The Moss-Free Stone

Screencast-O-Matic is a new, free screen capture tool that is entirely web-based. This is similar to Camtasia, Camstudio, MWSnap, et. al., in that it is designed to allow users to make a recording of the actions taking place on their desktops. Screencast-O-Matic also allows users to record narration to accompany their show. Users need little more than an email to begin capturing, storing, and sharing videos. Furthermore, the site allows show creators to organize their shows into virtual “channels,” where videos can be grouped by subject, audience, etc. The interface is very easy to learn, and Screencast-O-Matic includes some nice features, such as the Notes option, which in essence allows a user to create an indexed video. Here is a link to a video describing the basic use of the site. Screencast-O-Matic also contains an export to Quicktime format tool, which is very convenient for creating podcasts or using videos externally.

As an educator getting into podcasting, I can see the value of this site as an instructional tool. I can easily create videos of a new resource, site, etc. and send an email with a link to the video for immediate use. The channels would allow videos to be custom arranged for different groups of students/teachers. The question I am posing here is this: What are some possible applications for student use of such a tool? I have a few in mind, but I’d really like to get some outside help here. Any suggestions?