If you’re an online educator, you want to be sure you’ve got the best possible software to work with. This means finding a reliable screen recorder for your purposes. Educators of all sorts want to ensure that their lessons (tutorials, lectures, etc.) are clear, comprehensible and allow for all the functions that they need to get their information across.
There are a lot of screen recording software products on the market right now, so it would be wise to look at both the features of some of the leading products. Whether you are working on a PC, laptop or another device, you want to find the software that will suit your purposes best.
Features to Look for in a Screen Recorder
As mentioned above, educators have particular needs when it comes to recorders. Some of the major features that you might look for include the following:
- The ability to add on-screen text. Particularly if you have difficult or complicated terms (formulae, etc.) to introduce, you want to be sure that the information you’re relaying is as clear as possible. Therefore, the ability to spell things out in text might be a vital component for you.
- An easily navigable timeline. Many lectures have a lot of information in them that is brand new for listeners, so the ability to easily go back and forth between the different parts of videos is essential. Some programs offer clear timeframes that allow you to go back and forth through them easily.
- The ability to include different audio and video sources. You could introduce scientific material that is both depicted on a whiteboard, and also requires outside narration on top of it. Or add a webcam to a lecture. There could be any combination of sources that you want to include in your videos, so search for products that allow this.
These are just a few things that you might look for in a product. Every individual’s needs are unique, of course, so you should seek a product that meets all of your requirements. You might have specific priorities such as adjustable playback speed for grasping particularly difficult concepts. Or some other desired feature(s) unique to your needs. Let’s take a look at some of the top names on the market right now.
Top Video Screen Recorders for Educators in 2023
Movavi Screen Recorder
Movavi Screen Recorder again gets top marks among teachers from users for its distinguishing features, including:
- The ability to record with audio and video either separately or together
- A drawing tool that allows you to draw on the screen as you illustrate important points of your lessons
- A function that allows you to capture your webcam only without the screen if you want to switch between these two options
- A scheduling feature that will allow your recording to start automatically without your having to do it manually. This can be very supportive to instructors with complicated schedules
If you’re looking for screen recording software for free, the basic version is free to download. The 7-day free trial contains all the basic features of the recorder, but you will have a watermark on the video. If you want to remove it and get all the features, it will cost you $42.95 per year or $57.95 for a lifetime subscription. The software is compatible with both Windows and Mac.
Nimbus
Nimbus is a web-based screen recording extension that works on Chrome. For being a free program, Nimbus offers some attractive features, including:
- Easy editing, including cropping and trimming
- File conversion to a range of different formats
- The option to add a personalized watermark if your institution wants to make its videos proprietary
Nimbus is known for its ease of use and is a popular option among first-time users.
Camstudio
CamStudio is a solid app for educators hoping to have careful control over their lessons. It offers fewer options for editing than some of the other programs, but allows for other functions that educators might find useful:
- Lossless codec, which prevents data from being lost when it is compressed
- Customized cursors, for highlighting particular aspects of lessons
- Video annotation, if you want to add commentary to videos
CamStudio is free and Windows-only.
Screencastify
Screencastify is another well-known tool for educators, particularly if you need a program that will help you manage a high volume of tasks and communicate with your students. With it, you’ll get the following features:
- The ability to submit assignments online
- Feedback management, for sharing comments online
- Instant sharing once recording is complete
Screencastify costs $49 per year. It is compatible with Linux, Windows, and Mac.
Zoom
The name that became ubiquitous during the pandemic is also one that educators should consider. Although it is primarily known as a meeting forum, Zoom also offers features useful to educators:
- A whiteboard option, for introducing new concepts point-by-point
- A virtual background, which can help prevent distractions, or highlight certain educational features as you wish
- A chatbox where participants can discuss class questions
Zoom has a free version that is limited to 40-minute sessions. The paid version costs $15.99 per month. It is compatible with all major platforms.
Find the Best Product for Your Class
If you are conducting an online class, lecture, or tutorial, you want a recording program that will work. Whatever your educational needs might be, you can’t allow your software to fail you. Even if you are on a budget, there are reliable free options available.
There are some excellent products out on the market these days. Just be sure to find the right features and ensure your choice is compatible with whatever platforms you and your students use. You will all be happy in the end.
Author Bio
Ron Stefanski is a college professor turned online business owner. He’s helped hundreds of thousands of people create and market their own online business. You can learn more about him by visiting OneHourProfessor.com.