This week I am using Screencast-O-Matic to review the use of a digital tool: the Redfin app. Redfin is a great app for people who are looking to buy or sell their homes (it can also be used to find rental properties). During my screen cast I addressed some affordances and constrains of the app. An affordances is like a benefit; something that the app can do for you, or make easier/ more convenient. A constraint can be thought of as a downside; something that prevents the app from accommodating every convenience. To view my view of Refin click here!

Technology is everywhere. From social media to smartwatches almost everybody uses technology. Smartphone apps are a fairly new digital tool, up until 10 years ago the only app I had on my phone was Maps (I understand I was behind the times). Today there is an app for almost everything to make our lives easier (literally everything, there is an app that reminds you to drink water). The Redfin app is one of millions that serves a purpose: convenience.

Prior to this week I had never heard of Screencasting, and had I not been given this assignment there is a high probability that I would have never learned of it (Hi there rock, can I crawl under you?) Yes, I know this is not the best thing to admit.

I found the process of creating a video to be super easy (YAY!); however, I did have to re-record my video multiple times due to user error. The first recording went very smoothly and when I went to hit “done” several choices populated. Did I want to upload it to YouTube? No, I do not have a YouTube channel. Do you want to upload it to Screencast? Eh, that sounds potentially problematic. What if I can’t find it on the website? Do you want to copy the link and do a 1 time quick share? Yes!…I clicked it and the video converted into a small 1 by 1 inch box that had no link and only a “delete” or “record a new video” option.

Cut to several minuets later (after I have stopped yelling at my computer) and I click on “upload to Screencast,” and then I waited…..and waited…and waited. In all it took 7 minuets to upload, but I understand that this may not be the case for all users as it’s possible that my computer is extremely slow. After it had uploaded I copied the link and embedded it within this post and I did click on it to make sure it worked (so hopefully it will work for everyone). Re-recording aside, this process was supper easy, fun to experiment with, and best of all free!

I notices several affordances while fiddling with this program. First, this tool can be very beneficial for online classes because it brings a “human” element to the classroom which can make the learning environment feel more welcoming. It is a way to hear the teacher communicate material and limit misunderstandings. Second, it provides a dual screen feature which allows the viewer to see the material that the teacher is referring to and look at the teacher. I view this as an affordances because it (for me) creates the illusion of a real classroom, I can both look at the “board” and at the teacher. Third, you are able to create videos that are up to 15 minuets long. Last week the tool I used to create my introduction only let me speak for 30 seconds per picture. So, I was excited to not be repeatedly cut off while using Screencast.

A few of the constraints of this tool are the lack of true communication and quality. The screencast video is an awesome way to communicate with students and break down lectures and PowerPoints, but it is very one sided. There is no feature (that I saw) that allowed the students to comment on the videos directly. I think it would be great, especially during a live cast (if that were possible), to allow students to comment during the video as a way to make it more transparent and open the lines of communication.

Were I to implement this tool into my own teaching I think I would use it as reinforcement rather than to teach new information. By adding a video to my blog that quickly goes back over the lesson of the day and the key take-aways the students will have another tool to process the information.

How would you use this product in your class? Is there an opportunity to increase the communication for Screencast?