Screencasting is the recording of actions made on a computer screen to illustrate help for users of the same technology. Screencasting is basically the making of a video to help viewers deal with certain issues. When people have problems with apps/ bugs, they can simply look at screencasts to help them work around the issue. Screencasts don't even necessarily have to be about issues with technology, they can be on just how to use apps in general. For example, I recently created a Book Creator Tutorial which was a screencast on how to quickly figure out how to use Book Creator (an app that digitally creates books). I did this so that Burlington High School students who uploaded Book Creator did not have to figure out for themselves how to use the app. Screencasting can save poeple tons of time trying to figure things out for themselves, when they could just be looking at a ten minute screencast and getting to know the issue/ app inside out.
To make screencasts you need some technology device that allows you to download the following software. According to Digital Trends, the best software to download for screencasting would be, Jing, Screencast-O-Matic, and Camstudio. All of these are free and are said to be the best screencasting softwares that allow you to upload your screencasts straight to Youtube. The article states that it is also in the users best interest to delete all desktop files so that no files are being shown during the screencast, this simply makes it look more professional. A high quality screencast has a clear voice and projects the full screen of their device in the screencast. Although it is nearly impossible to do a perfect screencast with a clear voice, keep it smooth and just keep going if you mess up, nobody's perfect. A screencast also looks nice if it gives a brief introduction to what the topic of the screencast is going to be on before the video. According to Webdev Studios, screencasts are better when planned out and thought about before. So, before doing your next screencast, make sure you prep a little bit and do a couple tests runs to make sure you are prepared.
What will I do to ensure my screencasts are in the best quality possible? I first will prepare by looking into my subject which I will be screencasting. I like to see what I am going to show/say first before doing the real thing. Next, I make sure my voice is clear and try to sound like I have a personality. If the viewer feels like you have a personality and not just reading off a piece of paper, the better. Moving at a smooth pace is essential when making a screencast. I like to make sure I am not going too fast where the viewer questions what just happened. Make sure the video is not too long. If it is too long viewers may lose interest and seek another way to find the information they are looking for. Lastly, I make sure I state my name and how to contact me at the very end of the screencast. This is a good way to let viewers know how to contact you with any questions or concerns.
Below is a high quality example of what I believe all screencasts should be like...
To make screencasts you need some technology device that allows you to download the following software. According to Digital Trends, the best software to download for screencasting would be, Jing, Screencast-O-Matic, and Camstudio. All of these are free and are said to be the best screencasting softwares that allow you to upload your screencasts straight to Youtube. The article states that it is also in the users best interest to delete all desktop files so that no files are being shown during the screencast, this simply makes it look more professional. A high quality screencast has a clear voice and projects the full screen of their device in the screencast. Although it is nearly impossible to do a perfect screencast with a clear voice, keep it smooth and just keep going if you mess up, nobody's perfect. A screencast also looks nice if it gives a brief introduction to what the topic of the screencast is going to be on before the video. According to Webdev Studios, screencasts are better when planned out and thought about before. So, before doing your next screencast, make sure you prep a little bit and do a couple tests runs to make sure you are prepared.
What will I do to ensure my screencasts are in the best quality possible? I first will prepare by looking into my subject which I will be screencasting. I like to see what I am going to show/say first before doing the real thing. Next, I make sure my voice is clear and try to sound like I have a personality. If the viewer feels like you have a personality and not just reading off a piece of paper, the better. Moving at a smooth pace is essential when making a screencast. I like to make sure I am not going too fast where the viewer questions what just happened. Make sure the video is not too long. If it is too long viewers may lose interest and seek another way to find the information they are looking for. Lastly, I make sure I state my name and how to contact me at the very end of the screencast. This is a good way to let viewers know how to contact you with any questions or concerns.
Below is a high quality example of what I believe all screencasts should be like...
This is a great example of what a screencast should be because he right away gets right to what app he will be explaining and what the app can do for users. He then shows you the app and what the icon looks like and right away goes into explaining the app. He has a clear voice and takes meaningful pauses so that his pace is not too fast. He touches upon every little aspect of Notability and even explains how to import and export items. The basics of his screencast were very nice and the only thing that I would have added was the name and conact information at the end of the screencast.