This is guest post from ETT Summit presenter Sabba Quidwai (@askmsq) first appeared on Free Technology for Teachers.

At the top of my list these days is an app called TouchCast.

How many times have you watched a video where they point out a great resource only to say that you’ll come back to it later and never do? Or, have you ever shared a great resource and wanted to provide a variety of links for someone to choose from to extend their knowledge? It’s happened to me lots of times, and either I forget the links, or get distracted with something else whilst switching from one app to the other. TouchCast solves these issues by creating an app that merges the power of videos and the web into one.

TouchCast lets users record a short video and then overlay widgets called vApps. These moveable vApps can hold live web pages, live Twitter streams, photos, maps, or multimedia, and you can even ask your audience live questions. Anyone watching the video via the TouchCast app (or website) can click on a vApp and interact with it all while remaining in the video.  Furthermore, you can select from a variety of themes to get started. Once that is set, it’s time to start creating content.

Outlining your TouchCast and having all your vApps lined up will definitely make the process smoother and allow for a more flawless finished product. There is also a teleprompter to help you stay on cue. Different boards such as a chalkboard, whiteboard, and even a glass board help you get your ideas across. AND, wait for it… TouchCast includes a green screen feature.

At first glance, you’ll immediately think of the power this tool has for the flipped classroom.  Engaging your viewers in a presentation where you can present them with a choice of resources to further investigate, without having them exit the screen, is brilliant. Furthermore, it’s a great way to model how the app can be used. I’m always looking for tools that I can put in the students’ hands so that they can demonstrate their knowledge to me in a variety of ways.

One of the reasons I love creation apps is because I feel that the storyboarding process is very powerful. It is in that process that students are engaging in the many Cs of learning – critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication. It is also through this process that they are moving from the consumption of information to creation that allows them to demonstrate and apply their knowledge. Check out this student TouchCast on the Great Depression.

TouchCast also serves as a great tool for creating professional learning videos for educators. When introducing teachers to a new tool, you can do so much more than just a step by step application. With TouchCast, you can link examples of the tool in action by linking teacher blogs, websites, images and so much more!

The possibilities for TouchCast  are limited only to your imagination. Visit the TouchCast website for in depth tutorials, resources and great examples of how it is being used to EduCast.

Best of all, TouchCast is available on iPad and Desktop PC for free!

Sabba Quidwai will be presenting Cast a Spell to Flip Your Class with TouchCast at the July 28-30 EdTechTeacher Summit in Chicago.