Screencast-o-matic
What is Screencast-o-matic
Screencast-o-matic is a web-based video recorder allowing for screen capture and webcam video production.
What is the purpose of Screencast-o-matic
Screencast-o-matic can be used to create short tutorials and video presentations that include a webcam video (i.e. of your ‘talking head’) and screen activity (i.e. anything you might normally display on your screen such as a PowerPoint).
How to use Screencast-o-matic
Screencast-o-matic can be used as a web-based tool directly from the Screencast-o-matic website. Alternatively, a desktop app can be downloaded from the website and used locally from your computer.
The Screencast-o-matic platform allows you to indicate what you would like to record (i.e. screen capture, webcam). Recorded videos can be saved to your computer or uploaded to a video sharing service such as Screencast-o-matic’s own service or YouTube. Videos are commonly saved as an MP4 (although other formats are possible, too).
Where to find Support
This tool is not centrally supported
Help and Documentation
For help, please refer to the Screencast-o-matic documentation
Tool Evaluation
Functionality
| Rating | Rationale |
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ScaleScreencast-o-matic can be scaled to accommodate any size class with the flexibility to create smaller sub-groups or communities of practice |
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Ease of UseScreencast-o-matic has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and personalize |
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Tech Support/Help AvailabilityTechnical support and help documentation is available in the form of web pages or videos |
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HypermedialityScreencast-o-matic allows users to communicate through different channels (audio, visual, textual) and allows for non-sequential, flexible/adaptive engagement with material. Screencasts can include webcam video, audio, and screen capture. |
Accessibility
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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AODA FriendlyScreencast-o-matic has limited capacity to be fully accessible for users or for materials to be made AODA-friendly. Instructors are encouraged to add closed captions during the editing process, and/or provide scripts in an accessible form for screen readers. Instructors are also encouraged to be mindful of text and image size when engaging in screen capture. |
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User-focused participationScreencast-o-matic is designed to address the needs of diverse users, their various literacies, and capabilities, thereby widening opportunities for participation in learning |
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Required EquipmentProper use of Screencast-o-matic requires a webcam, speakers, and ideally, an internal microphone |
Technical
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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OWL IntegrationThe tool itself cannot be integrated/embedded in OWL. However, exported projects (i.e. created MP4 files) can be uploaded to OWL (i.e. student could watch instructor-created Screencast-o-matic video) |
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Operating SystemsUsers can effectively utilize Screencast-o-matic with any standard, up-to-date operating system (i.e. Windows 10, Apple OSX, etc.) |
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Web BrowserUsers can effectively utilize Screencast-o-matic with any standard, up-to-date web browser (i.e. Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer 10 etc.) |
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Additional Tech RequirementsUse of Screencast-o-matic may require download of a Screen Recorder Launcher or desktop app version |
Mobile Design
| Rating | Rationale |
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Mobile Operating SystemsScreencast-o-matic is severely limited or absent functionality on most mobile devices. It is mainly intended for desktop use. |
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Mobile FunctionalityScreencast-o-matic is not intended for use on mobile |
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Offline AccessThe web-based version of Screencast-o-matic requires internet connection for access and use of the tool. The downloadable full app install requires internet connection for saving and exporting video creations (although recording functions are available). |
Usage and Account Set Up
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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Sign Up/Sign InUse of Screencast-o-matic does not require the creation of an external account or additional login; no personal user information is collected and shared |
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Cost of UseLimited aspects of Screencast-o-matic can be used for free with other elements requiring payment of a fee, membership, or subscription. See Free versus Pro Features list |
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Archiving, Saving, and Exporting DataUsers can save/ export video creations in a variety of formats (i.e. MP4, AVI, FLV, and GIF) |
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Data Privacy and OwnershipUsers can save their video creations directly to their local computer. Video files can be published to the Screencastomatic website if the creator wishes to share it publicly. |
Social Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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CollaborationScreencast-o-matic can be used for creating videos that communicate ideas, however it does not support interactivity, and transfer of meaning between users directly |
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User AccountabilityUser accountability is not a related concern with Screencast-o-matic |
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DiffusionFor viewing videos created by Screencast-o-matic, students do not need to be familiar with the tool itself. If students were to make use of the tool themselves (i.e. for student generated video), it is likely that familiarity with the tool is mixed, and that some students would lack basic technical competence with its functions |
Instructor Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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FacilitationScreencast-o-matic has some functionality to effectively support an instructor’s ability to be present with students via active management, monitoring, and engagement. Instructors are encouraged to incorporate webcam-based ‘talking head’ components into their videos for greater instructor presence. |
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CustomizationGiven the way Screencast-o-matic enables screen capture, the tool is easily adaptable and customizable to suit the classroom context and targeted learning outcomes |
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Learning AnalyticsAs a basic video recording tool, Screencast-o-matic does not collect analytics |
Cognitive Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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Enhancement of Cognitive Task(s)Given that Screencast-o-matic can be used to communicate ideas through screen capture and multimedia, it may enable functional improvement to engagement in the targeted cognitive task(s) |
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Higher Order ThinkingGiven that Screencast-o-matic can be used to communicate ideas through screen capture and multimedia, it may engage students in exercising higher order thinking skills (given significant consideration to design, facilitation, and direction from instructor) |
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Feedback on LearningScreencast-o-matic could be used to record video that provides feedback to students, however, opportunities for this form of feedback might only be applicable to specific contexts. |
Security and Privacy
This tool has not been formally reviewed by Western’s Technology Risk Assessment Committee
Security and Privacy Flags
Accounts
- Users are required to create and use a non-Western account. It is highly recommended that users do not use the same username and password that is in use at Western.
Information Collection
- Application collects information that could identify the user specifically (email address, class schedule, etc..)
EULA
- Acceptance of the Application's Terms of Conditions or End User License Agreement may bind the institution to an agreement thereby requiring legal counsel to review the application contract.
Cost and Approval
- The application may require the instructor to enter credit card information
- The application may require students to enter credit card information
Sharing
- The default setting of this application is to share user’s content publicly
Last Updated: January 31, 2020
Rubric
The eLearning Toolkit Evaluations are made available under the terms of the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence
Feedback
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Topic at a Glance
Screencast-o-matic is a web-based tool that allows for screen-capture recording.
