PowerPoint to Captivate

Captivate 6 can import all the original effects from the PowerPoint presentation.

When using Captivate on a PC, when you open the program make sure you right click on top of the application icon and select run as Administrator. This step allows the use of advanced features of Captivate otherwise not available.

This project was edited with Camtasia 8 using Windows 7; it was published directly from Captivate into Youtube.

This presentation has graphics, animations, voice over, close captions, and background music.

The file size for this presentation is 4Mb.

Captivate and Camtasia

Recording

Camtasia records continuously until the stop button is clicked. If you forget to stop recording, Camtasia will record for several hours creating a file that is several megabits in size.

Camtasia can record video and audio isolated, or audio and video at the same time. You can also activate the webcam and record yourself.

Record panel in Catmtasia

Countdown

Option to Stop Recording or Pause Recording

Option to Delete, Start Over, Resume or Complete the  recording

After the video is processed, it shows in the Media bin

Captivate records movements by saving snapshots based on the mouse movements and clicks. If you leave the computer idling and comeback a few hours later, Captivate will not record anything. This type of sequential slides saving is convenient when you edit because if you do not want any specific movement, all you have to do is delete the slide.

Recording button in Captivate

After you push record, Captivate asks where do you want the recording to be placed

In this window you get to decided the settings for the recording

in Macs, you may enable "Access for Assistive Devices" to enhance accessibility

When you stop recording, a bunch of slides show in the Filmstrip column

Editing

Captivate captures the mouse separately. Therefore, if you need to modify the position of the mouse, you can move it and the flow of the final video will not be affected.
Camtasia does not capture the mouse separately. If you edit a piece of the video, chances are that the mouse will end up jumping creating distraction for the viewer.

Captivate is an slide based editing. Each slide has its own timeline, and you can place elements on different layers within the slide. Each slide is independent and you can expand or shorten the slide as needed to accommodate written information, voice over, interactions, etc. 

Captivate Slide Layers

Camtasia uses a video based editing. The timeline contain every single element used on the presentation. The elements work as clips and can be cut as needed. If you need to elongate any part of the video, it is possible but time consuming (you may need to cut a few static frames and copy and duplicate them in sequence to cover the area). 

Camtasia Tracks

Captivate and Camtasia Interfaces

Captivate

Captivate interface is similar to PowerPoint. In Captivate you have the deck of slides on the left column and the stage in the middle area. Each slide has an individual timeline that works independently. You add all the elements you need into the same "stage" area. If you need more time per slide, you have to stretch the slide to accommodate the information.

Captivate Interface

Camtasia

Camtasia reassembles the workflow of a movie editor such as iMovie or Vegas. This program assembles projects as a continuous video. You add element such as text, graphics, and audio to the same timeline in different tracks as necessary. Each element you add occupies an specific space in the timeline. You may add or stretch elements in the timeline as needed. 

Camtasia Interface

Captivate - Camtasia - Snagit

Captivate, Camtasia and Snagit logos

The following chart will give you essential information regarding Captivate, Camtasia and Snagit. At this point in time the functionality of the two screencast programs Adobe Captivate and TechSmith Camtasia are very similar. It is up to the user to decide what program to use. 

Click to access Comparing Camtivate, Camtasia, and Snagit

The PC and Mac versions of Camtasia are very different from each other. So far Camtasia Mac slags behind the PC counterpart.

Every faculty and staff member of Cal State Fullerton can obtain a free copy of the programs mentioned before.

Here is how:
For your Laptop — walk-in to ATC - PLS-237

For your Desktop — call xt. 7777

For Home use go here

Please be aware that Captivate is only available for campus use, therefore it needs to be installed by IT or ATC staff members

Media Room Best Practices 2

Selecting One Screencast Application 

Captivate logo

Camtasia Studio logo

By learning one specific application, you will have more time to concentrate on the content of your lesson.

Once you are familiar with one of the applications, create a standard set of option for your screencasts that include: Screen size and cursor options. Be aware of the different sizes and resolutions.

Use the same settings for 

the Slide Presentation and the Screencast Program

Be aware of the recording area.  

Practice mouse movements, clicks, and navigation. 

Take your time with mouse movements. Slower moves look better.

Stop over an area to emphasize, hover for a second before moving away.

Have patience, you may need to do a few takes before a comfortable flow of actions is achieved.  

The Media Room

The Academic Technology Center ATC, is please to announce the opening of the Media Room. Using state of the art audio and lighting equipment, the mini studio is located at Pollack Library South 298A. You will find two computers in the room one Mac and one PC. Both computers are loaded with Camtasia Studio, Adobe Captivate, Snagit, and Microsoft Office. 

The Media Room is available 
Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and 
Fridays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Claudia Acosta, ATC Instructional Design and Technology specialist is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm to answer your questions and to guide you in the use of the equipment and software in the Media Room. Please contact Claudia at extension 3547 or at the ATC PLS-237.

Media Room

Yeti Microphone

Plantronics Headphones

Teacher showing the Computers (Mac and PC)