We review a lot of computer programs and most are over hyped and don’t fulfil the distributor’s marketing claims. So it was with interest that we looked at two programs that Code and Data sent us that they claim should be in every teacher’s software armoury. SnagIt and Camtasia Studio certainly are different from the usual run of software offered to schools.

SnagIt claims to be the premier application to use for all of your screen capturing needs, and after using the program, We fully support their claims. Now we know that both Mac and Windows computers can get screen grabs, but neither compares to the power and ease of use that SnagIt provides.

Whatever you can see on your screen, SnagIt will easily capture for your immediate use. SnagIt will capture scrolling windows, whole screens, an object on the screen, text, web pages and even video of any screen activity.
Once you've taken your capture, SnagIt makes it extremely simple to edit, enhance, save, and use the capture for numerous tasks. It is easy to set up a number of capture profiles so that the program responds to your needs rather that the other way around.
How does it work? Simply start the program, define the capture (there are already a number of built-in default captures) and click the capture button.

To enhance the capture open SnagIt Editor and add text, arrows, paint fills and stamps.
Another nice feature of SnagIt is the Batch Conversion Wizard which lets you convert any number of images to a single file format and add water marks, drop shadows and borders.

Camtasia Studio creates videos of desktop activity. If for example you want to show students how to send an email or create a Powerpoint slideshow then Camtasia Studio is the program for you. Use the Camtasia Recorder to create the video then edit the video, add voice narration, flash hotspots, background music or sounds and then the whole lot can be packaged for use.

Camtasia Studio isn’t only limited to screen shots of desktop activity. It will import still images, audio and avi,mpeg and wmv video formats. Once again you can enhace the production by zooming to an area, adding text, transitions, hot spots or callouts.
Camtasia Studio is an impressive program that could be a huge boon to teachers who use it within the classroom environment.
TecSmith have a number of tutorials on their web site that show how both of the programs can be used to their potential, however, they are so easy to use that we just started them and played …. sorry investigated their usefulness.

Camtasia Studio has to be one of the most exciting and innovative programs we have used in a long time, while SnagIt has become so usEful that we wonder how we ever got by without it.

Software provided for review by Code and Data.

Software review by Bill Gillespie and Rosemary McDowall
Bill teaches at Seaforth PS and Rosemary teaches at Mosman HS.
Bill and Rosemary can be reached at computer_corner2000@yahoo.com.