break it down into smaller, shorter videos
 * Try to keep your videos around 10 minutes.
 * Practice before recording!
 * 1) Determine the best screencast tool for you.
 * 2) Open the screencast tool. Check all the settings!
 * 3) Record and save your screencast.
 * 4) Upload and link your screencast.

include component="comments" page="Screencasting" limit="10"
 * Share your Screencast! **