Delivering on-demand computer skills training

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Abstract

With free screencast software, it's easy to deliver computer skills training, on demand, to any location. This convenient method of instruction is effective for practically all learning styles and is a promising means of implementing sustainable training practices.

Issue

TECH CORPS Texas identified the need to pass on knowledge and training to beneficiaries and volunteers who may be separated by time, distance, or work schedules, while accommodating different learning styles and levels of experience.

Action

Research the software options

Screencast software uses video and audio demonstrations to teach the use of software by capturing a series of images and movements on the computer screen. There are several commercial variations of the software available, but programs with modest budgets may wish to explore freeware (free software) options.

Among the freeware offerings, Wink by debugmode is user-friendly, encompasses many of the features found in the commercial versions (including audio), and offers extensive user support through their forum. Wink allows for some interaction with minimal tinkering on the part of the user. The output of the program is a Flash file (.swf), which can be uploaded to a website, saved locally on a computer for access, or burned onto a CD as part of distributable training material. According to W3Schools, over 96 percent of Web browsers have the Flash plug-in pre-installed. Otherwise, the plug-in can be easily downloaded for free from the Adobe website.
W3Schools Online Web Tutorials, http://www.w3schools.com/flash/flash_howto.asp

Also available as freeware is Camstudio, which can output files in the .avi format that can be played by most media players.

Familiarize yourself with the software.

Download Wink or Camstudio.

Look at online examples to understand the format and determine if this medium is appropriate for your needs. The Opera website has a tutorial, which is an example of screencast technology.
It is important to experiment with the software and make some test programs to make sure you are comfortable using it.
Search for tutorials online, or use the built in tutorials that some of the software has.
- With Wink, go to Help >> View Tutorial Project 1 (or 2).
- For Camstudio, visit http://www.screencast.be/tutorial_camstudio.html.
Sign up with the forum/newsletters and ask questions or search their forum as a resource.
When ready, plan and create the training piece.
- Create curriculum/script.
- Create the tutorial and review.
Decide how you want to deliver your training material.
- Distribute via CD.
- Save on each computer in a computer lab.
- Post it on a web site.

Web sites generally will not require Flash optimization, though there might be a bandwidth and file-size upload restriction with some of the free web hosts. Check beforehand if possible.

Context

TECH CORPS Texas, a non-profit organization using technology to enhance and support K-12 education, maintains several web-based resources, ranging from the organization’s content management system (CMS) website to the Student TECH CORPS portal.

The TECH CORPS mission is to enhance K-12 education through the innovative use of technology resources and by placing volunteers in schools to support teachers, students, infrastructure, and programs.

TECH CORPS Texas services are offered completely free of charge to schools.

TECH CORPS Texas began as affiliate of the national TECH CORPS organization, founded in 1995. The TECH CORPS mission is implemented on a local level through the organization's more than 20 state chapters. Managed by state directors and governed by boards and committees composed of leaders from a state's education, government, and business communities, TECH CORPS state chapters couple the expertise and enthusiasm of committed teachers, principals, and school district officials, with the volunteer contributions of technology-literate members of the community.

TECH CORPS Texas, based in Houston, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and was incorporated in June 2002.

Outcome

As a result of using screencast software to create training videos that are available on demand:

Less time and resources are expended on individual training, irrespective of distance, schedule, or available staff.
Trainees report increased use and better competency of the technology presented.

Since one of the training videos is used to teach certain individuals how to interact with the web-based content management system, a significant portion of the program's web content is updated regularly without affecting the workload of the web administrator.