Screencast-o-Matic

Screencast-o-Matic is very similar to the program Jing, (which I have commented about on my blog). Screencast-o-Matic is a website that allows users to record and share the image that is on their desktop. Jing is a software program that bascially does the same thing. The reason that I chose to blog about Screencast-o-Matic is because I had some compatibility issues with Jing. At home I use a PC, and I didn't have any trouble downloading the program onto my computer. At school, I have a Mac and I did have trouble downloading Jing. I didn't have trouble because it is a Mac, I had trouble because the technology teacher at my school told me I have a 10.1.48 Mac, and she said I need at least a 10.1.49 Mac. With that in mind, I knew that continuing to create projects on Jing probably wouldn't be wise if I couldn't use them on my computer with my students at school. Since Screencast-o-Matic doesn't require me to download it, like I have to with Jing, it will be much easier for me to use this with my students.
The site is free and the only software that is needed is an updated version of Java. I had Version 1.4.2 Update 3 on my computer, and I had to update to Version 6 Update 10. After the user has a free account setup with screencast-o-matic.com, the user can then begin capturing an image from their desktop. The first step is to pick a screen size for capturing. I picked 1024 x 768 because it was recommended on their website. I then chose my microphone from the audio options that were available. Next, I adjusted my frame on my desktop and began capturing an image. For my first time using this site, I just did a narrated tour of my favorite website, the Redskins official site. After I was finished capturing and narrating my image, I then closed it out and began previewing my work. At that point I was given some options. I added a title, a description, and selected English for the language. Screencast-o-Matic also allowed me to add text or notes to specific sections of what I had captured. When I was finished editing my video, I was then able to upload my video to the web on their site, or I could send it to Quicktime.