Tuesday Tech Tidbits May 23, 2017

Exeter High School

Tuesday Tidbits: Technology

May 23, 2017

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by Sandy Blanc

Technology Tips of the Week: Screencast-O-Matic and Explain Everything!

What is screencasting?

   A screencast is recording the computer screen and adding narration. Screencasting is how I create the tutorials for technology! My favorite screencasting tools are Screencast-O-Matic (There is a free version, which should be just fine, or an upgraded “pro” version for $15/year. I do have the upgraded version ) and Explain Everything (preferably used on an iPad or touch Chromebook)! Screencast-O-Matic is NOT supported by iPad. You can use it on a PC or Mac!

Explain Everything is a fantastic tool for creating flipped lessons! Essentially Explain Everything is a multi-media screencasting and whiteboard tool used to create videos. Different from Screencast-O-Matic, you can upload images, handwrite (easier on the iPad), voiceover, add text, animate, insert images, and much more!

How can I use this in my class?

You can use a screencast to:

• Flip your classroom
• Double yourself to monitor student behavior (by playing your lesson while moving around your class and having proximity to students that may need a bit more support)
• Create a review for a homework assignment
• Make sub plans!
• Demo a process to parents (such as the method you teach a math problem for example)
• Peer tutoring (students that understand can make a screencast for other students)
• Student Projects (have students make their own!)

Added Benefits(from this article)

In addition to what is essentially added class time, screencasting comes with a host of other advantages:

• Students can watch the video as many times as they need to, in order to better understand complex concepts.
• During the independent practice time of class, when it often seems that all of your students need you at once, students can be encouraged to access the screencast again on a class computer to review segments of it before asking for one-on-one help.
• Students are getting the direct instruction (when you’re most likely to lose them) one-on-one at home, plugged into a computer, without as many distractions.
• Since students are working on independent practice in class, the teacher can catch misconceptions early and offer interventions.
• Students spend more collective time on independent practice — where they learn more, and where they’re practicing skills necessary for standardized tests.
• Students can work collaboratively during the early stages of independent practice, which offers support to those who need it and helps solidify the learning of those offering support
• When doing additional problems at home, students can refer back to the video for added help.
• Absent students can stay on-track with little teacher intervention.
• Screencasts are great when kids are studying for a test — they can essentially refer back to all the lessons from the entire year.
• Screencasts make your job easier: if you screencast all your lessons this year, you can use them all again next year.