Screencasting to flip a classroom or show a how-to!

At some point we have ventured to Youtube or a Wiki to watch a video how-to of something. I just recently watched how to make a rain stick with a poster mailer. Easier than you might think!  Let's look at ways we can use screencasting programs to bring the explanation in a re-playable format!

The first site I used is called Screenr and is ran through the website so that nothing needs to be downloaded to your desktop. The down side is that you only have 5 minutes to record so you have to be to the point. In this screencast, I show how to look up a Creative Commons photo on Flickr.

Screencast-O-Matic is another free site that depending on your operating system can be ran through the website or downloaded to your desktop. There is a limit to how many you can save on the free version so I just choose to publish to my Youtube account. With Youtube, you have the choice to make a video private of publicly available. In this video I walk you through making a comic on ToonDoo.com 

Other options include Jing and the tablet app, Explain a Website  to check out.

So why make screencasts? They are easy and I am often surprised by how many things that a simple video makes that much easier to digest the information and understand. In terms of flipping the classroom, using a screen cast allows for recording of powerpoints, searching and researching as well as explaining while the student sees what is  on your screen. The power is in the student's hand because the student may pause, go back and review unlimited times for attainment of the concept.  The sites are free and worth a look and trial.

Thanks for being on the journey with me! Shine on friend!