Video in the ELT classroom

Screencast-o-matic

This platform can help future teachers of English, because you can create videos explaining the content in a easy way. It is easy to use, you can add images, text and edit the video as you want.

it can help you to create communicative task and you will develop the fourth skills of English ( writing, listening, speaking and reading). 

Main features of Screen O-Matic

1. Simple operation

The tools are also easy to use and you can learn to handle it quickly, even if you are a beginner, since you do not even have to install it on your computer, which makes things even easier for you.

2. Direct publishing option

As soon as you've created your video, you can publish it to YouTube unless YouTube is banned in your work environment. You can publish your video even when you are using a free version that makes things convenient for all users.

3. Ability to record the screen and the webcam simultaneously

With Screen O-Matic you can record the screen and the webcam simultaneously. This means that you will not have to use different programs to combine your recordings.

4. Payment version equipped with more features

Users who buy O-Matic PRO will have more features like on-screen drawing, which means they can add much more to the video. Another feature that the PRO version offers is the zoom option that will make the experience even better and students or friends can look at the things that you want to emphasize. In addition, it has other additional features, including synchronization of video recording or editing functions that help you edit the audio as well.

5. Payment that is worthwhile for the PRO version

If you are going to use the program in the long term, you will only have to pay $ 15 a year to get the additional functions and this will improve your experience and the results of your videos without it being a big expense.

Why you need alternatives to Screen O-Matic

1. Limitations on their functions

Screen O-Matic is an online recording platform that requires an internet connection to work. Without this connection, you will not be able to record, which is a big problem and is a huge disadvantage.

2. Computer audio

Another limitation of the users of the free version is that they can not record the audio of the system. However, in the PRO version you can.

3. Full screen recording

The free version of Screen O-Matic does not allow full screen recording, which is a great limit if this version is used.

4. Limits of the free version

The free version does not allow recording for more than 15 minutes. Those who need to make longer videos will have to resort to the paid version. In addition, it also leaves watermarks, and to remove them you must go to the PRO version as well.

5. Editing tools

You may also be disappointed with the limited number of editing tools in the paid version. It does not allow much to do but if you want more than the basic tools you should opt for the paid version of Screen O-Matic. For teachers, companies and creators of tutorials it is advisable to obtain the paid version to make professional videos.

I invite you to encourage to use this platform, as a way to motivate your students and of course have always a plan b in case that something happens