Screencast

What is a screencast?

A screencast is a digital recording of a computer screen that often contains subtitles or audio narration. It's a useful tool for demonstrating how applications work, illustrating technical concepts, or creating tutorial videos. The term is a portmanteau of 'screen' and 'broadcast'.

Screencasts are used in many industries for a wide variety of purposes. From education to business, screencasting can make communication, system maintenance, and learning easier in any context.

The history of screencasting

Screencasting dates back to the 1990s, when it was used primarily in the software industry for demonstrating the features and utilities of new programs. However, the advent of the internet made screencasting popular in other fields and more accessible to consumers with PCs.

Today, with just a computer and screencasting software, anyone can create a screencast and share it online. This has opened up new avenues for sharing knowledge and information, making the screencast an essential tool for many purposes.

Why use screencasting?

Screencasting offers numerous benefits, making it a preferred choice for many professionals and educators. For starters, screencasts are a great way to demonstrate processes or procedures. They allow the viewer to see exactly what's happening on the screen, making it easier to understand complex concepts or follow along with a tutorial.

Moreover, screencasts can be paused, rewound, and rewatched at the viewer’s convenience. That’s why screencasts are ideal tools for flexible, self-paced learning. They can also be shared easily, making them a convenient option for remote learning or working.

Applications in education

In the field of education, screencasts are used for a variety of purposes. Teachers can create screencasts to explain complex topics, provide feedback on assignments, or give instructions for a project. Students can also create screencasts to demonstrate their understanding of a topic or use screencasting as a tool for digital projects.

Furthermore, screencasts can be used for flipped classroom models, where students watch lecture videos at home and use class time for interactive activities. This allows for more personalized instruction and active learning.

Applications in business

In the business world, screencasts can be used for training employees, demonstrating system functions, or presenting important data. They’re also commonly seen in the field of customer service, where the screencast creator records a step-by-step solution for clients.

It’s not uncommon to see screencasts used for marketing purposes too. For instance, software companies often create screencasts to showcase product demos and features. This can be a compelling way to attract potential clients.

Creating a screencast

To make your own screencast, you’re going to need reliable recording software. There are many options available online, many of which are free and offer useful features. Some popular choices include Camtasia, Screencast-O-Matic, and OBS Studio.

After you download a screencast program, you should plan your screencast. Decide what you want to demonstrate, write a script, and practice your presentation. This preparation will help ensure a smooth recording process and a clear, straightforward screencast.

Start recording when you feel prepared enough. Most screencasting software allows you to capture your entire screen or just a portion of it. You can also choose whether to include audio, either from a microphone or your computer's system audio.

After recording, you can edit your screencast by adding voiceovers, captions, or special effects. It’s easier for viewers to follow a well-edited screencast, which will look more professional as well. Finally, you can export your screencast as a video file and share it with your audience.