How to install the extension called Screencastify.  

This neat little Chrome extension, already approved by BSD, allows you to capture everything you are doing on your screen.  It is super handy for when you want to record a video.  It is also 100% free, it is easy to use, and it saves all videos on your GoogleDrive.

Part 1 – Installing the Screencastify Chrome Extension (video here)

You will need to head over to the Chrome Web Store or simply follow this link to the Screencastify Extension.

Click on the +ADD TO CHROME   button and the application will pop-up with the following window asking if you would like to confirm the new extension.

Press Add extension and it will install the extension into your browser.

Once it has installed, a black film strip will appear in the toolbar of your browser.  Please click on it to complete the set up.

Select Google Drive as the place where you want to store your videos, and then click NEXT.

On the next screen, select Setup Tab Recording.  On the popup, click Allow.  

Immediately afterward, an annoying video will commence.  It is loud and unnecessary, but will indicate you have completed the process.  When you see it, close the tab quickly for the sake of your neighbors.  :)

Part 2 – Using the Screencastify Chrome Extension

This is where there are a bunch of different paths you can take with multiple settings, so I will briefly talk about each option and then leave it up to you how you want to record.

When you are ready to record a screencast, it is relatively easy to get started.  You will need to click on the newly installed black film strip icon that is in the top right-hand corner of your browser, which will open up this window:

Here is a breakdown of the options to select:

The three tabs on the top indicate three different ways you can record.  

Tab and Desktop are very similar with one main difference.  If you choose the Tab setting, the only thing that will be recorded is what is on that tab of the browser (and you cannot toggle in between tabs).  However, if you choose Desktop, you will have the ability to record everything that is going on within your computer screen. This is the setting that you may not use as often, as it show everything on your screen.

The Cam option is exactly what it sounds like – the Web Cam on your computer.  You would choose this setting if you would like to visually record something that is going on or just you yourself on screen.

Sound:  You can choose between using the default Microphone, Tab Audio, or both.  Tab Audio only will shut off the external microphone and only record the sound coming for your computer.  Microphone will only utilize your Chromebook’s mic.  Selecting both will allow you to give voiceovers to content you are recording on your computer.

Embed Webcam:  The next set of settings deals with video capturing and displaying.  If you want to embed your webcam, which is when a video of yourself is displayed in one of the corners of your screencast during recording, then you would want to choose the location and check the box marked Embed Webcam.

The last setting won’t actually be seen by anyone but you.  If you would like to see what your audience would see during your recording, then click on the Show Preview Window checkbox.

Congratulations, you are now ready to start recording!

Click on the Start Recording button and the next screen may or may not pop up depending if your chose desktop or not.

If it does, then just click on the Entire Screen option and press Share.

Now you should see that your Screencastify icon changed to this image:

This shows you that you are recording and anything that you are doing is being recorded.

Please note:  On the free version, your videos will be limited to 10 minutes in length with a maximum of 50 videos allowed per month.

When you are ready to stop, just simply click on the icon and select the button marked Stop Recording.  Screencastify will open a new tab with an automatic playback of the video you created.

Your video has automatically been saved in a new folder Screencastify made in your GoogleDrive called:   .  The icons at the top righthand corner of the screen will allow you to download, share, crop, or delete your new video.  Cropping will only be allowed with an upgrade.

Now that you are done…

Want to edit your video to make it super cool?  Download this app.

Want to know how to Upload your file to Google Classroom?  Click here.

Want to upload your video to Youtube?  Watch this.