Fall+2014+Screencast-O-Matic+Module+Page

What is Screencast-O-Matic ?

Screencast-O-Matic is a very useful cool tool. It is a screen-recording software. If you want to introduce other cool tools, you can use Screencast-O-Matic to make a video to show how it works. If you are a teacher, you can use screencasts to make a video of what you are going to discuss and then put the video on Internet. Your students can watch your class at home so this tool is very useful. Screencast-O-Matic has both free and paid features, but the following screenshots show steps for using the free version.

1. Open the website [|__http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/__]



2.Click login. 3. If you don’t have an account, fill out the information on the Register Column, and click Register.

4. Click Start Recording. 5. Click the Fullscreen button, here we chose Full HD button as an example. You can also click and drag the corners to change the size of the dotted rectangle.



6. Click the webcam button, select integrated camera.

7. You can drag your head portrait anywhere.



8. Here we chose to turn my head portrait off and minimize the desktop.

9. Click the button with the red circle to begin recording whatever is inside the dotted rectangle.



10. When you finish recording, click the Done Button.

If you click the green triangle, you can view the quality of what you recorded. If you are satisfied with the video, you have three choices. You can Publish to Screencast-o-Matic, YouTube, or just save it on your computer. If you choose “Done with this recording,” you will delete the video.

What are the benefits of Screencast-O-Matic ?
 * Has free and paid options
 * Has option to audio record
 * Provides a direct view of computer screen from user perspective
 * Can be embedded in webpages
 * Allows students to work at own their own paces when viewing lectures
 * Can be used to "flip" classes and pre-record lessons

Here is an Example of a Screencast-O-Matic we created.

This video is a bit longer than best practices recommend to ensure that steps are explained clearly for those do not speak English as a first/native language. It also includes information about the Pro version of Screencast-O-Matic whereas our introduction information is about the free version only.

media type="youtube" key="8_sEgj6Eee0" width="560" height="315"

Screencast-o-Matic Activity

1. Visit the Screencast-O-Matic website and click Start Recording. // You do not need an account to do this, but may receive an error message about Java. You have the option of either downloading Java or downloading the Screencast-O-Matic app. // 2. Using the tool, create a 30-second to 1 minute screencast of a) or b) below. 3. Share the video to YouTube using the account of your choice (preferably NCSU). 4. Copy and paste the link to your YouTube video in the Google spreadsheet.
 * a) a brief explanation of an educational website you use with your students or
 * b) a set of instructions or steps that would best be demonstrated by screencast if shared with others online.

How can I use Screencast-o-Matic in my classroom? **Student Examples**
 * Show work to teachers for process checking or review
 * Share screencasts with other students to explain how they worked through a problem/provide peer feedback
 * Demonstrate technical issues with online activities for teacher clarity
 * Reflect on projects created online as part of an assignment

**Teacher Examples**
 * Demonstrate for students how to use websites and online tools
 * Provide orientation to students in an online course
 * Exemplify students' work expectations for assignments
 * Provide personalized feedback for students' electronic work

For details about the use of educational screencasting in general: Educause- Screencasting to Engage Learning

http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=9564 http://iteachu.uaf.edu/grow-skills/screencasting/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screencast http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/using-screencasting-to-engage-and-build-community-with-online-learners/
 * References:**