The Best Free Video Tools For Teachers
Many beginners may wonder what screencasting is. It is the process of recording a video of your screen and saving it as a video file. If you want to share something on your screen, you can take screenshots. However, if you want to make learning more engaging and effective, consider screencasting. There are many screencast tools available online, but some can be costly. That’s why I created a list of the best free screencast tools below. These tools will help you create high-quality video clips for tutorials without spending any money.
1. Ezvid
Ezvid is a completely free tool for creating videos. You can use it to record anything on your computer screen. After recording, you can edit your videos by splitting them, adding text and audio, adjusting the speed, and drawing on the screen. It offers a special gaming mode to prevent black screen issues when recording full-screen games. You can save your edited videos for later or upload them directly to YouTube.
2. BlueBerry Flashback Express Recorder
BlueBerry Flashback Express Recorder allows you to capture your screen and record yourself with a webcam. It has many features that help you edit videos easily. BB Flashback Express Recorder has a simple user interface that lets you choose any part of your screen to record along with audio and web activity. You can also schedule recordings so you don't miss any online events. Additionally, it has a player that works like a VCR, letting you review your recordings frame by frame.
3. Screencastify
Screencastify is a screen recording tool that works in your web browser. With this Chrome add-on, teachers can easily record their computer screen, browser tabs, or webcam while speaking into a microphone. It allows for real-time comments, adds captions, and lets you edit and combine videos. You can also insert questions to check how well students understand the material. You can export recordings in different formats and share them via Google Classroom or Drive. The free plan allows teachers to create up to ten videos, each lasting up to 30 minutes, making it a great choice for quickly creating lessons.
4. Rylstim Screen Recorder
Rylstim Screen Recorder is a simple screen recorder that lets you capture your screen and record what happens on it. You can record both left and right mouse clicks. The program has a clean, easy-to-use design and supports various video formats. You can also change the video frame rates to suit your needs.
5. Krut
Krut is a screencast tool that works on most operating systems. It has a simple design with just three main controls: Record, Snap (for still pictures), and an arrow button to adjust the recording area. While it doesn’t have many complicated features like other screencast tools, it can still be powerful thanks to some extra options, such as timer-controlled recording. You can also use it to record streaming video and audio.
6. CamStudio
CamStudio is an easy-to-use program that allows you to record your screen and audio. You can save your recordings in AVI or SWF format. The program lets you add text annotations and callouts. You can also choose how your cursor appears—default, hidden, or highlighted—so set those options before you start recording. CamStudio provides settings for video, which allow you to adjust compression, frame rates, quality, and make time-lapse videos. However, it does not have video editing features.
7. OBS Studio
OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is a free and open-source program for screencasting and live broadcasting. It offers many features for real-time capture and creating scenes, making it easy to stream on platforms like YouTube. OBS Studio supports various encoding options, including x264, AV1, H.264/H.265, and other hardware encoders. You can use it on Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD. Educators can create videos for live demonstrations or pre-recorded courses by combining screen captures, webcam footage, images, and audio. While it may have a steep learning curve, it provides users with a lot of freedom and control.
Why Should Teachers Start Using Online Video Creation Software?
Teachers can use online video creation software to transform standard lessons into engaging and dynamic experiences. Here are some compelling reasons to switch to video learning.
It Helps Students Understand Written Instructions Better
Many students struggle with long instructions. Making a short video to go with the assignment instructions can help them understand better. Students can also rewatch the video and listen to the instructions again.
Best Practices
- Explain the assignment steps in your videos. Share your thoughts and use an example.
- Use a screen share tool to record your screen and make a video that shows an example while you describe it.
- Make sure the video content matches the written instructions.
- Include closed captioning and transcripts for accessibility. You can do this easily with YouTube or tools like Otter.ai, Google Docs voice typing, Microsoft's Dictation, and OneNote.
- If an assignment has many steps, create several short videos to break the instructions into smaller parts.
It Increases Student Engagement By Grabbing Attention
Video uses speech, music, images, and storytelling to create a more engaging experience. Adding interactive elements like quizzes or reflection questions makes videos even more interesting.
Best Practices
- Keep videos to six minutes or less to hold students' interest.
- Start with a "hook" in the first ten seconds to grab attention.
- Break longer information into smaller segments that flow well.
It Makes Complex Subjects Easy To Understand
Students often get confused when complex ideas are explained through text or PowerPoint. Teachers can use videos to show and explain these difficult concepts. The best videos are short and focused, providing important details without overwhelming students.
Best Practices
- Use animations, screen captures, or diagrams to clarify complex subjects.
- Highlight key points both verbally and visually.
- Follow up with a quick knowledge check or reflection exercise to improve learning.
Videos Engage Learners Wherever They Are
Every student has different learning styles. Some prefer to watch, some like to listen, and others need to revisit material to grasp complex ideas. Videos allow students to control the pace, pause, fast-forward, or rewind as needed.
Best Practices
- Provide chapter markers and options for playback speed.
- Offer both audio and video versions.
- Include downloadable resources like notes, slides, and transcripts.
It Is Sustainable And Scalable
Videos can be reused, saving time, money, and effort. With modern eLearning tools, anyone can create exciting, interactive video content without needing a film crew.
Best Practices
- Use key video resources for students and lessons.
- Instead of rerecording, use simple editing tools to update old information.
- Choose tools that allow easy publishing, SCORM/xAPI export, and interactive features.
