Chromebook Screen Recorder: must-use tool for learning

The adoption of one-to-one (1:1) computing programs across American schools is showing a huge and positive impact on students.  This program aims to provide every student access to a laptop device.  According to a Michigan State University study, the program has helped increase student test scores across multiple subjects. While students are seeing a benefit, educators are changing the way they teach to accommodate the use of technology.  That’s where the Chromebook comes in.

Chromebook devices in the classroom

The top research university survey shows that educators are adopting technology at a high rate, with more than 50% of them using it in the classroom.  The survey shows teachers now have a one-to-one student-to-device ratio. As a result, the use of Chromebook laptops has increased throughout classrooms across the country.

Chromebooks are equipped with tools and apps that encourage students to learn.  Google Apps is easily integrated within the Chrome browser, making it easy for educators to organize and develop course content.

Chromebook Screen Recorder to record videos for class

One technology app that educators are gravitating toward is the ScreenPal Chromebook screen recorder.  The ScreenPal app records video of a computer screen or webcam, which enables educators to create videos, including tutorials, lessons, or projects.  Students are also able to drive video conversations with their teachers or use it for classroom projects.

Dr. Shannon Doak, an Education Technologist from Hawaii Preparatory Academy, says, “They have ownership of that and they do a better job.  They want to make it as best as can be. What I can see is that when you have the video and you have a platform to share it with an “authentic audience,” it creates ownership with the learning. And when you see this long enough, the student becomes invested in their learning.  They want to improve everything they do.”

ScreenPal also has a free Chrome browser extension that teachers can use. With just a few clicks, users can to create videos and share them easily in class.

Features of the Chromebook Screen Recorder

Easily record video and screencasts from your Chromebook.  Here are a list of features:

1. Recording time: A free plan allows you to record unlimited videos, up to fifteen minutes each.  Upgrade to a Deluxe plan for unlimited recording time.
2. Unlimited amount of recordings: Create an unlimited amount of recordings, free.
3. Record your webcam or screen: The easy recorder gives users the ability to record their screen, webcam, or both. Users can resize and adjust the recording area capturing what’s most important for them.
4. Add audio narration: Add your voice to personalize videos, or utilize computer audio to enhance the sound of your videos.
5. Drawing tools: Customize a video by using drawing tools.  Choose the color of the ‘pen’ to the width of the line.  Users have the ability to point out specific areas in a video.

Chromebook Video Editor tools

Using the Chromebook app from the Google Play Store, users are able to access the Chromebook Video Editor which gives educators more options when editing their videos.  Here are several editing highlights:

1. Trim and cut sections: Trim your video down from the beginning or the end of a video or choose the Cut tool to delete sections of your videos.
2. Overlay editing tools: Choose from a variety of different overlays including rich text, stickers like emoticons or frames, or blur out sensitive information from your videos.
3. Mix and match content: Users can mix and match content from their Chromebook, import from mobile devices, or add videos from ScreenPal’s Stock Library. 
4. Decide how to save and share: Save your recordings and videos as a file on your computer, or save directly to Google Drive which is beneficial for those utilizing Google Classroom. You can also upload your video’s to ScreenPal’s free hosting platform.
5. Publish and share on YouTube:  Publish videos directly on YouTube and share within minutes of upload.

The Chromebook Video Editor is free for ScreenPal users. Deluxe and Premier users have the ability to unlock additional overlay features.

One subscription across all devices

With a subscription, users can log in to multiple devices to access advanced tools on their PC/Mac or Chromebook.

Video builds an authentic student experience

Video enriches the classroom experience and helps build connections with students. With 1:1 programs, students are able to have more authentic relationships with educators through video.

Professor Carolina Buitrago, an expert in flipped learning and a professor at the Institucion Universitaria Colombo Americana in Colombia, explains, “The video brings the human component into online learning and into any blended learning that you’re trying to do. With flipped learning, you’re trying to build stronger relationships with students, and for me, through video, I’m doing that.”