Camtasia

What is it?

Camtasia is a video editing software used to create audio and visual multimedia including recorded screencasts, webcam recordings, voice-over and audio recordings.

Potential Uses

Camtasia consists of two major components which include a screen and audio capture recording feature and a video editor. Camtasia integrates nicely as an add-on in PowerPoint where slides and their transitions can be recorded and transfered to the media editor. Camtasia uses an industrial standard “timeline” interface for managing different stacked tracks where audio, visual and annotative features can be combined.

Camtasia is a powerful editing tool that can be used for simple or more complex instructional videos. Videos are easily exported to a variety of video file types including mp4 and mov. Quality can be chosen based on space and bandwith when watching the video online.

Pros:

• Provided and supported by UBC and many universities
• Integrates well with Power-Point
• Has a built-in screen capture tool
• Video effects that look professional
• High-quality video output

Cons:

• Expensive if you do not have access to a license
• May be intimidating for beginners
• Requires a device with high RAM
• Limited audio editing features

Technology Requirements

An interenet connection to download the software is required but then not necessary for using the software. A PC or a Mac are both suitable. A mouse is not required but is recommended. A webcam is not required unless you are wishing to create a webcam recorded video.

Camtasia is offered and supported by UBC. Faculty, staff and students have access to downloading the software and using if for their projects. The following instructions are found on the UBC Learning Technology Hub website:

The easiest way to download and install is:

1. Log in to Canvas with your CWL.
2. Click the “Help” menu on the right side of the page.
3. Click the “Software Distribution” option.
4. Select “Camtasia” from the menu.
5. Choose your platform.
6. Click the “Add to cart” button.
7. Click the “Proceed to Checkout” button.
8. Fill in your Contact Information.
9. Click the “Proceed with Download” button.
10. Click the “Download” button and follow the instruction prompts to complete installation.

Tutorials

Don’t forget to make use of the Checklist after you complete your video.