Selecting the best Screencast program

By Crystal Spelic

Screencast Digital recording of a computer

screen Example Screencast: (click to start

video)

Screenr Strengths

Free, easy to use screencast program Easy to share embedding options Simple, basic functions and features

Screenr User-friendly instructions

Simple Record/Stop Toolbar

AdjustableScreenshot

Screenr Accounts

All screencasts made are stored on user profile

All screencasts made publicUser can store

multiple videos to profile

Screenr Drawbacks All screencasts made are public

No editing options available

User account accessed through third party (google, linked in, facebook etc.)

Jing

Free, interactive screencast programEasy to useBasic, screenshot functionsBasic image capture functions

Jing ToolbarEasy to use toolbar

Jing toolbar displayed attop of desktop, whichInterferes with web browsing

Toolbar allowed instant access to user profile Can save work directly to

database other than Jing user account

Jing

Offers editing features (with its sister programs)Allows you to write on imagesCan store both images and video on user profileCan save and share work privately

Jing Drawbacks Not as user-friendly

Jing toolbar gets in the way of web browsing

More limitations, strong push towards its sister programs

Program download required

Comparison TableScreenr Jing

Initial Easy access, no download required

Download Required

Accessibility PC, Mac, iPhones, iPad

PC, Mac, iPhones

Limitations Up to 5 min. video Up to 5 min video + images

Storage Unsure 2GBAccount Required through

third partyRequired

Sharing Embedding options, social network sharing

Embedding options, separate link

Resources E-Learning networks Camtasia, SnagitViewing Public only Public/PrivateFeatures Minimal Minimal editing

Recommendation & Rationale

Due to the sensitive nature of sharing student work publicly, I would recommend educators use Jing over Screenr.

Student work can be kept private, and there are more features available through Jing.

Jing allows students to capture images, that can be used in a number of ways to enhance student creativity.

Jing allows students to save and store their work as they choose.

Jing gives students the capability of creating videos that look semiprofessional.

*In both programs reviewed, only the free trial version was accessed.