There are so many ways this tool could be used in the classroom. However, my top three would be as follows:
1. Scaffolding, supporting and reinforcing student learning. Often in class we are teaching skills, ideas, concepts or knowledge that takes a little time to stick – especially for students that don’t get it the first time. The screencast for basic ideas, concepts or skills is invaluable for allowing that student to reconnect with the learning in class and allow them to support their understanding. While there still is a need for the human connection with the teacher, the student has the chance to own their own learning and try to understand using the screencast – a good skill to learn in terms of getting a student to have stamina in their independent learning and to not admit defeat just because they don’t understand first time around.
2. Professional Development. I’m spending more and more time out of the classroom these days (and boy, do I miss my students!). However, my teaching role is changing (thanks, in part to studying for this degree) and next year it is likely that I will be a part-time technology integration coach for my school (to be continued…). Therefore, I’m training teachers in Middle Years Programme (MYP) “Next Chapter” changes and preparing to migrate from a mere geography teacher to someone that will be working with the professional development of teachers both in school and across the planet. Basic screencasts of the basics will be invaluable as these will set in place a core of knowledge and understanding that educators will need to know in moving forward in both the MYP Programme changes and higher technology integration into their classrooms.
3. Absences. As testified above, I’m missing my students on a real-time basis a lot so am setting a number of screencasts in place for them as I don’t want them to march time on content (we frankly just don’t have time for that!). As we move into the final months of the Diploma Programme for my seniors, revision screencasts as well as other short lessons to simply complete the syllabus will become more and more important. It’s a busy time and this approach to learning will become more and more invaluable as our little time marches on.
So have a look at my screencast by clicking here or view below– those of you in busy International Baccalaureate schools might relate! Enjoy!