For this e-Portfolio, we were instructed to chose an open access digital media tool of our choice and review this program through use of screen capturing. The program I chose to review was called JayCut, which is an online digital media editing software, founded in 2007. The motto of the JayCut industry is, “Don’t just let them watch – let them create.” Through use of Camtasia, I captured my screen activity while experimenting with JayCut, and attempted to showcase some of its attributes and functions as a digital media tool. In my screencast tutorial, I start off by opening up the JayCut homepage (www.JayCut.com), and then show how to access the program itself. When the homepage is opened, there is a link that says, “Try a Demo”. After clicking this button, it leads to the JayCut online video editing page, which offers a variety of editing options that can help modify and enhance one’s video clips. The types of editing options that are presented are placed in a tab format at the top of the page, starting with a Videos tab, followed by Images, Audio, Transitions, Effects, and finally Other. The Videos tab holds all of the video clips that the user uploads and wants to work with. The images tab contains all images that may be wanted to be implemented into the editing of a video. The Audio tab contains any music or background soundtracks a user would want to use, while transitions and effects offer a variety of different shifts and modifications you can make towards your video. An example effect that I used in my video called “Greyscale” allowed me to place this tool anywhere throughout my video clip, and instantly make the resolution turn into a black and white appearance. I also experimented with the “Flip” effect, allowing the video to automatically turn upside down for a few seconds throughout the clip. I then clicked the “Other” tabs which enabled me to insert text into the video.

I was surprised on the convenience and accessibility of JayCut's online editing program. The advantages to this type of software format is that there is no need to download or install any programs, there is instant access to your files by logging into the internet, no specific hardware requirements, and it works on any type of computer. I would certainly recommend this program to anyone who is starting up in digital media creation, or just wants access to a fast and accessible method of enhancing your videos.