Screencastify is a Chrome browser extension that records your screen, face, voice, and more.

First you need to add it as an extension through the Webstore and allow it access to your camera and microphone and then you are ready to go. It allows you to record your Webcam, a single tab or your whole desktop letting you move between tabs.

While recording your Tab or Desktop it allows you to either appear in the recording through your webcam or just add audio over the your recording.

While recording, use the tools to write, draw, erase, keep time, restart, or spotlight a section on the screen.

The free version of Screencastify allows you up to 5 minutes of recording time and once the recording is completed then it allows you to automatically save it in your Google Drive.

Screen recordings are an effective way to create tutorial videos, create meaningful feedback, it can help students to build confidence in delivering presentations (Audio only first, then with Webcam, then for real). It can be used for students as an assessment tool allowing them to deliver commentary on other recorded practical demonstrations.

Screencastify is easy to use and comes with a great support package with additional help and support. The limit of 5 minutes can be a blessing and a disadvantage. Do you really want students to listen to more than 5 minutes of feedback at a time, this stops you from rambling on (and on….and on). However, sometimes you do need a more in-depth instructional video that will take a lot longer and you will want it as a resource for students to come back to.

There is no editing software in the free version, so if you want to polish up your recordings then you will either have to pay for the premium version or import your media to another editing platform.