PixiClip describes itself as an "interactive whiteboard" but it is so much more!
PixiClip is a browser-based, screen recording tool. It is simple to use and has the added advantage of allowing the creators of the recordings to include their voice or video of themselves as part of the recording.
I have been using screen recording tools on mobile devices and stand-alone computer programs for creating screen recordings. Having a browser-based tool like PixiClip, that works right inside of Firefox, Safari, Chrome (even on the Chromebook), and IE, means that once I have created an account, I can use any computer to make a screen-recording.
PixiClip hosts the screen recordings you make, and registered users can keep them private or share them with the public, and they can also delete any older screen recordings as they become out of date.
How it works
I recorded my screen as I created a Pixiclip screen recording. Watch the movie below to see the process. Some of the aspects I point out in the recording are:
- Start by picking "Start Doodling"
- Consider using a stylus for writing and drawing; it is more natural
- Start your Webcam and make sure you are in the picture
- Gather your image assets to the PixiClip image drawer before you begin
- As soon as you move an image to the board or start writing, the recording starts, so be ready to begin your lesson or overview
- When complete, publish the item, give it a name and a description, have the cursor show or not, and make the item public, private, hidden or passworded
- Share the link via various social networks or email, or grab the embed code to put into a blog entry
Video of process
URL: http://youtu.be/Pgs5vygEPbw
URL for the pen cap image and more: http://www.thisismarvelous.com/i/89-Imaginative-3D-Illustrations-Made-From-Everyday-Objects-by-Victor-Nunes
Using PixiClip in the Classroom: Students
Having access to a screen recording tool like PixiClip on every computer via the Web browser, both at school and at home, allows students to use screen recording in various ways. In addition, have the ability to post it online with or without a password allows students to share with their teachers and their peers.
- Each student can create a how-to for a certain mobile app to allow others to access their explanation when needed
- Students can create a screen recording as a Ticket-to-Leave, summarizing what they learned and allowing them to go over what they were unsure about during that day's lesson
- Students can create a introduction or "trailer" to a project that they are creating
- Students can outline the process or storyboard they are going to use to create a project
Using PixiClip in the Classroom: Teachers
- Teachers can create an introduction to a daily lesson for days when they are attending a workshop and not in the classroom
- Teachers can use a screen recording as feedback to a student while marking up their paper on the whiteboard in PixiClip
- Teachers can create their own "Khan-like" screen recordings to provide students with both remediation and instructional videos
- Create a screen recording exemplar representing what you want the students to create with PixiClip
I have an entire page dedicated to screen recording in the classroom. It includes additional ideas, tips and tricks that you can employ when making your PixiClip screen recordings.
Have you created any PixiClip recordings you would like to share? Can you think of other ways that PixiClip can help support you in teaching and your students in learning? Send me a note with your samples and ideas!
