Software Training Videos
It is often useful to have a visual walkthrough of a program you are not familiar with. This can be made even more useful with an accompanying commentary. This is possible with programs that create movies of the on screen activity, such as selecting from a menu or opening an application. Some programs let you record a commentary at the same time as the screen activity, others let you record afterwards.
The training videos could be made by staff for other staff, staff for pupils, of pupils for younger pupils.
There are a number of packages to suite budget and technical requirements. Some of these are rather too sophisticated for use by children but would offer useful functions to staff.
Moving Screen Capture for Windows $39
www.techsmith.com/products/snagit/
Screen capture with motion video
Exports to avi file
Camtasia Studio $299
Also from TechSmith
www.techsmith.com/products/studio/
Record your activity on the screen, your narration and system audio
Edit, enhance and add interactive hotspots
Publish in a wide variety of formats including Flash, CD-ROM and streaming video
Adobe Captivate
This is a sophisticated package but relatively easy to use. It allows basic screen and commentary capture, but also allows editing of mouse actions, pointer movements and commentary after the initial capture. The movie can also be built into a self marking training package with assessment quizes so that progress of viewers can be monitored.
www.adobe.com
Snapz Pro
Moving Screen Capture for Mac OS X $69
www.ambrosiasw.com/utilities/snapzprox/
Exports to QuickTime