Have you ever found yourself explaining a computer based “how to” for the one hundredth time? Have you ever wished you could clone yourself when there are twenty five students waiting for your help with a database search or NoodleBib? Then consider trying Camtasia, a wonderful piece of software that allows you to make a “movie” with audio narration of what is on your computer screen. In a nutshell, Camtasia allows you to:
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Record whatever you want on your computer (yes, it will do multiple screens!)
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Edit and enhance your recording or “video”
- Share your creation in multiple formats, including MP3, iPod video, Flash (SWF and FLV), AVI, Silverlight compatible WMV, QuickTime (MOV), RealMedia (RM), and Animated GIF.
I have started creating video tutorials of “NoodleTools How-Tos” with Camtasia to help our students master the art of NoodleBib-ing. You can see where we have integrated some of our videos into a pathfinder at this page. We are also working to upload these to our iTunes podcast/vodcast account!
For a free product tour, go to http://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/features.asp. You can also download a fully functional 30 day trial of Camtasia at http://www.techsmith.com/camtasia.asp so that you can “try” before you buy. Although the list price is $299, check with your district’s purchasing director as your district may have approved vendors who can give you discounted pricing.
We have already received positive feedback from our students, and I can’t wait to explore other uses of Camtasia for our patrons!
Buffy Hamilton, Ed.S.
Creekview High School
http://theunquietlibrary.wordpress.com
http://theunquietlibrarian.wordpress.com
