This book includes the following eLearning and Camtasia Studio 8 concepts:

Module 1: eLearning and Camtasia

This module will give you a brief introduction to Camtasia, and eLearning in general. You will open an existing project and explore the Camtasia interface.

• Overview of Camtasia’s History, page 3
• How to Plan eLearning Projects, page 4
• The eLearning Development Process, page 5
• The Camtasia Studio Interface, page 8

Module 2: Recording Videos

By the time you have completed this module, you will be able to record screen actions on your computer using the Camtasia Recorder. You'll learn the value of rehearsals, and you'll learn how to add annotations and other special effects during the recording process.

• Display Resolution and Recording Area, page 18
• Rehearsals, page 19
• Recording Screen Actions, page 27
• Select a Recording Area, page 27
• Record a Video, page 29
• Annotations, page 31
• Recording Effects, page 37

Module 3: Videos and Images 

Once you've recorded screen actions, the real work begins in the Studio. You will create a project from scratch, and learn how to import recordings into the Studio as media.

• Import a Camrec Video, page 40
• Add a Video to the Timeline, page 42
• Import Images, page 45
• Insert a New Track, page 47
• Create a Watermark, page 50
• Add Cursor Effects, page 51

Module 4: Callouts, Animations and Transitions

You learned how to add media during the last module. In this module, you'll pick up where you left off and enhance the media with callouts and animations. You'll also learn to make the jumps between video segments appear more professional by using Transitions.

• Create a Group, page 54
• Add a Text Callout, page 56
• Modify Visual Properties, page 63
• Add a Pointy Circle Callout, page 65
• Add a Sketch Motion Rectangle, page 68
• Add an Animation to a Callout, page 70
• Add Slide Transitions, page 73

Module 5: Audio

Research has shown that adding audio (such as sound effects and voice narration) enhances the eLearning experience for your learners. You'll learn to add audio as media, and how to record and edit your own audio.

• Add Background Music to a Video, page 76
• Fade Audio In and Out, page 78
• Record Voice Narration, page 82
• Split a Music Clip, page 87
• Cut a Segment of Unwanted Audio, page 92

Module 6: Produce & Share

After you've finished creating your eLearning lesson, you'll need to "publish" it so that it can be consumed by your learners. You'll learn to produce and share your lessons as a standalone video and share the lessons on YouTube. You'll also learn how to create Flash/HTML5 output so that your lessons will play on just about any device (including the Apple iPad and iPod).

• Producing Basics, page 96
• Produce a Standalone Video, page 96
• Share to YouTube, page 100
• Produce Flash/HTML5 Output, page 102
• Add a Watermark to a Produced Video, page 107

Module 7: Zooming, Focus, Markers and Hotspots

You'll learn to enhance your eLearning lessons by controlling the appearance of the mouse cursor. You'll add Zoom-n-Pan areas that automatically take learners closer to the screen. And you'll learn to add interactivity via a TOC and Hotspots.

• Hide and Show the Cursor, page 112
• Control Mouse Visibility, page 112
• Use Zoom-n-Pan, page 114
• Apply SmartFocus, page 116
• Add a Marker, page 118
• Add a TOC, page 119
• Add a Hotspot to a Callout, page 122

Module 8: Quizzes and Screencast.com

Studies have shown that adding a quiz to an eLearning lessons can enhance learner retention. You'll learn how to add a quiz and then share the lesson on Screencast.com.

• Create Quizzes, page 126
• Share to Screencast.com, page 131

Module 9: PowerPoint and MenuMaker

If you've created content in PowerPoint, don't throw it away. You'll learn that existing PowerPoint content can basically be recorded within Camtasia allowing you to quickly create an eLearning course out of any presentation. And once you've created your lessons, you'll learn to use MenuMaker and group those lessons into a cohesive course.

• Use PowerPoint as a Starting Point, page 134
• Record PowerPoint, page 134
• Use MenuMaker to Create a Menu, page 138

Kevin Siegel is the founder and president of IconLogic, Inc. He has written hundreds of step-by-step computer training books on applications such as Adobe Captivate, Articulate Storyline, Adobe RoboHelp, Adobe Presenter, Adobe Technical Communication Suite, Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, QuarkXPress, and TechSmith Camtasia Studio. 

Kevin spent five years in the U.S. Coast Guard as an award-winning photojournalist and has nearly three decades experience as a print publisher, technical writer, instructional designer, and eLearning developer. He is a certified technical trainer, a veteran classroom instructor, and a frequent speaker at trade shows and conventions. 

Kevin holds multiple certifications and was named one of the top trainers in the world by Adobe Systems, Inc.