Cloning Yourself with Camtasia Studio

Who's got time to come to skills based training without a clear model of how it could be used in the classroom? Certainly, not teachers! Teachers, at times, come to technology skills training without a clear notion of how the skill might be applied for teaching and learning. They are interested in the technology, but haven't had time to even learn what the tool might do for them. And, some times, teachers may hold a vague idea of  a hot topic such as "flipped learning," "blended learning," etc. but if the training doesn't provide concrete examples that fit their

comfort zone, they leave not knowing how to implement. We all need models and for some the training might be their first introduction! Very understandable given all that teachers are responsible for doing - at least in our district!

It is also possible that there are additional skills required to be able to put the training into practice that they need to add to their "toolbox." One tool leads to the next and while none are enormous additions, they do require some knowledge - such as where to even find the tool! :-) This training is certainly a poster child for that!

This Camtasia training is enhanced by also showing Google Docs and QR Codes! My hope is that this post will help some teachers solve some of those challenges. This is my most recent attempt to help bridge the gaps and model an approach (where technology is a tool) from start to finish.

This is also an attempt to take a face-to-face training and digitize it so learners can sit in their" jammies" or in the car (passengers only, please) and be supported in their learning.

WARNING: This is only ONE example. There are many variables that can change and it is in no way intended to be "the way!" In fact, I invite you to share the tools you have used and the way you have "smashed" them together to create something of value for your classroom.

The idea started one day when Donald Burken and I were talking about ways to model literacy in the science classroom. He shared some examples that he had, and I presented a session at the Literacy Conference using those ideas. when I started toying around with making an introductory Camtasia class that was more relevant from teachers, I thought I'd stay in the science classroom building off my experience.

So, here are three videos that walk you through the the creation of an independent science workstation. It begins with cloning the teacher by recording the directions for the workstation. This frees up the class time that would have been used to give students the directions and also allows for students to hear the directions more than once if needed, since it is a multi-step process.

After recording the workstation directions, as well as editing and producing the recording in Camtasia, the next step is to create QR codes for students to access the directions. Also, you create QR codes for the videos they are to watch and the Google Doc on which they will collaboratively share their thinking.

This first video describes the workstation and shares the information you need to actually record the directions.

Here is an example of the actual recording:

Next, is a video that walks you through the editing and producing process in Camtasia Studio.

And, lastly, is the video on how to create the QR codes!

How might you take this example and build on it? Please reply with your ideas!