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Because using text is not exactly the most modern of communication methods and because the internet has greatly increased the ease with which we can share bigger files like videos, we take the time to explore two options that stray from the conventional black text on white background. Screencasting and podcasting are some of the most common and popular alternatives sharing ideals through text.
The first involves the visual sharing of what is happening on your computer screen with the added ability to narrate over what is happening on said screen. Podcasting is the practice of sharing by recording your voice or voices into a file that can easily be downloaded or streamed for people to listen. Some podcasts feature a single person while some take a more interactive approach, akin to popular talk radio shows. Examples of both mediums can be seen on this post from my blog.
Due to my learning style, I personally really enjoy alternatives to textual explanations when I am looking for directions or instructions about how to accomplish or do something. For years now I've relied on Youtube as my go to ''How To'' video source. Many videos aimed at showing you how to do something on a computer is done through screencasting. Whether you are a visual learner or not, it is really hard to beat the ease and efficiency with which you can follow a narrated video along to learn something.
Creating them as I have touched on in the above linked post is fairly easy. My biggest struggle turned out to be my lack of experience or practice in recording such a video or audio files. I found myself restarting over and over until I was successful in recording a hiccup free file that I was satisfied with. That being said, I was only recording a files of a 2-3 minutes so restarting wasn't as painful as restarting a 15min video. The more basic Web2.0 tools don't give you the ability to pick up from where you want to fix a given hiccup and also limit the video's length. Those of you looking to record long videos may want to research more feature rich screencasting or podcasting software/tools and will definitely want to script/rehearse before pressing record.
These creative tools are, in my opinion, PLE must haves because they will allow you to diversify your content, reach a broader audience and take full advantage of what Web2.0 technologies and the internet itself, have to offer. When it comes to protecting your work, I couldn't believe how easy it is to add Creative Commons license on content by using their quick tool available here.
Keeping up with tradition, I share with you a tool I discovered through my PLN. SummarizeThis, as self-explanatory tittle indicates, is a tool that quickly and concisely summarizes anything you cut and paste into the site's text box. Not only can this help you cut down on your reading time but as a learner can help you get a great ideal of what certain articles are about in order to determine if they will benefit your research or not. In a world where more information is available than what is humanly possible to sort through, I see this as a very valuable time saving tool.
How do you feel about screencasting and podcasting tools? Have you used them? Do you simply prefer plain old text? Share/comment below.
Mat
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