Screencasting

Quick, let’s share!

Got a minute? That’s how long it takes to set up Screencastify if the Chrome web browser is installed on your computer. As an instructor, you are the content expert. Sometimes it is hard to explain a concept. If you could just show your students what you mean it would be so easy! Using Screencastify is one more way you can do that. Also, If you want your students to show you what they mean, or demonstrate that they can do a series of tasks this is a great choice.

Create screencasts for items you are routinely asked to repeat in your face-to-face classes or requests you receive via email “how do I…?’ from students, co-workers, family members, etc.

Get started

1 Open Chrome; go to https://www.screencastify.com/

2 Install Screencastify

By adding this app you allow Screencastify to do four things: “Read and change all your data on the websites you visit; Capture content of your screen; Communicate with cooperating websites; Know your email address.’ Since the second item was why I was installing it, that made sense. I like uploading to YouTube so the third item made sense. It’s okay for an app knowing my work email, but the first item caused me concern. Why does an app want access to the data on the websites I visit?

Reading the Lifehacker post “Why do Chrome extensions need to access all my data’ (https://goo.gl/VjuNB) helped, but you need to decide which apps you choose to use.

Last steps!

3 Decide where you want to store your recordings: on Google Drive or on your device?

If you choose Google Drive, you will need to click “Grant Permission.’

4 Set up your camera—that’s a click of a button.

Image 1 (above) is where you find and launch the tool. If you check “Embed webcam’ your product will show you in a small window in one of four areas. (Image 2, below)

Screencastify works with Chrome on desktop, laptop, Chromebooks, and Chromeboxes. It does not work on iPads. You can use this tool to capture your interaction with any web page using the Chrome web browser; you can also capture the output from your microphone and camera. If you need additional features try Camtasia (UAF License https://goo.gl/3oHYr4) or Screencast-O-Matic (https://screencast-o-matic.com/).

More information: Teaching Tip: Screencasting