The Power of Screencasting

Screencasting is a great instructional strategy that can be used by both teachers and students. We are all hearing buzz words out there in education such as blended learning (anytime you have a mixture of online and face-to-face instruction) and flipped instruction (direct instruction happens online). One key tool that teachers can use to record their lessons is screencasting.

This is also a very powerful tool for students to use. The Standards for Mathematical practice require students to construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. Students can use screencasting to draw models, and explain how they solved problems or why they took a certain approach. 

Debbie Perry over at Monroe invited me in for some screencasting fun with her 5th graders. The students were given problems to work on in teams, and then instructed to make a screencast and link it to an assignment in their Google Classroom. They presented their recordings to the class, and then their classmates were able to comment and ask questions.

I like the sample below because the students aren't afraid of making mistakes, they explain the same concept in different ways, and there is room for others to ask clarifying questions on their reasoning.

Sold on the power of screencasting? Now it's time to choose the screencasting tool that is right for you! Click here to view my table of screencasting tools. The table outlines different tools, which devices they are "friendly" with, tutorials, export options, and benefits/drawbacks. Some people ask me, "Can't you just tell me which screencasting tool is the best?" Selecting the tool that is right for you depends on which devices you have access to, what type of screencasting you are using it for (drawing or general procedural screen recording) and how you plan on exporting the video. Therefore, there is no "best" tool, but there is a best tool based on your needs. Let me know if you need help selecting a screencasting tool, or would like support in getting you or your students going with your first screencast!