SkillCasting

The people behind An Inconvenient Truth have turned their sights on the educational challenges in America. Definitely not a small undertaking. Now I won’t get into all the politics on this or their previous effort. But what is aparent though is the fact that training and education aren’t going anywhere. Yes, it’s morphing. But there is more of a need now than ever to coach, train, and educate.

Here’s their promo video:

TakePart: Participant Media – Waiting For ‘Superman’ – Infographic from Jr.canest on Vimeo.

What do you want to teach? How are you going to do it?

[via Lars Hyland]

Note: This post originally appeared at http://www.macscreencasting.com/greenscreen-video-in-screencasts on 6.21.2010. Due to recent WordPress hacks, I’m consolidating my sites and I’ll be moving the MacScreencasting posts over to SkillCasting. Then I’ll shut down MacScreencasting.

A lot of people incorporate picture-in-picture video into the screencasts. But did you know you can incorporate even more dynamic green screen (chromakey) video into your screencasts? And did you know you could use iMovie ’09 to do it?

This video shows you a 5-step process utilizing iMovie ’09. But while it’s easy, don’t kid yourself. It takes planning to get everything working together. Watch how.

[View iPhone version]

Note: This post originally appeared at http://www.macscreencasting.com/using-transparent-png-files-in-screencasts on 6.21.2010. Due to recent WordPress hacks, I’m consolidating my sites and I’ll be moving the MacScreencasting posts over to SkillCasting. Then I’ll shut down MacScreencasting.

Using transparent PNG files is a great way to make call outs or watermarks for your screencast videos. It’s a pretty common question that comes up all the times on screencasting boards and Twitter.

Use this technique if you want to add creativity to your screencasts. It’s perfect for call out’s and visual reminders. It’s also a great solution for adding a watermark for protection or branding.

This screencast shows how easy it is to add a transparent png file to your project.

[View iPhone version]

I’ve had several people ask me which tools I use to create my transparent .pngs. I use Pixelmator and you can find it in Apple’s App Store.

Note: This post originally appeared at http://www.macscreencasting.com/jing-introduction-with-screencast-com on 6.21.2010. Due to recent WordPress hacks, I’m consolidating my sites and I’ll be moving the MacScreencasting posts over to SkillCasting. Then I’ll shut down MacScreencasting.

There are just a handful of tools in my tool bag that I swear by. Jing is one of them.

Jing allows you to capture screen images and quick, down & dirty, screencasts on your computer. Jing is from TechSmith, the makers of SnagIt and Camtasia. There is a free version and a Pro version that enables MP4 video capture, YouTube uploads, and Webcam capture. What really sets Jing apart though is it’s tight integration with Screencast.com for hosting. This makes sharing your screen captures and screencasts, super easy.

This video introduces you to Jing. I share 5 simple ideas for using Jing, show you how to use it, and provide 5 best practices for recording a screencast with Jing.

I think you’ll find Jing to be a worthy addition to your tool bag.

[View iPhone version]

As an update, even a year later, I swear by Jing. It’s just one of those utilities that works. If you need to create a quick screencast without all the production values, Jing works great. I definitely recommend the Pro upgrade for $14.95 so you can create a MP4 version.

Note: This post originally appeared at http://www.macscreencasting.com/screencast-development-process-for-localization on 6.21.2010. Due to recent WordPress hacks, I’m consolidating my sites and I’ll be moving the MacScreencasting posts over to SkillCasting. Then I’ll shut down MacScreencasting.

Creating a few one-off screencasts is no big deal. But what happens when you have a hundred to create? At that point, you better have a process.

Here is a 5-step screencast development process. This will enable you to consistently produce screencasts in an efficient manner. An added benefit is the ability to localize, or customize your screencast for different markets. When you follow a consistent methodology, it’s easier to re-purpose and re-use your content. It’s also easier to swap out elements.

For example, if you need to create English and Spanish versions of your screencasts, it’s easy to swap out the title slides and audio track if developed in a modular fashion.

The video below shows you one process I’ve employed.

[View iPhone version]

If you have questions on how to mass produce screencasts, even remote creation of screencasts, contact me. I maybe able to help.

Creating video can be a little intimidating. This is particularly true as we get older. But video is easier than you think.

So many of us have left Corporate America. We’re starting small businesses, joining network marketing groups, and consulting in mass. And since video is so powerful, it needs to be part of your marketing. But a lot of clients ask me how to get started.

In this video, I go over 5 keys to creating video. I discuss your strategy, equipment, shooting, editing, and distribution.

[View iPhone version]

See video really is easier than you think.

Learn more about an upcoming video e-learning course I’m working on. And if you have specific questions about video, let me know. I’d love to be able to answer them here or in the course.