The combination of ScreenFlow and Keynote is the most elegant rapid authoring solution that I've yet to run across.
Check out a quick 2 minute presentation that I did on the tools:
http://media.dartmouth.edu/~blackboard/screencasts/screenflow_rapid_authoring.mov
Some really nice things include the ability to easily author in Keynote or PowerPoint, the seamless way that video can be included, and the ease of highlighting or expanding parts of the presentation.
The interface is also a pleasure to work with.
Working with these tools is another reminder of Gibson's quote (we need a new quote...I use this too much) "The future is here. It's just not evenly distributed yet." Screenflow requires Leopard, a Mac - and the ability to pay the $90 bucks for the program. The system relies on core animation to make everything so smooth.
So this is not a general tool...or one we could easily diffuse. I think the tool will be great for creating support and just-in-time training documents....as well as giving feedback to faculty. I hope that perhpas it can be investigated by our savvy faculty.....people already using Macs and who need a good rapid authoring and screencast solution.
From what I can see, SreenFlow blows apps like SnapzPro out of the water - both in terms of ease of use and the product that you get.
Last thing is that with one more click you can save for the iPod or iPhone...
Here is the file:
http://media.dartmouth.edu/~blackboard/screencasts/screenflow_rapid_authoring.m4v
I tested, and it plays really nice on little video iPod Nano......portable presentations.
Thanks for the insights, Joshua. I am fairly proficient in Keynote, but a beginner with Screenflow. Question: If Screenflow documents are in Flash, will they be viewable from my website by folks with an iPad? John
Posted by: John Magee | January 29, 2011 at 02:55 AM