Guidance on what to do before recording the screencast, during the recording and then after recording.

1. Before recording
During recording
After recording
How to make great screencasts

2. Open relevant files and windows - save time during the
screencast by opening what you want to show before recording.
zz Use ‘Alt’ and ‘Tab’ on the keyboard to cycle through the open windows during
the screencast or make use of the pause button to prepare the next screen.
2
1 Plan ahead - prepare what you will say and show on screen.
zz Create a storyboard for the screencast, noting down the points you want to
cover for each section.
zz Include a short introduction on what the screencast will cover and a closing
summary.
zz You may want to create a script if your screencast is going to be fairly long.
Before recording

3. Before recording
zz Your desktop may be visible during the screencast if you are flicking between
files and windows so it is a good idea to have it clutter free.
zz Close emails to avoid them popping up during the screencast and perhaps
revealing personal information.
Tidy your desktop and close emails - avoid distractions
during the screencast.
3
4 Consider the length of your screencast - several shorter
videos are often preferred to a longer one if possible.
zz Check that you have enough space on your computer to save a longer and
therefore larger video file.
zz Shorter screencasts help keep the attention of the viewer.

4. During recording
Practice - a practice run can help to get you in the flow of
screencasting and save you time editing mistakes afterwards.
1
Talk naturally - imagine you are actually talking to your
audience in person.
zz Students like a non-scripted response, and don’t mind the odd pause, “um” and
“ah’s” or even background noise as they can sound more natural and relatable.
2
Highlight areas on-screen - use the mouse cursor or pen tool
to draw your viewer’s attention to a specific part of the screen.
zz Keep the mouse movements slow enough for the viewer to follow.
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5. After recording
Don’t over-edit or be too critical of the results - excessive
editing can make the recording sound too artificial.
1
Watch the screencast from start to finish before you share -
make sure you are happy with it before sending to the viewer.
3
Save the video file2
Consider where you will store the screencast - this will
depend on who your intended audience is.
zz Decide on naming conventions if you are creating multiple screencasts. This will
help you keep track.
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