Screencastify is a screen recording tool; consisting of three features: Record, Edit, and Submit. The record feature is the screen recorder that allows users to capture videos from a webcam or the movements on the screen, the edit feature facilitates online video editing, and the submit feature provides an online platform to create video assignments and collect submissions.
Screencastify is available as a Google Chrome extension and requires a Google account sign-in for additional functionality. Created videos can be saved to Google Drive, YouTube, or exported in MP4, GIF, or MP3. Screencastify’s recordings are limited to 5 minutes in the free version and unlimited in time in the paid version.
Screencastify allows teachers to record their screen or themselves, edit the recordings, and send recording assignments to students. While the tool suite’s features are designed to eliminate the need to jump between multiple applications, a teacher may prefer to use it primarily as a video creation and editing tool. Screencastify helps to optimize the learning process and accommodate students learning in online environments. For example, a teacher can form a library of video learning materials to share with students.
Record and Edit are the two Screencastify features that a teacher will use side-by-side. Record is the feature that allows a teacher to record their activities and movements on their computer screen or just a teacher speaking on a webcam. The tool can continuously record the screen when the teacher navigates through different applications. Edit provides a set of tools for editing the recordings. A teacher can adjust their recordings to match their specific requirements for the learning activities they planned in the classroom or for a homework assignment. The feature facilitates editing the recordings “on-the-go” with no need for a third-party video editing application. Submit is a Screencastify feature that allows a teacher to directly assign screencasts to students. However, videos created with Screencastify can be saved as MP4 files and uploaded and added to activities managed through other platforms, such as Learning Management Systems (LMSs).
In Screencastify, teachers can record explanations for students, recap the daily agendas, or provide students with video or audio feedback. For example, teachers can record short tutorials or how-to videos using a computer software application, such as a word processor, or record presentations to share with students as a part of the curriculum. Additionally, teachers can communicate with parents and stakeholders through video. For example, teachers can supplement a traditional classroom newsletter by sending short screencasts on the newsletter topics.
Screencastify’s functionality makes it inclusive to all students, including those who are visual learners or remote attendees, and facilitates remote assignment distribution and one-on-one feedback. Screencastify’s “Add Captions” feature can automatically generate captions for videos. A teacher can also create their own captions and add them manually to videos. The feature adds to the tool’s accessibility for special population students.
The data created in Screencastify belongs to the authors of the content, such as teachers, school administrators, and students. For example, the Submit feature does not store anything but the student names and email addresses. The tool is also safe for the students under the age of 13. Screencastify’s Privacy Policy document provides additional information on how the tool manages user data. Additionally, any data shared through Google tools will fall under Google’s agreements with a specific user. More information on Google’s privacy policies is provided in the Google Workspace for Education tool page document.