5. screencasting

What is screencasting?

Screencasting is simply recording your computer screen. It could be a software or game demo, a guide to a website or a how-to video. Screencasts commonly involve some sort of a voiceover, which can be added during the recording or later on in the editing or post-production process.

Video Guide to screencasting:

Complete summary of the video (with screenshots!)

GETTING STARTED

What You Will Need

Laptop/Computer
Screen Capture Software (for PCs we recommend Screencast-o-matic, for Macs you can use Quicktime X)
Microphone (e.g headset mic)
Webcam (optional)
A quiet room!

Before you press Record

Prepare your content (e.g. script, PowerPoint slides)
Select the right software for the job – i.e. one that minimizes the amount of work needed and provides a video in the format you can use

Recording

Select an appropriate working area on your screen (do your viewers need to see toolbars, menus, etc?)
1920x1080 or 1280×720 is a good target area
Record a short test to make sure your microphone recording is clear and loud
Increase your font size if necessary (Ctrl & + in most browsers and applications)
Have your applications, windows, and/or webpages open and minimized to save unnecessary recording time.

TIP: Try to avoid silences. Use any “downtime” (e.g. spinning hourglasses, slow webpage loading) to preview your next steps or recap what you have done so far.

Poor Example of a Screencast

Text is very small, we are filming too much of the screen, delays getting started, narration is not scripted, audio is very quiet, personal information showing, unprofessional.

Good Example of a Screencast

Text is clear, zoomed in to the action, straightforward with no delays, narration is scripted, audio is loud and clear, no personal information showing.

Remember…

The more screencasts you do, the easier they get and the they will take less time to make!