Screen recordings are a great way to demonstrate complex software-based tasks to students with narration. They can also be used to capture lectures, tutorials or powerpoint presentations. There are 3 main ways to create screen or webcam recordings for use in Canvas, which are detailed below.

1. ScreenPal (formerly Screencast-O-Matic)

ScreenPal is a screencasting software which allows you to record actions you take on your computer’s screen with the option of capturing audio and/or video at the same time. This is great for producing lecture content, computer demonstrations or short introductory/instructional videos.

for guidance on recording of live learning and teaching sessions is available via the intranet.

Accessing ScreenPal

To access ScreenPal submit a request via the IT Helpdesk: https://gsaitservicedesk.sysaidit.com. Following this request you will be invited to join ScreenPal and you should follow the steps as outlined in the access guide on the IT intranet page.

Using ScreenPal

We have produced a short written guide to using ScreenPal which you can download here:

This guide includes information on how to upload your video to Planet e-stream and create transcripts and captions usign Otter.ai.

We have also produced a short video overview to using ScreenPal below which will show you how to create, edit and publish a screencast for upload to Planet e-stream and embedding in Canvas.

Video transcript is available.

Information on how to upload your video to Planet e-stream.
Information on how to create captions and transcripts for your video click here.
For further information on using ScreenPal see their online tutorials.

2. Browser-based (Mac or PC)

The GSA Planet eStream web recorder is a useful Chrome extension tool that can be used to create webcam or screen recordings. To access the recorder on Planet eSteam click the Create menu and select 'Web Recorder' . The encoder is only compatible with the Chrome browser.

You will be prompted to install a browser extension which allows the recorder to capture your desktop, webcam, or a specific window (or windows) of your choice. Once recording is complete, the video will be available in your Planet eStream account where it can then be edited, shared or embedded into Canvas.

3. Mac OS

To create a screen recording locally on a Mac, we would recommend using quicktime player, which is an application that comes pre-installed on all macs by default. Once you have created your file, you can upload to Planet eStream, or directly into Canvas.

To create a webcam or audio-only recording follow the same process, select 'New Movie Recording' or 'New Audio Recording' instead of 'New Screen Recording' in the file menu.

Once the recording is complete, select Save, name the file accordingly and choose a location for the file. Once saved the file can be uploaded to Planet eStream, where it can then be edited and shared on Canvas.

4. Windows

We recommend Windows users use the Planet eStream web encoder detailed above.

There is a desktop app available which offers more advanced features, and is useful for recording off campus or when no internet connection is available. This can be accessed from the tools menu and selecting 'Install Encoder'. Unfortunately this encoder is not available on Mac at present.

You may need to ask GSA IT to install this encoder for you if you do not have admin rights to your PC.

Once you have created your recording, you can follow this guide to embed Planet eStream content into your canvas course

If you require further assistance creating screen recordings for use in Canvas and Planet eStream please contact us in the Learning Technology Office in the Library email us at LThelp@gsa.ac.uk