Just finished reading this article:
Heidi M. Steiner, (2010) "Livening virtual reference with screencasting and screen sharing", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 27 Iss: 4/5, pp. 9-11. DOI 10.1108/07419051011083172
Heidi takes a look at Jing, Screencast-o-matic, Screencastle, and Screenjelly for screencasting, and Dimdim, Yuuguu and ShowMyPC as screen sharing tools. Missing from her list is a new tool I haven't taken the time to explore yet either, join.me (oh hey, I just noticed that site's run by logmein.com, which I love!). She doesn't make an overall recommendation, just briefly lists the pros and cons of each tool. If they're new to you, it's a nice annotated list.
Scott Leslie was also recently testing, and reports his findings in Quick Shoot-Out – 4 Free Web-based Screencasting Tools. He covers three of Heidi's tools, and also ScreenToaster. Scott picks Screencast-o-matic as his winner, but proclaims web-based screencasting "now mostly “Mom-proof” technology."
If you're looking for quick and easy screencasting, you'll do well with any of the above.
Comments
2 Responses to “Livening virtual reference with screencasting and screen sharing”
Hey, that’s me! Thanks so much for doing a write-up of my article, Paul. I started hearing about join.me right after the article went to press and did a forehead smack. Have had a chance to play with the tools I discussed more and definitely agree with Scott on Screencast-o-matic. Doesn’t look like much, but it has the most flexibility with the least fuss. I love that you can move the recording frame around and the variety of output options is strong for a free product. With the article, I really wanted to provide a snapshot of what’s out there to show there’s really no reason not to be using these tools when virtual reference so often warrants more than text.
Paul, Revisiting this stuff as we get ready to consider new options for digital reference during our renovation and knew you would have the latest.
Thanks,
Greg