This week I'm writing as a follow-up to last week's topic. One of the remote and hybrid learning tips I shared was to use screencasting. Screencasting is the word used to describe when someone makes a "screen recording". Screencasting records a video of what is being displayed on the computer screen and usually includes audio of the person speaking or the sound playing from the computer.
Here is a screencast I made when remote learning started last March and people needed quick help with Zoom. Start one of the videos and you'll see a recording of my computer screen and hear me talking. You will not see me, which was my choice to make.
There are a lot of tools you could use to make recordings for your patrons. Are you wanting to post some simple help videos? Then try Screencast-o-matic or Screencastify. Both of these services are free at their base level. Please note: Screencastify is a Chrome extension. Once you record your videos you have the option to upload them to a variety of places, like YouTube.
As I mentioned last week, my tool of choice is Screencast-o-matic. I have used the free version for close to a decade now. One thing I like about using the free version of Screencast-o-matic is that is ensures I keep my videos in bite-size lengths. The free version allows up to 15 minutes of free recording and then it stops recording.
Some people like to record using tools they are more familiar with. It is possible to create screencasts with tools like Zoom or Google Meet. If you are using a school Zoom or Google account, be sure to check with your technology admin to ensure the correct settings are on that will allow you to record.
You can make short or long videos. But, do keep in mind the attention span of the students or adults you create the video for. If you look at the image from my Zoom playlist above, you'll see that my videos are 6:49, 9:11, and 5:59 minutes each. Sometimes it is easier for people to follow along with you when they see one piece at a time. For people who only need help on one part, they can quickly select the video piece they need assistance with.
There's lot of little tricks I've learned over my years of screencasting. If you're interested, I am hosting a free webinar on screencasting on October 4, 2020 at 4 PM CST. You can register here and I will send you a calendar invitation with a Zoom link.
Dr. Laura
Have you met Linda Martinez? She had some super cute ideas for decorating on a shoestring budget and a lot more great ideas to share with you! Linda firmly believes that librarians are teachers! Check out her interview here.
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