SEVENTH REFLECTION

Camtasia

Camtasia Studio is ingenious piece of video software for PC and Mac users that allows to record on-screen activity, edit/modify content and then share the video on various platforms. Camtasia provides educators with the perfect solution to easily create videos that motivate students, inform parents and enhance learning.

It is convenient for creating video tutorials and presentations directly by screen cast or by a direct recording plug in to Microsoft PowerPoint. The screen area to be recorded can be freely chosen and audio or other multimedia recordings may be recorded at the same time. Some other reasons why we have to use Camtasia may be User-friendly, Easy to share, beneficial features and for informative videos.

Steps to create a video in Camtasia:

Step 1. Choose a topic / Start with a plan

If you want to learn how to make tutorial videos or other instructional videos it all begins with great planning. Decide what you will be including in your video, whether it will be a complication of videos or just photos.

Start by choosing a topic that is focused on a specific task or piece of content that your viewers need to learn. Consider the most common and critical tasks that they struggle with and start there. Then use that information to choose a tutorial topic that will best help your target group. Make sure your topic is narrowly focused. Videos with a single, focused topic are easier to create and often make for more successful instructional content.

Step 2. Create a storyboard and write a script

Once you have chosen a topic, create a storyboard to help visualize what you want to show. It’s also good idea to write a script or basic outline of what you’d like to teach. To make your script a smooth and natural feel, use words you’d use in everyday conversations.

Don't just tell viewers what’s going on, show them. Instead of simply saying what's happening on-screen, let those actions speak for themselves and use this time to add context with the voice over or narration.

Step 3. Capture your footage or record your computer screen

Collect any equipment props or tools you need for your video. Next, stage your recording space and make sure the area is well lit. When the scene is set, use your storyboard and script to guide you through each step. The Camtasia video editor makes it simple to record your voice over with built-in voice narration.

When you’re ready, record the script and make sure to speak slowly and clearly. If you make a mistake, don’t start over. Simply pause and start again right before you made the mistake. You can always remove mistakes when you’re finished.

Step 4. Start your project and import the footage

With your footage recorded, you’re ready to jump into Camtasia. Open Camtasia and create a new project. If you record your screen, Camtasia will automatically bring up a new project or add your recording to the existing project you’re working on. You can also transfer the media to your computer, and then import it by clicking the plus sign in the media bin and selecting import media. Then choose the files to add to your project.

Step 5. Arrange and edit your video

With all of your media in Camtasia, drag clips to the timeline and position them in the order you want to them to appear in the video. Trim excess portions of a clip by mousing over the edge and dragging. Cut from the middle of a clip by placing the playhead where the cut should begin, dragging the playhead to select the portion of the clip to remove, and then click the cut button.

Step 6. Add polish with an intro sequence /Sync your audio and video

With your audio narration on the timeline, use clip speed and extend frame to sync the pace of your video with your narration.

For example, if you need more time to explain a concept, split the clip and use extend frame to freeze the video. Or if you want to speed up a boring part of your recording, add clip speed, and then drag the handles to speed it up.

Step 7. Produce and share your video

When you have the video the way you like it, you’re ready to produce and share. And the last step in creating a tutorial is to save the video. Think about where you want this video to live and choose a share destination.  Click the share button and choose local file to export the video file to your computer.

We recommend sharing your video with a few people to get feedback. This is a great way to make sure your message is clear, and your video is accomplishing your goals.