Screencasts For eLearning

There is a lot of new technology available that make eLearning content and design richer for learners. However, it cannot be avoided that these new developments come at certain prices that make people rethink their needs and explore more affordable options in electronic learning. Screencasting has become one of those popular tool alternatives for online learning content creation and building. A screencast, also known as video screen capture, is basically a digital recording of a computer screen output and usually contains voice narration. The earlier released versions of these programs were not very popular, but recent products support more compact formats like that of Adobe Flash and feature more appealing features for editing. It is considered as a popular technique for imparting quality information and knowledge at a relatively low cost. They are useful for teaching and demonstrating features because they help software developers display their work. For ordinary users, it is similarly a useful took to help report bugs or show other people how a certain procedure is accomplished in a specific environment. Here are some useful tips in creating a quality screencast for eLearning: 1. Prepare the work environment-this means, success is determined by how work is begun. Recording good quality audio and using the right work flow can only be achieved with preparation. Make sure that good equipments are used. If there's going to be a lot of recording involved, it would be wise to invest in a great mic. Remember that bad audio is actually worse than a bad screen. It is also advisable to control ambient noise. This makes it necessary to reduce the noise in the background. 2. Prepare the user-the one recording must have a plan for execution. There should be emphasis on focus and presence of mind. Having some water handy is a good idea. A dry throat can get in the way of a smooth flowing recording which is ideal to cut down on working time. Proper positioning of equipment increases user comfort and thus better performance. Remember that the ideal length of a screen cast is 2-3 minutes. 3. Other general tips-there are certain techniques and actions that help users record better ones. Consider some of these tips: (1) set up screens properly by doing a quick walk through to make sure that all necessary tools and equipment are ready; (2) To avoid losing important details, increase font and icon size; (3) Stick to the point and be concise; (4) Point out what learners must look at because sometimes they don't have the same context and cannot anticipate where the it is going; (5) be wary and get rid of unnecessary visuals. Show only what is necessary in order to prevent distractions; (6) do not share personal or proprietary details and; (7) control mouse movement because the pointer acts as a guide for the learner's attention. There are a lot of good programs available for these creations. However, each program may have unique features that would require a bit of studying. It is therefore advisable to look up on other tips regarding screencasts to ensure the production of relevant, quality content.