One of the reasons that screencasts can be so effective can be explained by Media Richness Theory which is a framework used to describe a communication medium's ability to reproduce the information sent over it. Conceived by Richard L. Daft and Robert H. Lengel, it can be used to evaluate the richness of communication mediums, such as text, phone calls, etc. Face-to-face communication is the richest medium because of its immediacy, and the presence of physical and vocal cues. Audio is not as rich because it lacks the physical cues. Screencasting is richer than audio feedback, alone, because it includes visual cues.
Read this blog post to gain a better understanding of how screencasting can benefit learners, and learn about best practices for a quality screencast.
Screencasting is a great method for placing lectures online, where students can have control over time, place, and pace. Additionally, screencasts can help the teacher maximize face-to-face class time for more meaningful learning experiences like project-based learning and application activities. Here's an example of a screencast math lesson.
At a previous training, many teachers expressed apprehension about the flipped model due to digital access outside of school, and motivating and monitoring students to ensure information is accessed. Another alternative would be to house screencasts in Google classroom for students to view during a station rotation, or access again at the time and place of the learner's convenience in order to seek clarification on a confusing topic. Thinking about the flipped classroom from that lens, listen to why this teacher flipped her classroom and how the shift has positively impacted student learning.
Screencasts can be used to provide remediation or clarification to students. Chrissy McLaughlin is a 6th grade AAP math teacher at Lees Corner Elementary School. She create this screencast to review content with a student whose schedule was too packed to meet with her during remediation time.
Another use for screencasts is to supplement sub plans! Here's a brief screencast I made and posted to Google Classroom to help students understand the assignment to be completed under the supervision of a sub! It was a lot easier and quicker than trying to type all of this in such a way that would allow the sub to easily follow the directions and assist students when they had questions.
Finally, here are some best practices for recording screencasts.
Respond to the FlipGrid, below.