FTT - Free Screencasting

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Three "Free" Screencasting Tools for Teachers

@joe_edtech

Flipped and Blended classes are all the rage. And whether you are creating content for your students or having them create something to share with the class, personally created video is one of the best ways to take full advantage of a 1:1 classroom. There are some very good - and very expensive - screencasting tools that you can purchase, but unless you need really robust editing tools, there are also plenty of free options. Since several teachers are going to be offering sessions on using video in class at our upcoming district institute day, I thought today would be a good day to look at three good options for recording your screen for free.

My favorite free screencasting option is Google + Hangouts. If you start a Google Hangout on Air with yourself, you can record any browser screen on your computer. And, the real reason I like it so much is that Google + Hangouts provide you with a great way of not only recording your screen, but also recording you, meaning your students are getting personalized instruction from you anywhere they have access to the Internet. I've created a direction set for you (click here to access), but here's a very quick demo:

Screencast-O-Matic is a tried and true, bi-platform method for screencasting. The free version of Screencast-O-Matic allows you to upload 15 minute video chunks to YouTube. If you are recording more than 15 minutes, this isn't the option for you - but most of the evidence out there suggests that your personally created lessons should be shorter than that. Here is a quick video tutorial:

If you want your students to record their Chromebook screens, Snagit is a decent option. In order to use Snagit, you need to go to the Chrome Web Store and search for Snagit. You need to install both the App and the Extension for it to work properly. The downside of Snagit is that if your Chromebook doesn't have a fast processor, Snagit will not record video - or it will be choppy. But the upside is that it is extremely easy to use whether you are screencasting or taking still screenshots. Here's a little more information on Snagit for Chrome by TechSmith:

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