Screencast

 I had never heard of or used a screencast before I started my master's degree. My instructors were using a screencast to introduce the course to us and explain how to complete assignments.  A screencast is a video that is made that shows the viewer the screen that the creator is looking at while also narrating. The video does not only have to consist of the computer screen. Users can also turn on their webcam, so their audience can actually see them as they speak through the video. I was handed a curveball last year in March when I had to learn how to use a screencast due to COVID-19. I remember freaking out and wondering how I was going to teach online, and then I remember that my professors do this all the time using screencasts.  I have found that screencast videos are a great way for people to share instructional videos with others and it delivers step-by-step instructions to their students without physically being in the same room. 

I  decided to compare three screencasts since I have personally worked with two out of the three. Screencastify, Screencast-o-Matic, and Jing. 

Screencasify was the first screencast that I worked with because it was one that a professor was using. I thought it looked easy to use. It was very easy to work with. Users just need to make an account and download the Google Chrome extension for it. I like it because since I am always signed into my Google account, all of my screencasts automatically upload to my Google Drive. There are other download options available as well, such as YouTube, email, and embed a code. The only thing that I do not enjoy about the free version of screencastify is that it only allows you to record five minutes. You can upgrade to an unlimited package for $49 a year that allows an unlimited amount of minutes to record and unlimited edits. You can make all sorts of videos using screencastify such as: how to login to the online OPAC, how to send an email, how to check-in and out books online, and how to show students to login to clever using their clever badge. 

Here is a screencastify that I made at the beginning of the year to show teachers how to login to our school's OPAC Destiny. 

Screencast-o-Matic is another handy tool to have in your toolbox for virtual learning. It offers three different versions a free version, a deluxe version, and a premier version. For the free version, you can record up to fifteen minutes. You can also fix the width of the screen you want to record. You are able to upload your Screencast-o-Matic video to YouTube or download it as a file. You also have the option to add closed captions and/or music. If you are looking for more features, you can pay for the deluxe version, which is $1.65 a month, or the premier version, which is $4.00 a month, and both of those options give you more features greenscreen filters, editing options, and sound effects. Screencast-o-Matic can be used to show teachers and students how to login to their email accounts, how to search for books on the online OPAC, and how to login to Schoology. 

Here is a screencast-o-Matic that I made to show my campus how to access Ebooks using the online OPAC Destiny. 

Jing is a screencast that I have not heard of. When I first typed Jing into the URL, I was a little confused because TechSmith Capture popped up but then I noticed it had Jing in parenthesis. Jing has a free option, download videos, help/tips offered on-page, menus pop up when working on recording, record-audio, cursor, screen full area, or region. It also offers a pro version you have the option to pay monthly or yearly. It will be $9.99 a month and $99.99 a year. I didn't like that you have to download this onto your computer especially since it is a work computer. Once, I downloaded I was able to open the app to record. I struggled to find information about how long it records for. It was a little different than screencastify and screen-o-Matic. Once I recorded my video it saved it on the application "cloud" and I can share it with the link given. "Jing" can be used to record screencast on how to send emails, share a document, and teach students how to login to their computers.

Here is the "Jing" Tech Smith screencast I made about how to login to our school's OPAC. 

Click Here to Watch my "Jing" Screencast

Here are some great ideas of how you can use screencasting in the library and in classrooms:

• How to login to the online catalog (OPAC)
• How to find research databases
• How to check-in and out books online
• How to use our learning links
• How to send an Email
• How to share a document
• Go over math problems
• Modeling reading strategies
• How to login to Schoology
• How to upload things into Schoology

AND THE WINNING SCREENCAST IS........

Screencast-o-Matic!! Screencast-o-Matic was simple and easy to use! I loved how it gave me fifteen minutes to record my content. I didn't feel rushed and have to worry about time. It also allows the students to see what the teacher is doing on their screen, they can hear/see the teacher, and the students can follow along on their own screen too. If you want to upgrade to the deluxe version it is not expensive at all $1.65 is something that I can afford if the time comes to change from the free versions to the deluxe version.