Jing

Name of Web 2.0 Application: Jing URL: []

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jing_(software]) Its simple format and the ability to upload screescasts in [|SWF]or [|MP4] format for viewing at screencast.com has made it useful for [|virtual reference] in libraries and [|e-Learning]. January 6, 2009, TechSmith released Jing Pro, a paid premium version of Jing with $14.95 per year.
 * Jing** is [|screencasting] [|software]launched in 2007 as Jing Project by the [|TechSmith Corporation]. It is currently in version 2.0.8353 released January 6, 2009 and is free to download and use. The software takes a picture or video of the user's computer screen and uploads it to the Web, [|FTP], computer or clipboard. A [|URL]is automatically created and can be shared with others to view or access the uploaded file. Jing is compatible with [|Macintosh] and [|Windows].

Use of the Web 2.0 Application in Teaching and Learning: Jing is a very useful tool in my online class. With Jing, I can easily highlight the key concept on the presentation slides while I am talking about them, and students can see and hear my comments. My students can also use Jing to create their own presentation, post it on their Blackboard e-Portofolio account, and share with their classmates and instructor. I can also use Jing to do the following tasks: · Give visual feedback on digital assignments instead of prints them out. · Create “how-to” training videos for students One major drawback for the Jing is the recording time. So far, the time limit for Jing is only 5 minutes. I personally think 10 minutes is the best since it can achieve the balance of content and media file size.

Re the 5 minute time limit in Jing: If you want a longer, free recording, **Screencast-o-Matic** offers 10 minutes, and it's also free. @http://screencast-o-matic.com/ .Here's a video that describes the latest features in Screencast-o-Matic []. They've just added a resizeable capture window, a big improvement over their fixed size. It lacks Jing's convenience of being a resident application on your PC - you need to go to the website to set up your recording. It allows you to upload your screencast directly to YouTube.

I use Jing primarily to provide an introduction for each week in a course. I like the time limit. It keeps me focused and concise. I believe that it also makes my intro more palatable to students who are used to watching short duration YouTube videos. I have found that, with a little bit of practice, I can say everything I need to say in just about 4 minutes. I have also found that, when I 'misspeak' during a recording, the next take is better and quicker. In the newer versions of Jing you have the ability to switch back and forth between the screen and a webcam. I start every video intro with a shot of my smiling face so that students remember that there is a real person on the other side of the virtual connection. Switching back to screen view Jing performs a snazzy transition that looks professional and is quite seamless. There is no editing necessary. Jing also allows single screenshots that can be very informative and are much lighter and more accessible than multimegabyte videos. One you take the screenshot Jing provides great editing tools to create clear instructions or explanations. In some cases a picture is not only worth 1000 words, it can be more effective than a video.
 * The Virtues of a 5 Minute Time Limit**
 * Jing and the Webcam**
 * Jing and Screenshots**