A screencast is a digital recording of computer screen activity, often including audio narration and sometimes webcam video. It allows for creating instructional videos that can enrich online learning materials. While screencasts provide an accessible way to create multimedia content, they require preparation, technical skills, and time to produce quality recordings. Effective screencasts are short, focused on key points, and make use of editing to support the narration. Proper audio, lighting, and environment are important for a professional finished product.

1. ScreencastingAVLM 2011Bas Bergervoet & Stijn van Laer

2. What is a screencast?A screencast is a digital recording of the computer screen, also known as video screen capture, often including audio and sometimes including webcam video.

3. (Dis)AdvantagesA real DIY instrumentAn easy and accessible way of enriching learning materials with multimedia contentIt enables distance learningStudent-centered in a certain way (student decides when/where)Online video can create access for non-regular student groupsOnline video enables possibilities of re-use.A (small) learning curveICT knowledgeApplication of the mediumA good screencast needs preparation and takes time to create.Good hardware is necessary (good computer, microphone, webcam)There’s a danger of ‘overstretching’ a screencast

4. Possible educational applications Offering instructional videos for ICT applicationsExplaining (parts of) softwareExplaining websites or web applications and their functionsTypical: screen recording + voice over audio.Creating “mini lectures”Giving a short instructionE.g. a complex assignment, a difficult word, (part of) a theory, etc, could be recorded so that students can repeatedly watch it and learn at their own pace.Giving/solving an assignmentE.g. teacher/student takes a certain position or defends a certain statement concerning a relevant theme in a courseTypical: Audio + image of teacher with additional slides/mindmaps/spreadsheets/websites/etc.

5. Online toolsAdvantages

6. Easy to use

7. Low learning curve

8. Flash based

9. Distribution to social networks like Facebook and/or videowebsites like YouTube and/or within product network.

10. Free versions available

11. Disadvantages

12. No or restricted editing options

13. Often public links

14. Only flash video output (no other formats)Installable toolsAdvantages

15. Easy to use

16. Robust

17. More options (editing, recording)