How to make an Instructional video with Screen Recording

Videos are an effective way to communicate seamlessly with your learners as they tend to better appreciate the concept being discussed. There are different ways to create different kinds of videos but the central thing in all excellent videos is the presence or use of the best video training software like iSpring Suite. Anything short of excellent would sabotage the quality of your work.

What is a screen recording? 

A screen recording can be defined as a video created by recording the activities being performed on your device either a mobile phone or a computer system. A screen recording seeks to give viewers a point of view as they get to see how the concept you are explaining plays out in reality. Its use is heightened when the issue in question borders on the digital sphere. It can also be termed screencasting or screen recording.

Screen capture tools are useful when creating how-to videos and videos that require a step-by-step process or method. For instance, you can teach your students the fundamentals of design using Canva or Corel draw by recording yourself using design tools to create ingenious designs.

Case scenarios of Screencast usage

Corporate training: Learning and development professionals in your organization can tap the potentials of screencasts by using them to attempt a detailed explanation of the use of particular software. For instance, you can use a screencast to show new hires how to navigate software like Microsoft Excel to carry out your company’s work. 

Teaching: A screencast is a time-effective option when it comes to teaching as those hours that would be used by the teacher to introduce a new concept to the class can be channeled into making a screencast that would serve as a guide to the students. You can teach your students how to systematically solve equations by showing them each process and step by recording your screen. This is called the flipped classroom.

Software development companies: Software companies can create screencasts to educate potential clients on the correct use of their products. Gone are the days of bulky manuals or product information handbooks. The world is going increasingly digital.

YouTube instructors: Professionals skilled in particular areas can share their knowledge on Youtube using screencasts with the teeming population in search of information concerning their niche.

Creating a screencast: Useful and Practical tips 

The same step applies to creating a screencast for an arithmetic/ algebra class, youtube video, or creating a screencast for a software guide. 

Step 1: 

Make a plan and write a script.

Ever heard the phrase ” he who fails to plan, plans to fail”  applies here too. Failure to have a definite structure or pattern of appearance of your content may portend danger for the entirety of your screencast. 

You should not only jot your points in bullets but pit them against a time limit to ensure time consciousness. Your script should ensure that the mind of your audience is engaged hence you must avoid unnecessary ramblings. Go straight to the point. Do not use the first 10 seconds of the screencast to tell them about your company’s service offerings; rather you should tell them what they seek to gain if they follow the steps specified in the video.

Generally, your screencast should have three parts. The introduction, body, and conclusion.

Step 2: 

Choose a microphone 

Your audio quality is an integral part of your screencast creation process. Using a headset or an inbuilt laptop microphone ruins the quality and resonance of your audio. Background noises such as hissing, crackling, or echoing may appear in the video. This would constitute a source of distraction for your learners. There are different kinds of microphones ranging from dynamic mics to condenser mics to XLR mics which are of high quality. Condenser mics filter background noises and echoes. It is mostly used by musicians. Condenser mics are very sound sensitive so you have to be in a quiet environment as they can even catch the ticking of the clock or faint sounds of footsteps.

Ensure you choose one uniquely catered to your needs and prevailing circumstances. 

Step 3:

Choose a screen recording and editing software: 

Picking a screencasting tool like iSpring Suite saves you the burden of manually executing some processes. This authoring tool has inbuilt features that would ensure your screen capture meets your required objectives and goals for your learners. Its video quality and resolution are top-notch to facilitate a pleasant user experience. It is advisable that before you settle for a particular choice you carry out your fair share of research and survey. Knowledge is power.

Step 4:

Prepare your recording environment: 

Regardless of the quality of your microphone, it can’t completely block out background noises or sounds hence you need to create an enabling environment for the sake of maximum quality. Ensure that your recording space is free from noises and disturbances. You should use a small room as using a large room would create echoing sounds. The room should also not be empty as it creates a hollow sound. There is a thin line between Close windows, doors, and apps you are not currently using to prevent incidences of disturbance.

You should also consider investing in your recording area to improve the quality of its acoustics. You can consider investing in a whisper room or buying thick blankets to create a space between your recording environment and the actual world.

Also, you should prepare your voice for recording. You should do at least 3 rounds of rehearsal. The reason for this is to ensure you master the correct pronunciation of words and syllables as you do not want to stop your video in the heat of the moment as a result of vocabulary hitches.

You should also put your microphone not too close to your mouth so you wouldn’t sound muffled or inaudible. Ensure that your voice sounds good and clear so your learners can hear you without straining their ears or looking confused.

Wrapping up

Creating screen captures can be such a chore if you do not follow the right procedures and steps. Using a screencasting tool like iSpring Suite enables you to create videos with high resolution and efficiency.

With an excellent screencast tool like iSpring Suite, your learners can be assured of a pleasant learning experience. Thanks to its amazing audio and video features. Failure to use an effective video authoring tool makes your work underwhelming and unpleasant.