This document discusses screencasting, which is the digital recording of activity on a computer or device screen. Screencasts can include screen activity, webcam activity, narration, music, and other edits. They are used widely in business, education, training, and other contexts to demonstrate processes. The document recommends ActivePresenter as free screencasting software that allows editing and exporting in multiple formats compatible with platforms like Moodle. It provides tips on planning, file sizes, and choosing software compatible with the intended publishing platform.

1. Zuleika Winfrey
CA420
2017

2. What is screencasting?
• Screencasting is the digital recording of activity
on a computer, laptop or other device screen.
• This may include screen activity, webcam
activity or both.
• Once recording of the screen activity is
complete, the screencast may be saved as a video
file, distributed to users, or shared online.

3. What is screencasting?
• Screencasts may also include the author’s voice
or narration plus background music, sound
effects, subtitles and other edits to achieve its
purpose.
• Some screencast software also have the ability to
add activities for users at the end of the video.
• This is then exported as a SCORM package
which may be published online.

4. Uses
• Screencasting is used in a wide variety of
contexts.
• This may include business, advertizing, media,
education, IT, training, live seminars,
presentations, etc.
• Screencasting is especially useful in
demonstrating step-by-step processes in a
software environment.

5. Uses
• Software developers use screencasts to
demonstrate how to use their technologies.
• Teachers use screencasts to demonstrate how to
use particular software programs such as Adobe
InDesign, Adobe Audition, Audacity, Premier
Pro, Final Cut Pro, Joomla!, WordPress etc…
• Presenters also use screencasts to inform
audiences who are unable to attend live
seminars.

6. • Screencasts save a lot of time for trainers who
are responsible for making sure that individuals
are competent in using specific technologies.
• For example, here at DWU, the online learning
centre facilitates Moodle training for lecturers
across all faculties.
• The centre is responsible for ensuring that
training materials are always updated.
• Since DWU’s upgrade to Moodle version 3.0 in
October 2015, we use 38 official Moodle
screencasts to train DWU lecturers.
• Lecturers can watch and replay the video
tutorials at their own learning pace.

7. Screencast tools
• There are countless screencast tools that are
available.
• Some tools are payable while others are open
source.
• You are required to select a screencast software
to complete assessable tasks.
• It is important to do some research before
choosing a particular software.

8. Tips
• There are many excellent open source tools
online.
• Always find out if a screencast software comes
with in-built editing features.
• Software programs have versions for different
operating systems so make sure you install a
screencast tool that is compatible with your
machine.

9. • Some screencast tools come with lots of
background music and sound effects.
• Use subtitles if voice narration is not your thing.
• Planning and preparation is key. You can’t just
go ahead and record stuff.
• When screencasting, keep in mind file sizes,
duration timings and publishing platforms.
• For example, for DWU lecturers, we are always
cautious of Moodle’s 25MB file upload size.
• If your screencasts are larger than what’s
allowed on your publishing platform, link
audiences to the cloud.

10. Examples
• ActivePresenter
• Open Broadcaster Software
• Icecream
• CamStudio
• Jing
• Screen-o-matic
• EZVid
• Camtamsia
• VLC

11. Recommended screencast software:
• ActivePresenter
• Free
• In-built editing
• No watermark
• User-friendly
• Supports PPT import & SCORM export
• Multiple publishing formats
• Compatible with Moodle

12. Questions
Do you have any questions? Ask here!