Screencast

A how-to guide for adding an app to Google Drive

Kreitzer - ScreenCast - PixlrToDrive.mp4

How & why the Screencast was created

Screencasts, and how-to videos in general, are a great way to share repeatable processes so that users can view and follow the steps outlined to complete a task. The ability to pause, replay, and revisit the video when it is convenient for the user, is a key benefit of this learning medium. The screencast presented here was created to teach a user how to "Connect" an app to Google Drive, in this case the photo editor used in my classes, Pixlr Express. To develop the screencast on my Mac, I used the built-in QuickTime Player. This application has screen capture capabilities with audio. By connecting an external microphone for quality, I recorded the segment all in one file, restarting takes as necessary. I then imported the full raw footage into iMovie, selected the best takes, and trimmed away the rest. Next I added some title slides and transitions to complete the product. The video was exported at 720p (approx. 250mb) and stored in Google Drive for easy sharing.

How is Screencasting used

As mentioned above, any how-to video gives the learner the freedom to try a new process independently and at their own pace. Screencasts are particularly helpful when teaching sequential tasks, particularly when it comes to technology use. However, they can also be used for lectures and presentations when video of the speaker is not needed. These types of videos can be used effectively for remedial instruction, independent instruction, and flipped classroom environments. The screencast shown above is provided in a shared Google Drive folder for access by students and teachers. While I usually review this task in person initially, having a video backup of the process is helpful for students who were absent or who may want to follow the steps to add another app. This video is also shared with other teachers who plan to use it in their classes.

How does it enhance learning

Screencasts are shareable videos where a learner can control the pace of their learning as well as, often, the time and place of learning. Well designed screencasts are scripted which help to eliminate unnecessary words (e.g. "um", "uh") and can be revised and edited to be clear and concise, thus reducing auditory or other classroom distractions that may interrupt a live demonstration, presentation, or lecture.

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