Screencastify
Screencastify
Name of Tool | Website URL | Cost | Download or Web-based | 1 sentence description of the tool |
Screencastify | Free | Web-based | 10 minute screen capture video with audio (watermarked) | |
Screencastify Subscription | $2/month | Web-based | Screen capture video with audio, unlimited time |
Description of the Tool
Screencastify is a tool that allows the user to record a video of the browser or desktop with audio either user narration or computer system. It is a Chrome browser extension that will allow users to record their screen. The user can make a high-quality video to show what they are doing on the screen and simultaneously record an audio track or opt to utilize the computer system audio. This one-click tool can be used in many different methods, such as creating video tutorials, presentations, guides, discussions or lectures.
How to Use This Tool
First time users will need to follow four steps to initially setup Screencastify (Screencastify, 2018).
Steps to Initial Installation
First Step: Install Screencastify Extension
Using Google Chrome go to the Screencastify website: www.Screencastify.com
Click the bright blue “Add to Chrome” button.
Add extension. Begin download.
Figure 1.1 Installing Screencastify. This figure displays the first steps to installing the web extension Screencastify (Screencastify, 2017).
Figure 1.2 Adding Extension. This figure illustrates the final step of installation (Screencastify, 2017).
Figure 1.3 Successful installation of Screencastify. This figure illustrates the access point to the web extension (Screencastify, 2017).
Second Step: Set up your Webcam and Microphone
Third Step: Connect Google Drive to Screencastify
Fourth Step: Navigate the Screencastify Extension
Once the tool has initially been installed, connected to the webcam, microphone, and Google Drive, it is time to begin navigation of the Chrome extension. Select the film strip in the upper right of the screen as shown in Figure 1.3. There are three screen options: browser tab, desktop or webcam only. You may embed the webcam into the browser tab or desktop options, as well. Once, you know what type of screen you would like to capture, you may select audio. There are two audio options: narration via a microphone or within the browser via system audio. The user will now be prepared and ready to click “Record” and a three-second countdown will start prior to screen capture video. If utilizing the free version, the user has 10 minutes of recording time. Once completed, the user can save the file and share through various methods including Google Drive, YouTube, or Google Classroom. Review “How to Use Screencastify” under the Training and other Resources section.
The video can be personalized using four polishing tools: focus mouse, draw with pen, embed webcam and crop/trim. The focus mouse adds an area of highlight to the screen, while the draw with pen allows the user to write directly on screen. Embedding the webcam allows the user the opportunity to connect with the audience. The crop/trim tool allows for further edits by cutting out any unnecessary section.
How Can This Tool be Used by the Trainer/Teacher?
Screencastify can be used by the trainer in countless ways. This multimedia is easy to use, and helps to provide dynamic and engaging content for learners (Ruffini, 2012). One theory of multimedia learning implies states that presentations animated with corresponding audio, moving picture and sound provide a more effective learning experience than that of a more traditional alternative of still images with descriptive text (Mayer, 2001). Screencasts are an effective instructional tool that can be formatted to be used for several teaching-learning activities in the classroom or on-line including:
Flipped classroom: Students watch the screencast video to learn the content
Training videos: learning new software, orient to new product
Product reviews
Tutorials
Individualized feedback: Example-Grading a paper. Provide live video feedback to the paper, while highlighting or making annotations.
Read Exams: Meet IEP/504 requirements, provides ability to start, stop or repeat exam questions
Professional development
Record activity prompts
Leave messages for a substitute teacher or the students
Send parents video messages or instructions
Lecture/Lesson
Lesson Recap-study aids
How Can This Tool be Used by the Trainer/Teacher to Support Student Learning?
Screencasts provide the opportunity to provide a student-centered and engaging learning experience in either distance or traditional learning settings (Ruffini, 2012). Educators have the ability to create their own individualized screencast to support their lesson objectives, goals, assessment practices and standards. This tool also supports students learning because it optimizes the learners time. Screencastify Premium allows for editing, which can reduce any unwanted sections, redesign lesson flow, or eliminate waste. The video presentation can be crafted to present the necessary and easy to follow information to maximize efficiency.
Screencasting can be used by the teacher to support student learning because this tool allows students to engage in self-study. Students become more proactive as the learning is completed at their own pace and available 24/7 (Nguyen, 2017). Students that may be ready for additional content can also use recorded screencasts to extend their learning. Alternatively screencasts can be used to remediate by allowing an opportunity to gain more instruction.
How Can This Tool be Used by Students?
Students can also use screencasting in multiple ways. One of the many benefits of screencasting for students is the ability to have control over the lesson. The student can navigate a screencast at their own pace by starting, stopping, or reviewing any of the material. Screencasts can be viewed anywhere and at anytime (Ruffini, 2012). Screencastify should be a viable option for students to use in the classroom setting. It can be used in a face-to-face classroom, a blended classroom, or a virtual classroom. Screencastify allows the students thoughts to transform into an interactive learning environment. It allows students the ability to capture and share ideas instantly. Ways Screencastify can be used by students include:
Narrating PowerPoints
Digital presentations
Record reflections of their own work
Explain concepts
Share opinions or stories
Video introductions
Record science experiments
Practice a speech
An example of how a student might use Screencastify in the classroom to adapt to the old age book report assignment. Instead of asking the student to read and write a report, the student could utilize Screencastify to share their thoughts via video. After each chapter the student may record short videos and even highlight important topics or elements of the text on-screen. A simple book report turns into an engaging learning experience as the student analyzes the final product. The teacher easily assesses formative and summative student learning.
Training and Other Resources
The following links may be helpful for the new user to embark on the educational journey of screencasting.
14 ways to Use Screencastify in the Classroom:
Reference list of teaching-learning activities: newscast, interview, presentations, instructional videos, and more.
How to Use Screencastify
Screencastify Blog
Users collaborate together and the Screencastify team monitors and offers input as well to discuss: new features, benefits of use, and student use.
Screencastify Help and Learning
Includes User Guide, Troubleshooting, Frequently Asked Questions
Screencasting for Educators
Screencasting for educators provides an overview of this technology. How to create and prepare to record a screencast. Provides examples. Also provides a valuable list of tools to use for preparation, rubrics, and a screencasting handbook. (http://thescreencastinghandbook.com/)
References
Mayer, R. (2001). Multimedia Learning. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Miller, M. (2016). Ditch that textbook. 14 ways to create a great classroom video with Screencastify. Retrieved from http://ditchthattextbook.com/2016/09/22/14-ways-to- create-great-classroom-video-with-screencastify/
Nguyen, V. A. (2017). Benefits of screencasting for teachers and students. Atomi. Retrieved from https://atomisystems.com/screencasting/benefits-screencasting-for-teachers-and- students/
Ruffini, M. (2012). Screencasting to engage learning. Educause. Retrieved from https://er.educause.edu/articles/2012/11/screencasting-to-engage-learning
Screencastify. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.screencastify.com/
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