I began this blog back in 2013 as a class-assigned research journal, and I made a lot of posts about my experiences with technology. I was interested in technology as data, technology to gather data, technology to facilitate or elevate analysis, and technology to express findings.. I decided recently that I am becoming a bit complacent and have not assertively explored new technology other than when I need to due to changes in availability or updates related to hardware or software I already use. So one of my other aims in 2020 is to explore and consider some alternative apps - new, old and updated versions. I recently upgraded to Screenflow version 9. This is a program I have been using for many years and also one that I use for a limited number and type of tasks. The 31 second video here was done just for fun - I recorded desktop plus my image using the Facetime camera in my Mac, and saved and recorded over (actually beside) ensuing versions until I had 9 images. What I might have done, but didn't, was to make each longer so I had a series of moving, rather than what looks like still images. I spoke for a couple of seconds in each but not long enough to be able to keep playing back and recording over the active playback. Screenflow - a program that does screen capture and records computer sound, and can be supplemented with external audio and video - is maybe one of the most useful software programs I own. It works great for class videos - for online instruction or to supplement or substitute for class meetings - and is especially useful if you want to record yourself demoing or working with other software, such as QDAS (qualitative data analysis software) programs. The first time I used Screenflow, I used it to demonstrate some simple statistical models in SBSS to post in an online course management system to help graduate students with their homework assignments. I have also used Screenflow to create an accessible multiple choice video test that the student could navigate - back and forth - in a way that replicated other students' experiences more so than having a question reader. Other uses include recording Skype, WebEx, or Zoom online calls. With these programs, I have never found the built in recorders work as well to capture everything. For example, WebEx recording in my experience did not capture written chat, but Screenflow does - because it gets everything on your screen. I have recorded both research participants and other types of web meetings with Screenflow.
Editing is very simple in the interface - I find it a lot easier and more intuitive to work with (although a lot less sophisticated, and with fewer options) than something like Final Cut Pro, that I have to re-learn to on a regular basis because I do not use it often enough. Screenflow video play back in the editing window starts and stops with the spacebar, and each source (computer audio/video; external audio; external video) is shown as a separate row, like audio tracks in sound engineering software. Disadvantages - as with any similar software - including export time and the computer resources needed for export and storage. My solution for storage is to put all videos on an external hard drive, and I try to start large exports late in the day so they finish when I am through working. Otherwise, as I experienced yesterday while exporting and saving the parts of a 2 hr + training session, while I was exporting and saving the four part video, everything else on my Mac ran pretty slow, even though it is a reasonably powerful desktop. Video - me, recorded by me using my personally licensed copy of Screenflow version 9, on 27 inch iMac, Mid 2015 with 3.3 GHz Intel Core i5 processor. Audio/video recorded using built in mic and FaceTime camera.
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AuthorI am Sheryl L. Chatfield, Ph.D, C.T.R.S. I am a member of the faculty in the College of Public Health at Kent State University. I also Co-coordinate the Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research and I am a member of the Design Innovation Team at Kent State. Archives
February 2024
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