Using CamStudio Open Source CamStudio Open Source CamStudio is a screencasting program for Microsoft Windows, released as free software under an open source licence. This allows you to record any desktop activity, e.g. using a web browser to access the college website, add optional narrative tracks and simple annotation. The software renders video in an .avi format which can be played back using Windows Media Player; it can also convert files to Flash video format making delivery over the web much more efficient. There are a range of possible educational uses: 1. Tutorial videos 2. Presentations (both tutor and learner) 3. Feedback on electronically submitted assignments 4. Reflective journals Although CamStudio doesn’t include any video editing functionality, for the more ambitious, it’s a relatively simple matter to import recordings into a program like Microsoft MovieMaker to add titles, break up a longer video into shorter chunks, and add transition effects. Installing CamStudio Open Source If you are using a college PC, then you may have to contact you IT department to request CamStudio be installed onto your machine. Please refer them to: http://camstudio.org/ NOTE: The site mentions that Camstudio works with Windows XP and Vista, but we’ve tested it with Windows 7 and encountered no problems. You can download the software yourself from the same link; scroll down about halfway down the page and click on the CamStudio20.exe link. Save the file to your hard drive. Click on the .exe file to install the program. You will be taken to the installation screen. Agree to terms and conditions, select a destination directory and sit back and wait while the program installs. It should only take a few moments before you receive a message to let you know it was installed successfully. Recording a video Starting up CamStudio reveals a small window interface with record, pause and stop buttons at the top left. You’ll need to set a few parameters first though, before pressing that big red button to start recording. Region The region is the area that is captured during the recording. There are three options: Region Once you start recording, you will be prompted to select the area you want to capture Fixed Region Define the area that you want to capture by pixel width and height (useful if you’re planning to upload to YouTube and need precise settings Full Screen Captures everything visible on the screen Although it’s tempting to select Full Screen, it’s probably better to define a region as the file size of the video will be smaller, and it allows the viewer to watch the video and potentially follow along (if you’re producing a tutorial). Audio There are three options for recording audio in Camstudio, you’ll find these under Options in the menu bar: Do not record audio No audio is recorded Record audio from microphone If you have a microphone attached to the PC, then you can record a narration of onscreen activity. Useful for feedback on assignments or to accommodate users with visual difficulties Record audio from speakers Captures the output from the activity on screen Depending on the PC that you are using, it may be possible to record from the microphone and speakers simultaneously using a ‘Stereo Mix’ function (this is disabled on some machines). For now, just choose one of the available options. Format CamStudio records to an .avi format by default, but if you want to change this, then click the button that says SWF ( ), which then will make CamStudio record to a .swf format, suitable for online distribution. The .avi format is useful if you want to edit the file in other programs, or you need to play the video in programs like Windows Media Player. Recording Now the time has come to click on that big red button to start the recording. You’ll be prompted to define the area you wish to capture (if you have chosen the ‘Region’ option indicated earlier).You'll notice your mouse pointer has turned into a pen with a cross on the end. Left click in the top left corner you want to begin recording, then drag the box over the entire area you want covered. Once you let go of the mouse button, you will see bright green flashing lines on either side of the screen. These lines mark the edge of your recording area and indicate that CamStudio is now recording. Please note that anything beyond these boundaries will not be recorded. When you’re ready to stop recording, click the stop button ( ); you’ll be presented with a save screen dialog box. Enter the name of your video and click the save button. CamStudio will now compress your video tutorial into an .avi or .swf file, depending on which you selected earlier. Once the video has been compressed, a player will launch automatically allowing you to view the recording. NOTE: You can minimize CamStudio and it will remain running in the system tray. Double click the icon ( ) in the system tray to access the program or right click the icon to choose between record, stop or pause. Word processing example Below is a screenshot of a recording made illustrating how Camstudio can be used to create a short tutorial on how to apply simply formatting attributes to a piece of text. Although simple, such recordings can have a positive effect on reinforcing step-by-step instructions on paper, or live demonstrations. View this video on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feuyKAu5OJg Additional points CamStudio Open Source is also available as a ‘portable’ application with RSC Scotland North & East’s EduApps suites: www.eduapps.org, allowing it to be used on almost any PC without having to go through the process of installation. The Regional Support Centre provides advice and guidance on the use of ICT in education and acts as a gateway to JISC and its many services and initiatives. .