The utilization of multimedia in the educational setting can take on many different forms. The use of screen capturing software can allow anyone to create a vodcast to present information to a learner. Screencasting can be utilized in a trend known as microlearning (Giurgiu, 2017). Studies exploring microlearning indicate an increase in retention by up to 20% (Giurgiu, 2017). Taking a few minutes to learn about these tools, will enable you as an educator to stay ahead of the curve.
Screencasts are video recordings of your computer screen as well as any audio from your computer or its microphone (Luongo, 2015). Since you can record your screen, you are not just limited to the typical “talking head power point”. This means you can explain information that is a word processing document, or how to create a project and even show the viewer how something works (Luongo, 2015). When students are encouraged to use this type of application, they are meeting the ISTE Student Standard for being an empowered learner and a knowledge creator. Many of the screencasting programs are free and one that is simple to use is ScreenCast O Matic, (www.screencastomatic.com). The free version is limited, but for a yearly low-cost fee, you can have unlimited amount of recording and have a place to save it. In the online world of education, teachers can record a screencast on how to solve a problem and then embed the video onto the class webpage or within the learning management system. Students who are struggling with some information may find this useful. It allows them the time to review the material again ensuring they understand.
Learning how to use and incorporating these screencasting into your classroom, will ensure you are ahead of the learning curve when helping your students to apply meaning to their learning when it is available to them.
References
Giurgiu, L. (2017). Microlearning an evolving eLearning trend. Scientific Bulletin Vol. XXII No 1(43) 2017
Luongo, N. (2015). Missing the chalkboard: using screencasting in the online classroom. Computers in the Schools, 32:144–151. DOI: 10.1080/07380569.2015.1030968
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