Software

There are a wide variety of tools out there for creating and editing podcasts, vodcasts and screencasts, but we've limited our starting list to our favorites, and ones that we know you can access using Macs at NSHS.

Screencasting
Screencasting software enables you to record video of exactly what is happening on your computer's screen, while simultaneously recording your voice narrating what you are doing and why you are doing it. Screencasting is an ideal tool for teaching the use of computer-based applications, but it can also be really handy in narrating a PowerPoint or equivalent presentation, or a lesson using an virtual whiteboard tool (like A Web Whiteboard (AWW) or Google Draw, part of our Google Apps for Education subscription).

**Jing**: This web 2.0 tool has a free version that allows users to create 5 minute screencasts, then save them to the cloud. Videos can be shared via a uniquely generated URL that can be emailed or embedded on a webpage. Jing is a free download that plays nicely with Macs and PCs. It's incredibly easy to use, and you can be up and creating your first screencast inside of 10 minutes. Check out their 1 minute video to learn more at @http://www.techsmith.com/jing.html.

**Screenr**: This is another free web 2.0 tool for creating basic 5 minute screencasts, saving to the cloud and sharing them via email, embedding them on your webpage or uploading to YouTube. Also very easy to use, with a great 1 minute video tutorial at: @http://www.screenr.com/

**Camtasia**: This is a much more sophisticated screencasting tool than Jing and Screenr, and requires a paid license for use. We have a limited number of licenses here in the sandbox, so if you're interested in trying it out, come on in to take it for a test drive. Camtasia is made by Techsmith, the makers of Jing, so if you've used Jing already this might make for a familiar transition. The advantages to using Camtasia instead of Jing or Screenr are:
 * There is no limit to the length of your video
 * You can edit the video after recording
 * You can record a video of yourself using your computer's webcam as part of your screencast
 * You can zoom and pan during your screencast, in case there is a particular part of the screen you want to emphasize in your recording
 * You can overlay text and shapes/drawing on top of your recorded screencast
 * You can add music or other audio effects to your screencast's soundtrack
 * And more!

Podcasting
Sometimes all you need is some audio -- no screencapture or video required. Our only advice to you is to keep these short; any longer than about 5 minutes and students are likely to tune you out. We can help you create podcasts in the sandbox that students can subscribe to via iTunes to automatically get your new podcasts as soon as they are uploaded.


 * Garageband ** : Garageband is part of the iLife suite of Apple software available on all NSHS computers. It is a very flexible recording tool to fit all of your audio-recording needs. In addition to recording your voice you can add photos, overlay music and sound effects, fade in and out, etc. Being part of Apple's iLife Suite means that Garageband plays very nicely with iPhoto (if you want to incorporate photos), and with iTunes (if you want to select music or to upload your podcast). Unlike some of the simple screencasting tools above, Garageband isn't as intuitive a tool to use, so we would encourage you to check out the workshops available in the sandbox's **calendar** and sign up for a session. If you can't find a workshop that fits your schedule, talk to us about some one-on-one coaching.

Vodcasting
<span style="color: #808080; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">If you want to create your own video, feel free to borrow an iPod Touch and tripod from the sandbox to make your recording. Once you're ready to edit your videos and share them, you'll need an introduction to iMovie.


 * iMovie ** : iMovie is also part of the iLife suite of Apple software available on all NSHS computers. It is a very flexible video editing tool that shares many of the same features and tools as Garageband, so if you're currently a Garageband user, then learning iMovie will be easier for you. With its sophistication comes complexity, so we would encourage you to check out the workshops available in the sandbox's **calendar** and sign up for a session. If you don't find anything open when you need it, talk to us about some one-on-one coaching.

<span style="color: #808080; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Hybrid Audio/Video
<span style="color: #808080; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">If you are looking for a free, online tool designed for collaboration, then we would suggest:


 * Voicethread ** : Voicethread is a web 2.0 tool for creating interactive online slideshows incorporating images, audio, and video. You can create your presentation online, then share it with your students via email or by embedding it on your website. The best part is that your students can then comment on your presentation, slide by slide, using text, audio or video recording from their webcam. You can host an asynchronous class discussion online in response to your presentation. You can find helpful tutorials and create an educator's account on their website at @http://voicethread.com/