Screencasting & Podcasting

Retrieved from: http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/heres-a-simple-screencasting-tip-that-will-save-time-and-frustration-2/

You've probably seen videos on the internet before where someone is showing viewers how to perform a computer task as you watch him do it on his own computer.  How is that done you wonder? Unlike what the above image suggests, they aren't done by filming your computer screen, at least not anymore.  Screencasting is the term used when one uses software or Web 2.0 tools to share what they are doing on a computer. This allows you to record what you are doing while narrating your actions.  It's a fantastic way to create how too videos for example. When it comes to education, it is a great way to create an online lesson where, for example, you record your lecture while following along to a  slideshow from your computer and post it for your learners to access online.  This is not only great for web-based courses but also a good alternative if you can't give your learners the usual classroom lecture on a given day.

Below is a quick example of one that I created in a few minutes using Screenr but many other options exist, I simply chose Screenr because it supports embedding.  What follows is a quick guide on Blogger comment moderation (best viewed full screen).



Another great mean of sharing ideals online is podcasting, which is basically a voice recording of your own thoughts and ideals or can take the form of an interaction between multiple people.  In the latter example they can almost seem like a recorded version of a show you would listen on talk radio.

There are again many options available to record audio but in the spirit of using Web2.0 tools I've chosen to use Soundcloud because it is available online and also makes embedding possible and easy.

Here is a quick example I made while discussing the use of technology and cheating in an online learning environment.




I really wanted to explore both mediums here because I strongly believe that in today's digital age, you have to use all the tools at your disposal to convey your knowledge, message, information.  Computers and the internet now allows almost anyone who wants too, the means to broadcast themselves in ways that reach far beyond simple text.  Younger generations who weren't brought up to rely almost solely on reading text in books are more likely to turn to alternatives information consumption methods like video (screencasting) or audio (podcasting).  I order to increase your digital footprint and keep up with the times, so to speak, I would strongly suggest that you explore these methods in order to reach a broader audience, diversify your mediums and engage them in ways that are, not only more appealing to them,  but also more personal.

Good luck exploring these mediums and as always, post your ideals, thoughts or comments below.


matedublog is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.