Screencasting is the new word you learn today. What is it you ask? “A screencast is a digital recording of computer screen output, also known as a video screen capture, often containing audio narration.” That there definition is from Google. So basically it’s like Merriam Webster backed by the gold standard (before Teddy Roosevelt).
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Screencasting is the go-to for recording your instruction. There are pros and cons to each application, but at the moment I’m using Educreations on the iPad (remember these apps run best on an iPad). I’d recommend finding one you like best by just checking out all that’s out there. Here are a few of the most popular screencasting resources I've come to find:
1. Educreations, 2. ShowMe, 3. Doceri, 4. Explain Everything
So once you’ve found your screencasting app, it’s all gravy from here on out! Creating your lessons is the hard part – getting them out to your students is not. As I mentioned in another post, using Twitter is the best way to link your videos for your students. If you have questions on that post, check it out here.
Nevertheless, if you’ve made it this far into the mess, then the good news is you’re almost done! Now, if you’re like me and can’t really find cogent understanding in anything but bulleted or outlined forms, I present you with an awe-inspiring outline below. Behold, the 4 steps to your Kahn Academy-like internet stardom:
1) Host your videos on a screencasting site (Educreations for example).
- The only downside is that sometimes students need to create their own account to watch the videos. Tip: Always make your videos public. Tip 2:App hosting is good for in-school watching. In other words, if you only host your videos on Youtube, kids won’t be able to watch the video due to school restrictions.
2) Advanced users: If possible, get your videos to Youtube. This way, your lessons can be watched a little easier outside of school, and your brilliant self is now available to educate the masses beyond your school.
3) Once you’ve created your videos, make sure you copy your URL and paste it to your Twitter feed. Here’s screen shot of mine.
Just in case you’d like to see the whole shebang, I’ve linked my Twitter page here, or just copy or click the following URL: https://twitter.com/MrJasonWilmot(updated).
4) Let those high expectations go! Want to create an absolutely breathtakingly video? Think again! Now, I can only speak for myself here, but your video probably won’t be something to write home about. You probably won’t like the sound of your own voice, and you may even mess up here or there. Don’t worry about perfection - your instruction isn’t flawless, so don’t expect your videos to be. The whole point isn’t creating a stellar video, it’s taking your lesson objectives and conveying as simply as you can. Don’t worry about the production, worry about the instruction!
That last sentence...I'm thinking about trademarking that.
I've got dibs.