Camtasia

Camtasia is a Windows-based software from www.techsmith.com. It allows you to record any computer screen activity to create training, demo, and presentation videos. As a very popular screen recording tool, Camtasia makes everything from training videos to PowerPoint presentations to lectures look better and web-ready for reaching more people.

To use Camtasia, you or your department may purchase a license through the UofM ITD Materials Coordinator or via other software resellers. UofM does not have a site license, nor does the ITD HelpDesk provide support for the product. The ALC can provide limited support.

What is Camtasia good for?

With Camtasia, you can open any program on your Windows computer, turn on the Camtasia recorder and begin using the software to display learning materials or perform learning related skills. If you have a webcam and microphone, you can add video and audio narration.

You may also take viewers on a web tour by just openning your browser and talk as you navigate websites.

After recording, you may edit your recorded video. Take out what you don't like and add pictures or new recordings at any place. Or you may wish to add new narration.

When finished recording and editing, you may then produce your final video for distribution. Camtasia allows you to make a Flash movie, iPod video, QuickTime, Windows Media, etc. You may choose to upload your video to a website (such as UMdrive, eCourseware, or Podcast Central) and then give your audience a web link. You also may choose to produce it as a CD or DVD.

Links to training materials

To learn more about how to use Camtasia, use the following links:

Camtasia Video Tutorials

Camtasia Documentation Guide

To Get Started with Camtasia

1. Download and install a trial version of Camtasia on a Windows computer.
2. Create your Camtasia project on your local computer.
3. Upload produced video to UMdrive, eCourseware, Podcast Central, or other web service.
4. Send your students an email if necessary with the link to the video's web page.