Capture Tools

Software Provider Announces Grants to Michigan Schools

• By Scott Aronowitz
• 02/11/10

Lecture capture and screen recording software maker TechSmith has announced a program to give $2 million in software licenses for its products to K-12 schools in its home state of Michigan. The company said educators most frequently use its products to aid in creating video tutorials and other original video content and to archive in-class content for future use and student access.

The software grant program is open to all K-12 schools in the state. The company is asking those interested to submit a plan for how their school would use TechSmith products to enhance or improve existing curricula.

"As Michigan strives to race to the top in public education, educators at all levels must continue to innovate and explore new instructional delivery models to support student needs," said Mike Flanagan, state superintendent of public instruction. Flanagan cited TechSmith's software tools as "relevant, engaging, and [supporting of] a continuity of learning around the clock."

The company's products frequently used by educators include screen capture software SnagIt, video recording and editing suite Camtasia Studio, and video hosting site Screencast.com.

A biology teacher at Okemos High School in Okemos, MI, Kelly Carrier, has used Camtasia Studio for five years to create videos for use in the classroom and for students' at-home study. "It can really empower teachers who are resource and time-challenged to completely change the way they're approaching classroom learning with their students with measurable results," Carrier said. "The learning essentially extends past the classroom walls to the students at home and are available anytime and anywhere."

Schools interested in applying for TechSmith grants can find complete application information here.