Screen Capture
Recording your computer desktop is great for creating tutorials and for demonstrating applications. While most screen recording applications are very similar, knowing how to use them effectively will determine the overall quality of your video.
Here are several key elements to keep in mind while creating screen captures:
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Write the ScriptWrite out exactly what you want to say during the recording and stick to it. The time it will take to write out speaking points will be well worth it when it takes you only half the amount of time to record your video. Just because your face doesn't appear on camera, doesn't mean you won't stumble over your words and need to re-record. Save yourself the trouble, and arm yourself with a detailed script. |
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Prepare Your DesktopDon't begin recording while you have other non-related windows open. Keep only the windows open that you will be focusing on during your screen capture. Remember to keep each screen capture consistent (window size, introduction, etc.). Consistency is the key to professional-looking quality. You wouldn't want to distract your video viewers with a magically-appearing Facebook tab in your video. |
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Use Your MicrophoneAlways keep your face the same distance from the microphone. The best practice is to position your mouth a hand's width away from the mic. It's very easy for your voice recording to go from loud to soft if you're not keeping the mic (and your face) in the same position. Also, try not to swap rooms while you're recording a project; background noise can vary, and your voice could echo differently. Remember that consistency is key. |
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Determine Your Publishing DestinationWhen the video is all done what will you do with it? are you looking to upload the footage to your online class or to a website? Will you be doing any editing? These are some questions to ask before you begin recording. If you are using a Windows PC, stick with formats such as AVI, MPG, MOV or MP4. If you are using an Apple MAC, stick with formats such as MOV or MP4. Typical file formats used for the web include FLV (Non-interactive Video) or SWF (Interactive Flash). |
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Record Your ScreenThere are many software applications that can record your screen. However, features that you should keep your eye out for are ones that will minimize the application when you begin recording and that you can start/stop quickly through a keyboard hotkey. Features like this will save you lots of editing time. Also, make sure that your screen capture application can output the video in a format that you can easily upload to the web or use elsewhere for your specific needs. Digital Media Services recommends CamStudio for screen capture use. It's an open source (free) capture tool that will create either AVI (MPEG-2) or SWF (Flash) video files. |
