Media Lab #1: Using Screencapture for Product Instructions

Overview

In this Media Lab, you will test-drive a screencapture program such as Kaltura, QuickTime, Jing, Screencast-O-Matic, or another screencapture program of your choice. You will create a short instructional video on how to use your chosen product/service/program for Project #1: Multimodal Product Description and Instructions.

What is the Media Lab?

The Media Lab offers you an opportunity to use multimodal software. In this case, you will create a short screencast video to demonstrate instructions for using your chosen product/ service/program. You have two options for creating this media lab:

  • Option 1: Create a short slideshow in Powerpoint where you describe the physical product/service/program for Project #2 and provide the limitations of use, materials needed, and instructions. The Powerpoint must be multimodal. Use text, images, embedded videos, or links that might help you pitch your idea.
  • Option 2: Create a screencast demonstrating the digital product/service/program, its limitations of use, the materials needed, and instructions. You need to use a video editing software to add an introduction slide.

How do I do the Media Lab?

Consider writing a detailed outline or script that you can use to narrate your screencapture video. You do not have to turn this script in with the video, but the script may help you remember ideas. Make sure to practice the video a couple of times so that you sound natural instead of like you’re reading.  

Using either Kaltura, QuickTime, Jing, Screencast-O-Matic, or another similar program of your choice, begin recording. If you need help with your chosen program, I’ve placed tutorial videos for each of these programs in the Tutorial Link in our course and at the end of this document. If you want to use another screencapture program, email me.

Save your video to your own hard drive, then upload what you created to your portfolio and submit the URL to your portfolio in the appropriate dropbox.  Be sure to also post your Statement of Goals and Choices (SOGC) in this same space. Remember, your SOGC is an opportunity for you to think more about the software you chose. Really focus on the challenges and affordances of the program. Consider answering the following questions:

  • What program did you choose and why?
  • What did you like about the program and why?
  • What did you not like about the program and why?
  • What did you find challenging?
  • What did you find to be easy?
  • Will you use this program for your Project 1? Why or why not?

This reflection can be either multimodal or text-based, meaning you can either write it or you can create a video (or some other medium of your choosing). If you choose to write the reflection, you must write at least 300 words. If you choose a multimodal video or sound project (or some other medium), keep it around three minutes. Remember that you have to turn in a reflection with your Project #1 where you refer back to this SOGC, considering how your comfort level increased with the software. For more information on SOGCs, see the SOGC video in the course.

Labor-based Requirements

  • Gives instructions of the use of the product/service/program
  • Discusses limitations of use, warnings, materials needed, etc.
  • Uses a detailed outline or script (is not just an “off-the-cuff” recording)
  • A 3-5 minute screen-recorded video

Tutorial Links

Jing tutorial: First, download Jing (it’s free): https://www.techsmith.com/jing.html

Now, here’s a tutorial on creating your first screencapture: https://www.techsmith.com/tutorial-jing-taking-your-first-capture.html

Screencast-O-Matic tutorial: First, download Screencast-O-Matic (it’s free): https://screencast-o-matic.com/home

Now, here are tutorials for creating screencaptures: http://help.screencast-o-matic.com/

Student Examples