With a format shamelessly ripped from the Khan Academy (which I'll be linking to quite a bit), here is my first screencast for Economics for Business. Expect one a week from now on. The screencasts will cover bits of lectures I forgot, mathematical derivations, some 'skills' like graph creation, etc, in Excel, and yes, some ranting.
I'd love feedback in the comments on the audio/video quality, and whether people think this will be useful to students.
You can view this screencast on any mobile device (iPhone/iPad/etc too) as well as computers.
Economics for Business Screen Cast 1 from Stephen Kinsella on Vimeo.
Small point Stephen,
If you could make the pen size a little wider then it would be easier to read against the white.
Audio is a little reverberant but I'm sure you have little control over your office.
Other than that, it's pretty clear, well done!
Thanks Mike, the reverb thing I can fix, and I'll make the pen size bigger too next time. What about the background? Khan uses black, it seems to make things look better. Is white OK?
This is all visual. This means you have to watch on screen. Consider audio only listening opportunities.
Mobile phone texting in class, so old school!
It is going to be interesting to see the end result.
You seem to be moving technology out of the way and getting students to think and take notes.
I like the idea. I am teaching a smaller class of 20. Your idea for teaching and managing 700 students gives you greater control.
Text size and pen size are things to consider, especially if students are watching videos on mobile devices.
How do you find Vimeo for video?
Hi Nilsson, I'll do an audio version too, that's a great idea. I'm recording these things in Screenflow, so it's easy to create an mp3 too. I'll also be recording the lectures themselves using fairly professional audio stuff too.
The texting is great, I've used it for 3 years now, more details here: http://www.stephenkinsella.net/2008/04/28/my-text-message-doo-hickey/
Vimeo is awesome because of its HD and stats properties. Cheers for the comment!
Hi Stephen,
Studies generally show people prefer dark text on a white background although I personally prefer if the 'white' is actually a toned-down shade so it doesn't burn the eyes on screen.
Love the texting and making it work as a podcast would definitely work with me if I was one of your students.
Hi Mike, the app I'm using doesn't let me use a dark background, but I'll have a look for one that does, cheers!