Sketchcasting

[|Sketchcasting] Sketchcasting is a web tool used to provide visual clues (pictures or words on a white board) while one speaks.

1. Resources and links: [|YouTube Introduction to Sketchcasting] [|How to Sketchcast] Items needed (based on How to Sketchcast YouTube Video):
 * a microphone
 * screencasting recorder (software that records mouse movements and activities on desktop as avi file or flash movie)
 * Drawing – art rage (free version – full version is $25)
 * YouTube or any other video hosting site
 * Tablet PC – difficult to write with a mouse

Steps:
 * Draw
 * Record program
 * Save to .avi
 * Upload to YouTube
 * Point to video on blog

How to make it more effective (Items needed, steps and ways to make more effective are from: [])
 * Keep it less than 4 minutes
 * No editing (keep it flowing)
 * No um’s and ah’s
 * Keep writing (no pauses)

2. SWOT Analysis
 * Strengths
 * Can easily be shared via YouTube, an existing blog or a web page
 * Free to use; must register to log in
 * Easy to use, once the user has the appropriate requirements downloaded to computer
 * A visual and voice representation of something
 * Can be used by multiple users with the microphone
 * Can create a Sketchcast with or without voice recording


 * Weaknesses
 * Must have certain things: microphone, screencasting recorder, drawing software, Tablet PC


 * Opportunities
 * Can be used for tutorials
 * Can be used to show a formula works (math, science)
 * Can be used to describe cultural information for a world language class or for English-language learners
 * Can be used to tell a story with pictures
 * Can be shared with others


 * Threats
 * Not all Sketchcasts that are posted might be appropriate for students

3. Ideas for the classroom
 * Summarize a lesson that was taught and post to class web site (particularly if there were steps needed to accomplish something)
 * Students can describe something (can be used to review previously-learned material)
 * Show and Tell