Camtasia

What is it?

Camtasia is screen capture software which can be used to record anything you can see on your computer screen and record corresponding audio. This can then be edited and shared with other people. This practice is commonly termed as screencasting or screencapture. Another becoming increasingly used is coursecasting.

Why use it?

• To create online tutorials
• To record live presentations, i.e. everything on screen and presenter's voice
• To create media rich teaching materials using a combination of screen capture and video
• Providing feedback, some academics are using screencasting to provide feedback to their students. It can be used to provide high quality personal feedback

Examples

• Example screencast: Blackboard tutorial - from our support materials
• Example screencast: powerpoint slides and software demo - a library catalogue tutorial

Screencasting is becoming increasingly popular within the university and is used by the Digital Education team to help provide support materials for staff and students, primarily through Blackboard. Contact us if you would like to see further examples.

How do I start using Camtasia?

UoB does not have a site licence for Camtasia but it is widely used so you may not need to purchase the software. There are several options:

• Check if your School, Faculty or department has spare licences available.
• We may well be able to loan you a laptop with the software installed, contact us.
• Camtasia is available from the Univeristy's suppliers. Prices change but a single copy costs less than £100. If you wish to install it on a University managed computer we advise you to check with your local IT support before you purchase it.

What support is available?

We can provide advice on whether Camtasia is an appropriate tool for your needs and if so and advise on best practice. Camtasia is also used by academics in a number of UoB departments. You could ask around to see of any of you colleagues have relevant experience they could share with you.