Screencasts, Instagram, and Flipagram - Top That!

Screencasts

Screencast-O-Matic v. Jing

I will be honest, I'm a bit partial to Screencast-O-Matic since I've used it before, and I love it. All that needs to be done to get started is to sign-up on the webpage and decide if whether or not you'd like the free version or the Pro version - which allows for unlimited uploads for only $15.00. However, with the free version, I'm still able to record whatever is on my screen for up to 15 minutes, which means that those of you that have split-screen capability won't have any issues recording both screens simultaneously. Plus, this program fits well with many other digital resources used by the teacher, such as Canvas and Google Classroom. You're also able to upload your videos on YouTube and e-mail them, which I've done when I was explaining the uses of Edmodo to my department.

Unlike Screencast-O-Matic, Jing requires its program to be downloaded, which is definitely not a deal breaker since its program is versatile with Mac and Windows. It also means that since the program is downloaded, it is easily accessible compared to Screencast-O-Matic that requires its users to visit its website to sign-in before they can use its features. Unfortunately, Jing only offers 5 minutes of recording compared to Screencast-O-Matic that offers 15 minutes, and is also only capable of recording one screen. So even though Jing is readily available, its recording ability is severely limited. However, gives Jing a leg up in this competition is that it's able to take a still of an image. With that image, the user is then able to use tools that will allow him or her to add text, highlights, or frames.

  Screencast-O-Matic

Jing's Still Image Caputre

Instagram

I'm not very savvy when it comes to using Instagram, and my experience with the app was very frustrating.  I felt a bit too restricted in what I was trying to do.  I took pictures and then messed around with the tools the app offered, which took me hours to do.  Finally, when I felt satisfied with what I created (which in my opinion is still not that great), I then had to go through the hassle of getting the images to display correctly.  For example, I realized that the images I was selecting could be zoomed in, but I could not zoom them out.  So some of the information that I had written along the outer sides did come out.  It was during these moments of frustration that I realized that Instagram is probably better used for mini-lessons and/or activities that allow teachers to check for their students' understanding.  There are also quite a few other blogs and articles floating around that seem to be a perfect fit for the Instagram app.

Personally though, I don't see myself really using Instagram, especially since I feel that my first attempt at using the app was a failure.  I can only hope that I become a bit more susceptible to the app as I continue to mess around with it.

How to cite a print source in MLA Format - Instagram

It could just be I expected too much out of the app, especially since I've never used it before.  However, I see myself using a few other social media sites and apps instead of Instagram, which then leads us to Flipagram.

Flipagram

I found the use of Flipagram a bit more manageable than I did Instagram - perhaps because I spent hours (literally) struggling with Instagram.  I liked how uploading the images were easy and not so much of a hassle.  The effects that the app also offered for the images/videos were simple and helped enhance what was being shown.  What I also enjoyed about this app is that it provided various types of music and songs to complete the images/videos being uploaded.  With that being said, I think Flipagram allows its users to upload quicker than Instagram, and I can definitely see myself using this app because of it.  The only downside that I found with this app though is that I have a hard time finding users to follow since many of the ones that I did find don't really seem to keep their accounts updated and/or current compared to Instagram where I found quite few users to follow.

The Library - Flipagram

Overall, I think Instagram can be useful for uploading simple images (and possibly videos), but can be a bit frustrating if what you're trying to upload doesn't seem to fit well with the concept of the app.  As for Flipagram, the simplicity of it is nice, but there seems to be minimum use.