Screencasts! Also starring Java Nightmare...

I actually used screencasts in my classroom this past school year after seeing my professors use them.  I find that I tend to ramble in them though, so I really need to work on that.

Screenr

Two hours.  Two hours I wrestled with Java Script and four different browsers and two different  computers to try to get Screenr to work.  I don't even want to go in depth and talk about all the problems I had with getting my computers and browsers to accept Java on Screenr because I'm just going to get really mad again.  My Facebook status regarding my frustration gets the point across:

Some jerks actually liked that status update.  Anyways, once I finally was able to launch the screen recorder and finally get the thing published, it turned out fine.  My Screenr experience will forever be marred by the hell I went through trying to get the thing to work.  I almost feel like if my computers and browsers were all so resistant to allowing it to run that it may not be safe.  I had to go into the control panel and manipulate commands to get this to work.  Who else would even do that?  Here is the fruit of my labor, you better think it's the best thing you've ever seen and heard in your life because as much trouble as I had to go through to make it, it better be nominated for a flippin' Academy Award.


Screencast-o-Matic

I'm quite familiar with Screencast-o-Matic because this is the site I had used to make screencasts previously.  I had no trouble logging in and using the site even though the last time I'd used it was over a month ago.  Still high on making comic strips, I decided to do a very basic tutorial for using ToonDoo.


Jing

I looked at Jing's overview video.  Looks cool.  Name is fun to say.  Maybe it will be less finicky to run than Screenr.  After the Screenr debacle though, I'm not interested in trying it at the moment.  I don't think my blood pressure could handle it.

Final Verdict

Besides all the basic operational problems Screenr poses for users, it only allows you to record a five-minute video.  Plus, you have to register using one of six outside sites (Yahoo, Facebook, etc.) which could limit access to students.  I really wish Screenr was friendlier to use because I really like the overall look of it; it looks polished.  Screencast-o-Matic, besides having a cool name, allows you to record videos up to 15 minutes in length.  I can easily access the previous screencasts I've made.  Screenr, even though I've signed in with my Facebook account several times this evening during the whole ordeal, says my account doesn't exist and I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to access again.  The clear winner here is Screencast-o-Matic.