This document provides an overview of screencasting and cloud-based screencasting applications. It defines screencasting as the digital recording of computer screen output along with audio narration. Cloud computing is defined as using internet-based applications instead of locally installed software. The document discusses benefits of screencasts such as ease of use, sharing, and viewing. It also reviews features of the screencasting applications Screenr and Screencast-O-Matic which allow creating and storing screencasts in the cloud. Best practices for recording screencasts are also presented.

1. Screencasting
in the Cloud
Caroline Conlon, eLearning Design Coordinator
Faculty Development & Instructional Design Center

2. Workshop Objectives
• Define Screencasting
• Define “in the cloud”
• Explore variety of applications for screencasts in
higher education
• Understand technical requirements for
recording, publishing, storing, and sharing
• Understand and implement “best practices” into
your recordings
• Record and share!

3. Screencasting Definitions

4. Screencasting Definitions
1. “A screencast is a digital recording of computer
screen output, also known as a video screen
capture, often containing audio narration...”
2. “…videos that record the actions that take place
on the computer screen, most often including a
narrative audio track, in order to demonstrate
various computer-related tasks, such as how to
use a software program or navigate to a certain
Web site…”
2. Kroski, A. (2009). That's infotainment!: how to create your own screencasts.
School Library Journal, Retrieved from
1. screencast. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screencast http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6632973.html

5. Uses of Screencasts
• Guided website tours Other Uses?
• Guided software
/database training
• Providing feedback
to students
• Student created
• Lesson starters or
extensions

6. Uses for Screencasts

7. Uses for Screencasts

8. Benefits of Screencasts
Ease of use
 Several applications are free
 Can be as simple as pressing the “record” button
 Does not have to take any production time
Ease of sharing
 Stored in the cloud
 Embed into Blackboard (no effect on course quota)
 Link emailed
Ease of viewing
 Watch when convenient
 Watch as often as needed
 Player controls

9. Benefits of Screencasts
Other Benefits?

10. “Cloud” Computing Definitions
1. “…a technology that uses the internet and
central remote servers to maintain data and
applications. Cloud computing allows
consumers and businesses to use applications
without installation and access their personal
files at any computer with internet access…”
2. “…the delivery of computing as a service
rather than a product…”
1. Cloud computing. (n.d.). Retrieved from 2. Cloud computing. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.wikinvest.com/concept/Cloud_Computing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing

11. Screencasting + The Cloud
Equates to:
The ability to create a screencast from an
application that does not require a download
Applications are free
Applications have little learning curve
End product (i.e. recording) is stored remotely
End product is typically viewable to anyone
Geared toward short, focused tutorials
No user interactivity

13. Screencasting + The Cloud
Two well-known applications
http://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cXhbbqb9C

14. Screencasting + The Cloud
Features Screenr SOM Jing
Record time 5 minutes 15 minutes 5 minutes
File format mp4 mp4, avi, flv swf
Editable No Yes (pro version) Yes (pro version)
Captionable No Yes (pro version) No
Highlighted cursor No Yes No
Watermark Yes Yes Yes
Openly Searchable Yes* No No
High Definition Yes Yes Yes
Unique Feature(s) Integrated Pro version Pro version
w/Twitter & $12/year $14/year (also
Facebook integrates w/FB&T

15. Technical Stuff
What you will need to record, publish, & store:
 USB headset (approximately $30)
 Latest version of Java Plug-in w/preferred browser
 High-speed Internet connection
 Account w/Screenr or SOM (or
Google, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Yahoo for Screenr)
What you will need to share
 Embed code
 URL
 If hosting on YouTube, integrates w/ Blackboard via Mashup

16. Best Practices
 Clean up your browser and close applications before
recording
 If recording more than one screencast, try to be
consistent with dimensions and settings
 Don’t record full screen
 Write a script
 Avoid “umms” and “ahhs” (hard without script!)
 Test your microphone / audio settings
 Speak slowly and enunciate
 USB microphones will provide the best audio for
playback

17. Let’s Go!
1. Go to www.screenr.com
2. Log in to Screenr using your guest username and passwords, selecting the
Google option
3. Choose your script or topic:
• Guided Blackboard course tour (no script)
• Instructional video I – how to change your desktop background
• Instructional video II – how to reply to a Blackboard discussion board
thread
• Topic of your choice
4. Review script and corresponding actions or practice your own tutorial
5. Test your microphone and adjust audio
6. Do a “testing 1, 2, 3” recording to be sure audio sounds good
7. Record! If you get stuck, you can pause or delete. Once you delete, you
must start over.
8. STOP - we will go through the publishing and sharing process together

18. Evaluation
Please complete the evaluation for today’s session at:
http://bit.ly/11292011
We value your feedback!