screen-capture



 
 

 

AIM OF THE WEEK:

To motivate you to use Screen Capture tools


 

 

Definition

Screen Capture tools enable you to create images or videos to record what is displayed on your computer. A screenshot is when you capture a still image of your screen or a piece of your screen.  Some tools let you then annotate -- or add text and graphics to -- that image.  A screencast is when you capture onscreen action happening on your computer screen in a video, often with voice-over commentary.   Below is a sampling of (free) tools available via the internet.

 

Basic screen shot tool for anyone running Firefox:

 

NB:  The image below of the Screengrab screen was created using Screengrab itself.  Screengrab is just for grabbing -- it doesn't allow you to annotate or edit the image directly.

 

Screenshot and screencast tool with audio and annotation capability -- for either PCs or Macs:

 

http://jingproject.com/

Jing | Add visuals to your online conversations

Screencast tool with audio narration feature:

http://www.screentoaster.com/

ScreenToaster - Online screen recorder. Capture screencasts instantly. 

 
Screenshot tool with annotation capability -- for Macs only:
http://skitch.com/

Skitch.com + Skitch = fast and fun screen capture and image sharing.

 

 

top
 
 

Exercises to try

 

NOVICE

  1. If you are unsure of the difference between a screenshot, an annotated screenshot, and a screencast, go have a look at these practical examples Keri-Lee and I have set up.  Then go get started on Jing.  Go to http://jingproject.com/ and install Jing on your laptop (OR, just come into the ICT lab and try it -- as Jing is installed on all the machines there.)
  2. Register for a free account with Jing.
  3. Click here for clear instructions (both video and print) as to how to take your first capture.
  4. Take a picture!  Capture an image! and save it to disk.
  5. Send us an email with the screen image you captured attached.

 

APPRENTICE

  1. Make sure you know how to capture an image (as detailed in the Novice section).
  2. Click here to learn how to use the annotation functions of Jing.
  3. Annotate an image for use in your classroom.
  4. Send us an email with your annotated image attached.

 

PRACTITIONER

  1. Make sure you know how to capture an image and annotate an image (as detailed in Novice & Apprentice sections respectively).
  2. Click here to learn how to create a screencast (video).
  3. Create your own screencast for use in the classroom.
  4. Send us a copy of your screencast or send us a link to your screencast so we can watch it.

 

EXPERT 

  1. Create a screencast and upload it to your blog.
  2. Bookmark your post on delicious and tag with connectingeast.

 

top 
 

Further reading/exploration

 

You might try other screen capture products -- e.g., some of the other tools highlighted above.

 

top