Case Study: Central Michigan University achieves higher student engagement and exam success with TechSmith's Camtasia for Mac

How Mike Garver made his Marketing Research class inspiring for students while preparing them for their careers

Central Michigan University professor Mike Garver faced a common higher-education challenge: his engaging lectures were only producing lower-level learning (memorization) rather than the critical thinking and practical skills students need for careers. Wanting students to apply and analyze course material, he needed a way to deliver content outside class so classroom time could focus on practice and critique.

Garver flipped his Marketing Research course using Camtasia for Mac to produce short podcast-style videos students watch before class, then used in-class team exercises, quizzes and real-client projects to reinforce skills. The change boosted engagement and performance—top exam scores rose from 5% to 35%—clients praised student presentations, and student feedback (92% response) helped him refine video length and format.

Central Michigan University

Mike Garver

Professor, Central Michigan University