Tips for Recording Screen Capture

Owned by Former user (Deleted)
Last updated: Feb 07, 2023 by Scott Strand
2 min read

Description: Screen capture software allows the user to create a video of what appears on the screen. Audio may be recorded simultaneously. Some versions allow the user to edit and annotate the video after the capture it is saved. Screen Capture videos can be streamed from YouTube and linked in Moodle for viewing.

Best Practice:

  • Limit scope of use to one objective
  • Orient view to what they are seeing
  • Speak clearly
  • Align mouse movements with narrations

Examples of use:

  • Orient students to Moodle course site
  • Provide visual assignment instructions
  • Demonstrate how to use an application
  • Give feedback to students on assignments
  • Facilitate student screen capture assignments

Apps

Microphones

  • Use an external USB microphone to record on a computer, when possible
    • e.g., Blue Snowball Mic available for checkout from the BU library
    • a microphone on a headset (even earbuds) is better than the internal mic on a computer
  • Use a microphone app to record on a smartphone
    • The microphone on a smartphone is better than the internal mic on a computer
    • a  microphone on a headset (even earbuds) will improve the sound quality
    • an external mic can be purchased for a smartphone, which will improve the sound quality

Locations:

Recording Tips

  • Drink water before recording to avoid mouth noises
  • Silence all devices
  • Keep microphone a few inches away from mouth
  • Make sure audio quality and levels are good by recording a quick test and listening back to it

Tips for Recording From Home:

  • Find a quiet room to record in
  • Record during a quiet time of the day or night
  • Avoid other voices, traffic noises, barking dogs, kitchen noises, etc.
  • Mute phones and other devices with alarms or audible signals
  • Select a room that has a significant amount of "softness" which will reduce echos. This includes items like:
    • carpeting
    • drapes
    • furniture upholstered with fabric
    • bedding
    • clothing
    • pillows

How to do it yourself:

Step One:

  • Decide what it is you are going to capture - it's better to develop 2 or 3 shorter screen captures rather than one longer one
  • Develop a script or outline of how you are going to narrate the screen capture
  • Do a couple of dry runs
  • Create the screen captures 

Step Two:Â