Video Production
TechSmith’s Camtasia Video Editing Software http://discover.techsmith.com/try-camtasia, has been on the market for approximately 13 years. Camtasia is an excellent asynchronous e-learning tool for engineering personal and professional video tutorials and presentations. The program supports a multitude of applications/formats and possesses the ability to convert and render projects in a short time span. Given Camtasia is offered as a free downloadable program a and has a 30 day trial option before purchasing, it’s low to medium “learning curve” surpasses other complicated video editing programs; such as, Studio Vegas, Avid, and Studio Pinnacle.
The ability to record screens, one click editing, and share completed products on all venues, has proven to invaluable for instructional designers and e-learning instructors searching for professional product with transitional, call-outs, and special effects editing tools. Although it is useful for rendering video files and conversion to mp3 and additional audio formats, Camtasia is primarily used for creating and developing HD quality tutorials for training purposes and online instruction. One of the major advantages for developing or maintaining a video production tool, such as Camtasia, on a Learning Management System (LMS) is the ability to monitor its content; observe; and manage utilized materials. A properly maintain LMS allows an instructor to audit download times, area site visits, and student performance grading utilizing a rubric. In addition, use of a LMS can provide feedback from data reports queried. |
Weaknesses and Challenges: Program shortcomings include: difficulty editing pre-produced windows files from other video applications; the quality of its audio is minimal with additional “noise”, and limited number of transitional/special effects. However, like many video production tools, program certificates can become pricey and the length of time spent by users learning the program, to include writing scripts, can present challenges.
The most effective assessments serve as motivational tools, promote learning, and can be graded using explicit criteria and standards (rubrics) (Walvoord & Anderson, 1998) Video productions for e-learning are normally used for specific purposes; such as to convey an emotion, reduce reading loads for example. Video e-learning assessment limits the instructor’s ability to administer various test. Given this e-learning too is asynchronous and does not provide open dialog with in real time, it restricts communication and other tools are used to accurately measure if the students are learning and can integrate learning objectives in real life applications. |
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Examples: TechSmith posted the following link from an instructor and blogger who is using Camtasia software. The blog describes his experience using video as an assessment tool and how this process has allow him to personalize his interaction with his students.
The educational benefits of using video production as an assessment tool allows the instructor to display and discuss finding in more detail. A learning objective connected to the use of the assessment tool, Camtasia, the instructor will learn how to design, create and post an e-learning course for student use in an online classroom on the internet.
The educational benefits of using video production as an assessment tool allows the instructor to display and discuss finding in more detail. A learning objective connected to the use of the assessment tool, Camtasia, the instructor will learn how to design, create and post an e-learning course for student use in an online classroom on the internet.