I knew I was going to be gone, and written directions aren't enough for some students to fully understand what you want them to do. So I decided to screencast my directions and my sub plans to go along with my written directions on my web page so the students could see my directions as well as read them. This way, they could rewind me and replay me to their hearts' content as they were setting up their blogs. Or, they could watch it over and over again if they just missed the sound of my Chicago-accent-riddled voice.
I prefer to use Jing for my screencasting needs, mainly because it is quick, easy to use, and limits me to 5 minutes (so I don't start droning on and on at the children....I think if you can't say it in 5 minutes, you're probably saying too much). I also like Jing because it allows you to save your videos in an MP4 format. The only thing I don't like about using Jing is that they don't make a version to run on Linux (our school is entirely Linux), and they don't plan on making one in the future.
After making my screencast, I uploaded the video into my Google Docs and made the video public in my sharing settings. Then I cruised on over to my Google Site, and inserted the video right from my Google Docs. This avoids the whole "I uploaded my video to YouTube and inserted it into my Google Site and it gives a preview but when you click on the video under a student account it gives them an error message because YouTube is blocked" issue. You can view my screen cast below (Warning: Chicago accent, loud typing, typos, and phone alarm going off in the middle ahead!), or see it embedded in my Google Site here.
Did it work, despite all the video production errors? Well, the students were all supposed to e-mail me the URL of their blog by the end of the period. Every single student e-mailed me with their URL. I'd say it worked. And I am happy, because this way I can differentiate how I give directions, so all students can have a shot at learning how to follow directions in a style that works for them. I am now considering doing this for all my directions that I post on my class website.
This is what I love about using technology in the classroom--not only does it empower your students to learn and learn differently while you're there, but it also empowers you as the teacher to continue the learning even when you're not physically present in the room.
Have any other fantastic uses of screencasting in the classroom? Please share them in the comments.