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Computer Assisted Instructions - Learning

 

 

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“Where do I start?” – It was actually my first question that I asked myself after I chose CamStudio for the “thing” to learn. I needed to create a plan of how would I achieve my goal – learning how to create instructional screen-video with voice-over for training or/and orientations. I divided my experience on following tasks:

 

  • Download and Install CamStudio;

  • Setup/optimize software;

  • Learn how to use software (screen recording with voice over and possible options);

  • Demonstrate what I learn, by creating short screen-cast video.

 

Download and Install Software

 

During my research through the search engines I found referral to the CamStudio website:

 

         http://camstudio.org/

 

Although usually installing software is very straight forward I also found couple of videos on YouTube that I watched on installation of the product I am interested in. Most of the instructional videos on how to use CamStudio include information on where to download the software and how to set it up. One of the simplest and shortest videos on download and install CamStudio is shown below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First 1:30 minutes of this video is dedicated to the installing software. We also need to pay attention to the date when this instruction has been posted. This instructions has been created in 2010 but by looks of it versioning of software did not really change since then; and instructions given were adequate for installation.

 

Setup and Optimisation of CamStudio

 

After installing CamStudio, I assumed that I can just go and start using software to create video screen-cast. But through instructional videos I found that I will have to make some setup for video, audio, cursor, file saving options and actual CamStudio software.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CamStudio also have options for annotations or text over the video, but this will be out of the scope of my project, and I will learn more about it in the future.

 
Using CamStudio - Video Recording

 

Last video is also giving you an example of how to record the video with help of CamStudio starting (from 11:00 to 13:10 minutes) and it can not be easier after all preliminary settings are done for your region, audio source and cursor.

 

There are three options of control for recording a screen-cast:

 

  • Record,

  • Pause,

  • Stop.

 

These options can be accessed through the ‘File' menu or through the actual buttons (see above screenshot). They are self-explanatory, but I would like to mention ‘Pause’ button and its use for the creating of the instructions. Sometime it is useful to skip a few steps during presentation, or replace programs that are shown in the recorded area, or even clear your throat or thoughts for a moment – you will find ‘Pause’ can help you with creating a better flow in your videos if needed.

 

 

Instructional video also touches on the topic of the distribution of the result. Your video can be distributed in many different ways: sending it through the email (depends on the size), posting in on file share servers or using YouTube or other video sharing website. The most common way today for sharing your videos is YouTube. You will have to have Google/YouTube account in order to post your video online.

 

 

 

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Instructional video gives you instructions on how to setup following options:

 

  • video options;

  • area of the screen/instruction;

  • audio options;

  • audio source;

  • program settings;

  • cursor settings.

 

Screenshot on the left shows you menu from the CamStudio/Options where you can access all these options.  I would like to explain few of them in detail. Video and audio options should work right from the installation, although you might want to experiment with video compressors/codecs, and  key frames in video options; and recording/compressing format for audio options. These settings will affect your quality of the video/audio and size of the final product.

 

Before starting the recording it is important to set some of the program settings also. Second screen shot on the left showing you sub-menu of the 'Program Options'. Most of them self-explanatory, but should be reviewed to understand what  to expect when the recording is done and where your video file will be stored. I would suggest to review all of them and set 'Directory for recording' and 'Name of AVI file' based on your preferences. This will allow you to control where the resulting file is stored and its name. Also I would suggest to check 'Save settings on exit', this way you will have no need to set up your software each time you load to use it.

 

Next screenshot is 'Region', which refers to the area of the screen that will be used for recording. This setting will also have to be set based on the result you want to achieve. You can record full screen, one window, or area of your screen (fixed region or region - further settings will be required). If you are choosing 'Fixed Region...' or 'Region' I would also suggest to leave 'Hide flashing rectangle during recording' un-checked. That will allow you to visualize part of the screen that are being recorded, and help you to keep cursor within recorded screen.

 

During the recording you can chose following options for the audio source (they are located in the 'Options' menu, first screen shot on the left). These options are:

 

  • do not record audio;

  • record audio from the microphone;

  • record audio from the speakers.

 

'Record audio from the microphone' will allow you to record your voice over the video, and give the instructions or explanations on what you are doing and why.

 

'Record audio from the speakers' could be useful if you are creating video examples of the games, tele/video conference or presentation.

 

Last, fourth screen shot on the left showing you cursor options. You can hide cursor, use regular cursor or chose one of the custom cursors, or highlight the cursor during video recording. I would recommend highlighting the cursor if you are giving instructions on how to use software or website. Highlighting of the cursor will give viewers an option of following your actions with more attention.

 

This is the main settings you will have to do before starting recording your video. I used following video that describes how to set up your basic Camstudio options, please watch the video starting from 2:20 pointer up to 11:00.

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