Screenr

Thought I'd mentioned this earlier but I hadn't so here is some info about Screenr now.

Continuing the theme of the last post, an important concept in this subject is for the users to understand the role of instructional design in e-learning development. They may not be training to be teachers, but ID is an important component in the design of any e-learning project.

With this in mind, I asked them to use Screenr to post two video based screencasts showing how to complete a computer-based task using a tool they are very familiar with (eg: Photoshop, Flash, etc). In f2f class we examined good and bad examples of this and discussed hints to improve the end-product. We also experimented with the tool to get familiar with its basic operation.

Recording a screencast is quite difficult given the multi-tasking nature of the work. It involves demonstrating one program, whilst operating another program and explaining the first program and its context in a planned and logical way. Whilst the end-product may only be 3-5 minutes long (for eg), it takes many attempts to get to an acceptable result - especially for the beginner. This is a big ask, even for a Diploma student, however many of the submissions have been quite good (with more still to come).

They arent studying teaching, but I am sure they all have a new found respect for teachers and trainers, now that they have experienced this role first-hand. This may actually impact on their assesment of me and my performance as a teacher.

This learning activity was designed to stretch and extend them and it definitely was the most challenging so far for students.