Jing is simple screencasting software offered on a ‘freemium’ basis, i.e. there’s a free version with reduced functionality (all files are exported as .swfs), or a paid version ($14.95pa) which allows you to export your files as MP4s, and therefore upload into YouTube. A nice video here for how to use the software to create a screencast (a screencast is defined by Wikipedia as: “A screencast is a digital recording of computer screen output, also known as a video screen capture, often containing audio narration.”):

I attended a BLS lunchtime seminar which gave an overview of Blended Learning activities ongoing in the Faculty.

Lim Teoh has been investigating the use of screencasting to provide feedback (I would think of JING for this, but max 5 minute screencast, Camstudio offers longer, but bit more complicated)

• Complaints timeliness of return of feedback, ESP large cohorts
• Stannard 2007, Brick & Holmes 2008 – screencast more intrreresting & personal.
• Coursework & assessment – anti-plagiarism – groups of 2. 10 assessments. Diff qus – students not aware of that. Reflect on challenges with work/group working, how they reflect on their feedback.
• Online submission through Moodle. Marks using comment field
• CamStudio, Screentoaster, free, good quality. sendspace. Large files – ITS tried to compress but not good quality. Requires code to see data. Questionnaire on Moodle – save time.
• 1 week design coursework. Download & mark 2.5 week. Record 1.5 weeks. Lots of positive feedback, clearly defines what is missing from criteria.
• Survey – control qu – did u listen? Positive feedback – more personal – clarified more. Mostly prepared to wait for better material. Some don’t mind just audio, most want video, ideal 2-5 minutes.

These videos are taking a while to upload… there will be 3 in total. This is my first attempt at making something “real” with Jing, a basic introduction to setting up a WordPress account for my ‘”Dreams and Nightmares (Britain in Europe)” history module – I thought I could give the students access here, rather than spending 15 minutes in a lecture room without a computer…

Here’s the first quick test video I made… I obviously need to wait another second before I start talking, and plan what I am talking about too! And here’s a second version Jing Test 2 (MP4, rather than SWF format), after upgrading to Pro, which was £11! Means can now upload to YouTube and make longer videos, but the free version looks like it would be enough for a lot of people, where you can also upload to Screencast! I’m thinking about using it to allow students to follow how to set up a WordPress blog – it has to be better than a PowerPoint presentation right?! Thanks to @russell1955 for the tip-off about this software! Visit the Jing website and sign up for a free account.