Screencasting

Introduction to screencasting Links to an external site.

Top screencasting tips

• A great screencast often contains a variety of media to add depth and interest. These include:
  • Software captured in action
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Graphic lay-over elements added during editing
  • Titles
  • Additional audio, including sound effects and music
• A great screencast will almost never include bullet points!
• Use a script so you know how long your video will be and can plan what to include
• Rehearse your onscreen moves to get the timing right
• Rehearse your narration and/or presenting so that your screencast sounds lively and interesting
• Practise with your software so you know how you'll create and edit your final screencast.

For best results, it's a good idea to edit your screen-captured material as this will allow you to include things, like music and graphic elements, more easily. It will also allow you to perfect your timing.

We like the following screencast software but your mileage may vary:

Screencast-O-matic Links to an external site. (good free option and pro allows editing for a small annual subscription)

Camtasia Links to an external site. (the free trial is functional but export is watermarked. The full version is expensive but has an excellent set of features, especially for editing, and fantastic tutorials)