Division of Instructional Innovation and Assessment
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Estimated costs before tax are incidated as no cost (free), $ (up to $20), $$ (between $20 and $100), $$$ (between $100 and $200), or $$$$ (over $200).
There are several software products that enable instructors to capture onscreen computer presentations alongside audio narration and live webcam video to create tutorials and demos. These screen capture utilities record mouse movements and other user actions in real-time along with content. Some allow additional audio/video editing to fine-tune the pacing of the recorded demo. Recording audio and video content requires additional equipment such as microphones and video cameras.
Once a presentation is recorded, instructors can decide whether to post the presentation on the web in a streaming format or as a download. It is recommended that any presentation longer than 5 minutes be in a streaming format. Consult the UT Web video guidelines for recommendations on how to ready your presentation for publication on the Web.
Camtasia Studio
Camtasia Studio 3.1 allows a user to create training modules and presentations for Web or CD-ROM delivery. It records full-motion screen recordings and saves them in a variety of formats, including .avi, .swf, .wmv, .flv, QuickTime (QT), and RealMedia. It allows editing for exact slide timing, and picture-in-picture recordings using a webcam video. Audio narration can be recorded live or added later. Allows adding effects such as highlighting to enhance the critical points. Other functions include direct support for recording in PowerPoint using PowerPoint Add-in, Flash 8 support, and ADA-compliant captioning.
Cost: $$$
URL: http://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/whatsnew.asp
SNAPZ-ProX 2
A screen capture utility for Mac OS X. The utility records onscreen computer video along with digital sound and audio narration using a microphone, but does not allow for additional editing inside the application. It records onscreen video to Quicktime format, and can also capture still images.
Cost: $$
URL: http://www.ambrosiasw.com/utilities/snapzprox/
Macromedia Captivate
This program creates interactive simulations and software demonstrations in Macromedia Flash format. It records screen actions and allows for editable mouse movements, text captions, scored click boxes, customizable quizzes, and data-entry fields. It produces high-resolution small file sizes and contains built-in audio editing and synchronization using a visual timeline. The application integrates with Macromedia Breeze and Authorware learning management systems. ADA-compliant output allows captioning.
Cost: $$$
URL: http://www.macromedia.com/software/captivate/?promoid=BINN
There are several commercial turnkey tools/systems in use at UT Austin that capture and synchronize the lecturer’s video/audio output with any digital presentation materials. The tools compress and encode this media in formats such as Quicktime, Real, or WindowsMedia. Most systems feature portable models as well as rack models for classroom installation.
VBrick’s VBXCast with EthernetTV
This system can be automated and scaled to manage multiple video signals, and outputs an MPEG4 file which is readily viewable in formats such as QuickTime, Real, or WindowsMedia. This system is ideal for the flexibility, efficiency and scalability it provides for any classroom size, and lectures that focus on showing time-based media. The College of Communication has installed both static and mobile systems in their classrooms to use in conjunction with wall-mounted cameras. A faculty focus group is developing criteria for using the system in peer-to-peer review and evaluation, research activities, and archiving of student presentations and work. The college currently uses the system to capture and archive special one-time events for later review and study.
Who: College of Communication
For more information about the College’s Classroom Experience Archive,
see: http://communication.utexas.edu/technology/knowledgebase/teaching/PROD_001091.html
Example of the VBrick user interface
Envivio’s Mindshare Composer
This system manages multiple video signals and outputs a single, multilayered, scalable, interactive, high-quality MPEG4 stream, ideal for any media. The system uses open source and a plug-in to view presentations in QuickTime, Real, WindowsMedia, and ActiveX. A Virtual Camera Operator system was developed, and an automated archiving system is being planned to eliminate staffing needs to record lectures. This system is installed in Welch 2.224 and ACES Avaya Auditorium.
Who: College of Natural Sciences, ACES Building
For examples of CNS’s Utevo Project, see: http://uttechnologyclassroom.com/
Example of the Envivio user interface
Sonic Foundry’s MediaSite
This system is reliable and easy to operate, ideal for presenters of PowerPoint and other static media. It requires WindowsMedia server and WindowsMedia player to view presentations on a variety of browsers. Features include a polling function and the facility to email questions during live broadcasts. The system captures the VGA signal from a presentation device such as a computer or projector and outputs high resolution JPG images to create a variety of presentation interface options. ICC uses this system in its Global Classroom with automatic tracking cameras. The Cockrell School of Engineering recently installed this system in ETC 5.148 for classroom lecture recording.
Who: Cockrell School of Engineering, IC2, DIIA
DIIA is participating in an impact study using a mobile system to webcast DIIA large enrollment courses and DIIA events.
Example of the MediaSite user interface