Jing

 Screencast/Jing

[|Fractions Jing]

**Description of Assignment:** Our assignment was to learn how to use another Web 2.0 tool. We were to create a Jing/Screencast that we could use in our virtual classroom. Creating a Jing allows anyone to capture what they see on their screen. It could be quite a useful tool in teaching a virtual classroom. We had to download Jing, which is free. From there we were to choose the content for our Screencast to upload onto our virtual classroom in Blackboard. The content had to be something that could be used in our virtual classroom. This assignment forced us to look at pieces that were missing from our virtual classrooms, and how capturing our own screen and possibly even voice could help support those parts. It is something that can be shared with anyone through various social media such as on a blog or even Twitter. When we finished our assignment, we added it to our EDT 6020 PBWorks page for others to view.


 * Process:** My first step in this assignment was to decide how I wanted to use Jing in my virtual classroom. For starters, I decided that I wanted to introduce the unit so the students could hear my voice and I could go over what we would be covering. Also, I thought that having this information upfront, in a place that they could refer to whenever they needed, would be beneficial. From there, I downloaded Jing and started playing around with this new technology to figure out how to use it. I like using PowerPoint because it is quick and easy to use, so I started there. My focus was to create the essential questions for the unit and to present them in a colorful and easy format. When it came time to capture my information, I first just captured each page of the PowerPoint. Then I realized that I could create a video that would allow me to record my voice, which is what I wanted to do in the first place. I really thought I was going to have to use Garage Band to create a background voice. Then I was wondering how I was going input it onto the screencast. Finally, after watching Chandra's VoiceThread and the Jing Tutorial I discovered the video capture. In the end, it was quite easy to create a video screencast and then upload it onto the screencast.com website.

 **References**: (2010), //TechSmith.// Retrieved February 1-7, 2010 from TechSmith Corporation, Michigan. Website: [|www.techsmith.com].
 * Reflection**: This was one of those lessons where the lightbulb came on. Of course, my first thought was, how is this going to be beneficial for my virtual classroom? Then I realized that I needed to have an introduction to the material that was not just written words. By using Jing, I could introduce the content of my unit in a unique way. Plus, this could be a way to introduce Jing so the students could use the program later in the course. What I like about Jing is that there is nothing for the students to download, but they can watch the Jing as many times as they need to in order to preview the unit. I found Jing to be an easy program to use, and think that it would be relatively basic for students to use as well. I would definitely have students watch the tutorial because that was very helpful for me. I think this could be used to help students with creativity, or for clarification. I like the idea of answering students questions with Jing. There are definitely many visual learners out there that could use Jing for a better understanding. Students could present their own creations using Jing to teach each other. Overall, I think there are many ways to use Jing in a regular or virtual classroom. I will be trying this Web 2.0 tool in my own classroom.

(2010), //Screencast//. Retrieved February 6-7, 2010 from TechSmith Corporation, Michigan. Website: [|www.screencast.com].

(2010), //Jing//. Retrieved February 5, 2010 from TechSmith Corporation, Michigan. Website: [].

(2007), //Fractions//. Retrieved February 5, 2010 from Kings Road Primary School, Essex, England. Website: [].