What are screencasts?

A screencast is a video, created with special software, that shows what is going on on the maker’s display. The viewer can basically look over the maker’s shoulder. Usually, a voice-over provides an explanation.

How do they work?

You use screencast software to record your computer screen, for instance while explaining how a student can do something in a certain software tool. While you are doing the actions, you use a microphone to tell students what you are doing and why. For an overview of available screencast software, Click here.

You can then also include this video in Canvas (link naar Embedding videoclips from Mediasite in Canvas).

Another option is to use screencast software when you are using smartboard software on your computer, laptop or tablet. You can then write or draw something and use the screencast software to make a pencast. Would you like to know more about pencasts? Click here.

Why would I want to use screencasts?

Do any or several of the following points apply? Then screencasts may be an interesting solution for you!

• I want to take students with me on every step of an action or thought process
• I want students to be able to watch ‘over my shoulder’
• I want to teach about for instance a software program
• I want to allow students to learn whenever and wherever they want to
• I want to find more time to actively engage with my students
• I want students to be able to review my explanations as often as they want to
• I want my students to be able to study the explanation at their own pace

How to I effectively employ screencasts?

Of course, you want your screencasts to help you achieve your goal. In this document (KLIK) you find a checklist with the steps for designing a screencast. This document is made so you as a teacher can produce a screencast on your own as much as possible.