1. Screencasting 101
2012 Summer Tech University

2. Download Screencast-o-Matic
• Great site: www.screencastomatic.com
• Download the desktop tool:
1. Click on
“New
Updates”
2. Go to the
download
page

3. Download Screencast-o-Matic
• Install Screencast-o-matic:
• Once installed, right click on the icon & select “Pin to Start
Menu” and/or “Pin to Task Bar”

4. Create a Screencast
• Click on the SOM icon
• Click “Use Free Version”
• Set recording area by sizing the window
• Open the appropriate website or software application. (If you
are using your pen, swivel the screen before you begin)
• When you are ready, click the red record button at the bottom
left of the recording area window
• The application will countdown 3-2-1, and then just begin!
To Pause click the button or Alt+P, if you need to consult
notes etc…
• Once you are done, click the stop button… Simple as that!

5. Share a Screencast
• Save your screencast as a Windows Media file (.avi) or upload to
YouTube
• Most content managers (blogs or Moodle, etc…) allow you to
upload video saved on your computer. Be sure to save your
screencast in a place where you can find it. I suggest in
“Libraries”, under “Videos”
• If you save to YouTube, you can create a channel for your students
to access. YouTube will also generate HTML code to allow you to
publish and share on other websites if uploading video isn’t allowed
• You can also email these screencasts if they are small enough

6. Tips for Effective Screencasts
• Keep them short… under a minute is ideal, under two
minutes is more realistic. Students will lose interest over
three minutes!
• Practice makes perfect! Script it if you have to.
• Open all applications before you begin to improve efficiency.
• Use an inline microphone for improved voice recording (ex:
iPhone headphones, or headphones w/attached microphone

7. Why Use Screencasts?
• Give instructions and eliminate repeating yourself!
• Create tutorials for students who were absent
• Test review of confusing topics for studying students
• Have students learn how to do this on their machines… have
THEM create the topic reviews for their peers
• Use this method to test student understanding of difficult concepts.
Have them talk it out and listen to their reasoning. Submit for a
grade.
• Student-led conferences, or examples for parents