What is Screencast?

A screencast is a digital recording of computer screen output also known as video screen capture, often containing audio.The term screencast compares with the related term screenshot, whereas screenshot generates a single picture of a computer screen and screencast is essentially a video of the changes at the time that user sees on the computer screen includes audio.

As you may know, screencasting is the act of recording a video which captures everything on the screen at a given time. The video you get is a screencast. It can contain objects like text, images, audios, and even mouse movements.

Origin Of Screencast :

In 2004, Columnist Jon Udell invited readers of his blog to propose names for emerging genre. Udell selected the term "Screencast",which was proposed by both Joseph McDonald and Deeje Coolley.

Advantages Of Screencasting :

There are several advantages to screencasting both from the user’s side as well as from the creator’s. From the point of view of the audience, the screencast allows them to learn by example, seeing every step in great detail.  The ability to pause or rewind also gives the viewer the power to move at their own pace, something a classroom cannot always offer.

For the creator, screencasting offers the capability to explain in detail what may be more confusing when delivered in audio or the written word. Video allows the screencast producer to complete the flow of thoughts or processes without being forced to chop steps into static images, as in a book or slide show. With the combination of video and audio, the creator can mimic the one on one experience of the classroom and deliver clear, complete instruction.

Making Screencasts :

Seven easy steps you can begin to create a screencast and deliver it to the world :-

• Content is king-  A screencast is produced to teach a process or technique, or get a set of ideas across to an audience. If you cannot keep the attention of the audience, the screencast may be rendered useless. When choosing a topic, start with areas that are within your knowledge base, and can be covered in the time allotted to complete the series.
• Planning-  A script may or may not be utilized in preparation, but it is good practice to complete a dry run of the presentation before actually hitting the record button. Practice makes perfect, and the more familiar you are with your content, the more polished the final recording will be.
• Push the red button-  If your preparation went well, this step should be relatively easy. Remember to move at a pace that is comfortable for your audience and speak clearly so as to avoid any confusion. Audio can be added in post production instead of being recorded during the presentation, but this will require an extra editing step and can break the flow of the delivery if not done correctly.
• Review the video-  Be sure that no steps were left out and that the flow of the presentation makes sense and will be easy to follow for your intended audience. If imperfections are found, you may choose to edit or re-record the video altogether.
• Editing-  If necessary, edit the video according to your standards. Include any transitions, intros, outros, or other post production items.
• Produce-  Export your video with the settings that best fit your intended output, whether that will be streaming from a webpage, downloadable media or delivery on a disc.
• Distribute the videos- There are several options from hosting your own weblog site , to using a service such as screencast.com, YouTube or a learning management system such as Canvas.

Conclusion :

When people think about how to start screencasting, they often forget that screencasting is not only a very interesting way of showing something quickly, comprehensibly and easily; it’s also a way of advertising their products. Screencasting is not simply the act of sitting down and recording the screen. Nowadays, a screencast is almost necessary for start-ups and new products, especially in the tech business.