Educreations is a new site that lets any aspiring educator become the next Salman Khan. Taking a simple concept that combines a virtual whiteboard with screencasting, the site allows anyone to create unique instructional videos with hand drawn elements.

Educreations also features a suite of simple design tools and a proprietary platform for sharing and discovering user-generated video content. Geared towards teachers and students while being open to anyone, the founders state the mission of educreations as follows: "We're on a mission to democratize learning by extending the reach of great teaching."

Pros:
Easy-to-use design tools allow users to add color, text, and easily navigate while screencasting. Additionally, the option to create content through either your browser or an iPad is a nice level of versatility.

Cons:
The drawing tools, while simple, are hard to control for freehand drawing. It seems that, although they are uncomplicated, many of the design options are almost too simplistic and rudimentary.

EdLab Relevance:
Screencasting and original video content is quickly becoming both a trend for flipping the classroom and an expected mode of delivery for online course delivery and content. As we move forward with mSchool and the development of an online course management platform, it will be important to consider screencasting resources for educators that can allow both creation of original video content and the adaption of existent resources.

Our Takeaway:
A light virtual whiteboard and screencasting hybrid that makes proprietary video content a reality for anyone who has something to teach or learn.