Videos with Screencast-O-Matic

Despite my recent post about making instructional videos in which I teach on screen, I decided recently to make a set of videos using Screencast-O-Matic. Why? Two reasons. First, the practical reason is that I haven't gathered the tools and created a space for recording myself. Second, I've never used Screencast-O-Matic, and I know that it's been a popular tool for other instructors. In the interest of exploring options, I decided to give it a go.

For this project, I created a series of videos about place value, expanded notation, and writing numbers. I chose this topic because it's one that I used to cover in Math 10 but currently do not cover in my ABSE Math 3 or 4 classes. I've found that my students could often use a review of these concepts, however (especially if they are preparing to take the math placement exam). You can find the videos on my YouTube channel.

I created these videos on my laptop, using a Logitech microphone headset and my Wacom Bamboo tablet. Fortunately, I already owned the Bamboo tablet - I use it for editing digital photos - so I didn't need to buy or borrow one for this project. I love my Bamboo tablet, but as you'll see if you watch the videos, I did discover that I really need to practice handwriting with the tablet. Because of the small size of the tablet and the friction between the tablet and the pen nib, I found handwriting to be less than natural. I find writing on my iPad to be easier, and I think that most iPad apps also give you more pen/ink options. I used Powerpoint slides for my "background," and the pen options on Powerpoint are limited.

I generally liked using Screencast-O-Matic. I found the controls intuitive, and I liked that I didn't have to create an account or download any software to create videos. I might go ahead and sign up for the pro account, though, because I would like to be able to use some of the pro features, such as the greater variety of publishing options, editting tools, and the ability to publish screen shots.

I also recently downloaded another screencasting app for the iPad, called Playback. Stay tuned for a review!