Using Jing in Your Math Class

Jing is a powerful (& free) software package that you can use to improve the communication of ideas in your math class. Jing is made by TechSmith – the same company that makes Camtasia. You can visit the website for Jing here: http://www.techsmith.com/jing/.

Video

Jing allows you to record a video of your computer screen. The length of the video can be up to 5 minutes, and you can narrate the video as you record it. You cannot edit your Jing video unless you have the Camtasia studio.

This works well for sharing MyMathLab instructions, such as showing your students how to type a particular expression or how to graph a line. You could also use it to record short “how-to” videos for any software package your students might be using.

Screenshots

Jing allows you to take a snapshot of your computer screen to share with others. (Jing does have some editing features – adding arrows, text boxes, …)

If you have a Wacom tablet, you can write out a solution to a problem on the screen, take a snapshot with Jing, and share with a particular student or the entire class.

Sharing

One of the easiest ways to share your Jing videos and screen shots is to take advantage of Screencast.com. Screencast has a free account that provides you with 2 GB of storage and 2 GB of bandwidth per month. Screencast hosts your videos and screen shots, and provides you with a link to share your work. This link can be sent via email or shared via Facebook and Twitter. You can also embed your file into a web page.

One big advantage of using Screencast.com is that you can control who has access to your material.

Screencast.com and Jing are very user-friendly, and you will find that you can be up and running in no time. Your students can also use this to share their work with you or the entire class.

Summary

Do you use Jing to help teach your classes? Do you want to share your experience? Please leave a comment, or you can reach me through the contact page on my website .

-George

I am a mathematics instructor at College of the Sequoias in Visalia, CA. Each Friday I will blog about technology, inside and outside of the classroom. Let me know if there are other topics you’d like me to cover by leaving a comment or by reaching me through the contact page on my website.