Screencast-O-matic is a web browser based application used to record your computer screen (called a screencast) on Mac, Windows and Linux operating system computers. You can record what you're doing on the screen and saying out loud.
This comes in handy for recording a video that explains how to use and navigate the class website, how to format papers or reports that will be turned in throughout the year, going over many classroom procedures (how to use laptops, ask to sharpen a pencil, where to find the hall pass).
It's also valuable in connecting the teacher, student, and parent. Parents ask the teacher questions about how to complete homework, projects, and assignments. Students can create screencasts that answer the questions by showing how all of these are done. The teacher posts the videos on the class website.
Now, everyone is on the same page when it comes to all student work. This cuts out the uncertainty so that the teacher knows that parents have been informed, parents see what is expected, and students have demonstrated understanding of how the processes work.
The best part of Screencast-Omatic, aside from it being FREE, is that all you need to do start is go to www.screencast-o-matic.com and click Start Recording. You can adjust the recording frame that appears so that it records the parts of the screen you want and you're ready to go!
