The Jing Project

The Jing Project is a technology focused on screen capturing (both still and video), and is combined with a hosting site- Screencast.com. Once captures are made, they can be immediately shared with others either via the hosting service, FTP, or a stand-alone file. Combination of capturing and sharing make Jing an awesome tool for demonstrating a concept.

Jing can essentially replace the screenshot instructions that are typically created when showing information that come from your computer screen. Is it easier to capture a graphic or video to help someone, than to write a bunch of text with images (that can easily be mislabel or interpreted. I have found that it is easier capture a quick video and send a file or URL to the person for whom I have created it for.

All about Jing.
 
Currently Jing is free once you have signed up for an account at Screencast.com (also free). Screencast provides up to 2 gig of space to store your videos. After you have installed the software a small yellow sun will appear at the top of your screen. This sun allows you to easily and quickly capture something just by clicking on the capture button. Jing allows you can capture your whole screen or just a portion. Still images can also be captured and then the user has the ability to “draw” on it, in order to point out areas of interests. Jing also allows the creator of the video to narrate while recording, which become a valuable tool when verbal instructions need to accompany visual instructions.
After you have created your video it can be uploaded to Screencast, FTPed, or saved as a standalone file. If you use screencast option, once your file has been uploaded, Jing populates the clipboard with a images and URL can be quickly shared with others via email, messenger, or blogging.
 
Jing Issues & Challenges

Some minor draw backs of Jing is that videos cannot be edited using the software and can only be saved in a .swf (Flash) file format. Keep in-mind however, that the basic idea of Jing is to create quick information videos that can be quickly shared.

Jing is not a fully formed product, and glitches do occur. Because of the .swf file format some videos when played back can be “jerky” and also take time to download. To get around the jerky files and download times, users can adjust the size of the recording boxes or the screen resolution. Also it seems that some people have difficulty figuring out exactly how to use the program even though techsupport, blogs, and instructional videos are provided on the Jing website.
Jing and Educational Instruction
Jing can change typical instruction methods.  A video library can be created by both teachers and students that can enhance the instructional process. According to Adena Schutzberg “I knew Jing had made an impression on my students when they started including Jing URLs in their comment posts to each other's questions about their assignments. I had not asked them to do so; they just did!”

I have found many blogs and posts on the internet where users are sharing the benefit of Jing, including how they are using it, user reactions, successes and issues. However, from all accounts it appears that Jing is a great tool for enhancing instruction!

Watch the video tout on the Jing website, ITS GREAT!!!!
http://www.jingproject.com/
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Disclaimer

Any opinions expressed here, except as specifically noted, are those of the individual authors or commenters and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Department of Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences, the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, or Utah State University.