This week we're going to try using a tool that allows you to capture your voice and your screen actions in a real-time video. Typically, these are called screencasts. Screencasts are what I make when I want to show staff how do something for F1 Tuesdays. I use a product called Jing, but it requires a download and frequently updates, so it's not available for general staff use. Nonetheless, many staff members see the potential for screencasting so I've been on the lookout for a tool that staff could use. Seek and ye shall find! ScreenToaster is a free online screencasting tool. You simply create an account and record. Then, upload your video to ScreenToaster (or YouTube, if you'd like) and share the link with your students or embed the video on your blog.
This week, I want you to do just that--go to ScreenToaster, create an account, and make a sample screencast. I'm not going to give you a lot of direction here because the beauty of Web 2.0 tools is that they are intended to be used without a formal training. However, sometimes there are glitches--it is free after all--but I didn't find anything significant. (One hint, though: the default is no audio recording, so you'll need to enable this before you record.) If you get stuck, use the help and demos they provide to help you. One thing, however, you many need to adjust your microphone settings on your laptop before you being. This little screencast (which I made using ScreenToaster, by the way) shows you how.
Once you're done, come back here and do three things:
Provide the URL to your screencast. (Don't worry, we're not going to grade you.)
Suggest a way that this tool could help improve student learning in your classroom. Think beyond teacher use. If your students are over 13 and have the permission of a parent, they can use ScreenToaster to create screencasts, too.
Report on your experience using ScreenToaster. How did your "figuring it out on your own" go? Any advice/insight for people new to screencasting?
