Screencast-O-Matic

Screencast-O-Matic

Screencast-O-Matic is a free tool you can use to record your screen or record a webcam, for a maximum of 15 minutes. In addition, you can record the screen, and display a small picture of yourself (via a webcam). This is sometimes referred to as creating a "picture in a picture". Screencast-O-Matic works on Windows PC's and Mac PC's. Videos can be published to Screencast-O-Matic or YouTube.

How do instructors use Screencasts?

• Instructors introduce themselves to their students
• Provide tours of the “online” parts of their class
• Explain concepts and demonstrate how to perform math, science or computer lab assignments
• Provide Grading/Feedback

What hardware do you need?

• Use a microphone, headset, or webcam for recording audio
• Use your computer speakers or headset to listen to audio

What can you do with Screencast-O-Matic?

Here's a short video introducing you to Screencast-O-Matic.

How do you Set-up Screencast-O-Matic?

• You'll need to install the software at home, or ask IT to install it at work. Otherwise, your computer must have Java installed and set-up, and many computers block Java.
• To install the software (on Windows, I suggest you use Firefox or Chrome):
  • Go to the Screencast-O-Matic home page: http://screencast-o-matic.com/home
  • Click on the "Start Recording" button
  • It will try to Launch the Recorder. If you have Java installed correctly, you could give permission to it to run. Otherwise Download the full app:
    • Under Frequently Asked Questions, under the first question "What if I can't get it to work in the browser?", click on the link to "Download the full app install"
    • You'll need to save the install file and after it downloads, click on the file and run it. Click Next, then Install. I suggest you click beside "Create Desktop Shortcut", then click Finish. Click on "FREE Recorder".
  • You're now ready to record your screen or use your webcam to create a video recording.

Resources

Screencast-O-Matic Feedback and Support

YouTube Tips

• How do I change the privacy of my YouTube videos?
• How do I edit a video, or add subtitles, annotations, and music to a video?
• How do I display my video in Sakai, if I don't use Lessons "Add Multimedia"? Display your YouTube video in Sakai using the Embed Code
• How do I upload a video longer than 15 minutes?