Screen Capture

I spent time today learning how to use my Mac’s snipping tools. As far as I can tell, I have two options. The first is an application called Preview that I found in the Applications folder:

The second is an application called Grab that is located in the Utilities folder:

Prior to this morning, I had used Preview a little bit but I had never even opened Grab. As it turns out, Grab is less flexible and less user-friendly than Preview.

Here's what you will find as you start to work with Grab:

 On the other hand, Preview will allow you to draw shapes and create text boxes:

When it comes to creating files, Grab will only allow you to save screen grabs as TIFF files. Preview allows you to save screen grabs in six formats including JPEG, JPEG-200, PDF, OpenEXR, PNG, and TIFF.

Finally, the Grab application quits when you close a window and you have to back into the Applications file to restart the application. Preview is much more convenient because it stays open in the Toolbar until you quit the application:

Until I learn about a better option for screen grabs, I think I will keep using Preview. And I think that the benefits to using a screen capture tool are obvious here. You can use screen captures and the related editing tools to show students how to use technology. Or you can use the tool to remind your brother that the weather at his favorite place is nice today:

Relationship to Standards: The Screen Capture activity relates well to the following standards: 1(b) - engaging students in solving authentic problems using digital tools; 3(c) - communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students . . . using a variety of digital media; and 4(c) - model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information.