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video tricks
Good TeachingMicrosoft

Simple Video Tricks

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

A week doesn’t go by that a friend doesn’t ask me, “Can you help me with video editing?” Lacking formidable video skills myself, this blog will show you how folks continue to believe I’m a video editing whiz. The reality couldn’t be further from the truth. Here are my simple video tricks.

Get a copy of this infographic as a Google Slides version you can edit

Trick #1 – Get Videos Off the Web

“I want this video. How do you save the video?” asks my friend. She will send me links to both YouTube and embedded videos on web pages. After explaining that this is a violation of YouTube’s Terms, I offer some tips. There are three tools that I will try to use. I’m going to share them in order of ease of use.

Approach #1 – Media Grabber (Chrome browser)

If you haven’t heard of the lightning fast Torch Browser for your Windows 10 computer, you need to check it out. It has a lot of amazing features, including streamlining your Facebook window (getting rid of advertisements), a built-in torrent downloader (we won’t be going into that much), and web music player. Since Torch Browser is based off of Chrome browser, you can use all your favorite add-ons (e.g. Screencastify) with it. Think of it as Chrome Browser Plus.

The tool that makes getting video easy is Media Grabber. This is the tool you will use to pull videos off web pages, including YouTube. It also makes it easy to strip the audio from a video. That is useful when you want just an audio file of a video file (Note: Torch saves audio in AAC format. You can convert AAC to MP3 audio format with Audacity or Cloud Convert). This is what the tool looks like in the tool bar:

You will want to click on the blue arrow icon. It will save the video to your computer as an MP4. You can further customize Media Grabber to also save the audio. To do that, go into your browser settings, just as you would in Chrome, and then go to Advanced–>Media Grabber screen. As you can see from the screenshot below, you have several options.

Approach #2 – Video Download Helper (Firefox Quantum browser)

Familiar with the new, fast Firefox Quantum browser? If not, you should give it a whirl. A complete rewrite of Firefox, it offers vast speed improvements over previous lag-prone versions. The Quantum version also features low compatibility with add-ons. Two that I must mention include the Video Download Helper and Multi-Account Containers.

The add-on that has been a long-term friend of folks who need to save videos off the web, including YouTube, is Video Download Helper. As you can see from the screenshot, I must get a copy of that Hotel Transylvania movie trailer. Video Download Helper makes doing so in a wide variety of formats easy.

Aside: What are Multi-Account Containers? This add-on is fantastic for keeping your internet cookies separate (e.g. Facebook can’t track you since all its tracking cookies are kept in their own jar). This add-on has nothing to do with video, I just felt compelled to mention it.

Approach #3 – ATube Catcher

ATube Catcher gives you access to an actual program you install on your Windows computer. It has a variety of features, best represented with this opening menu of options:

As you can see, these are drop-dead simple options for pulling video off the web. There are many options for how to save the video you get off the web. Here’s what that looks like:

The process is quite simple, only many are unaware of such a powerful, free, open source tool at their fingertips.

Trick #2 – Cropping Videos

Now that you know my top tricks for getting video off the internet, you may find this one a bit esoteric. I am often asked “How do you crop videos, like you would a picture, to get rid of a caption?” Consider this image below:

Image Source: New Bell’s South Africa TV Ad

If you want to use this video in an instructional setting, you may not want to see the caption, “Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18. Drink Responsibly.” To get rid of that, follow these general steps:

  1. Use a screen-casting tool to capture your screen and system audio
  2. Select only the part of the screen you want in to get
  3. Save the video

This process can be problematic for some since some screen-casting tools only let you grab the entire desktop or tab in a web browser. Still, there are several ways. This is just one approach I use with Screencastify Premium.

This awesome Chrome browser friendly add-on allows me to record a video, then crop it AFTER the screen-cast is complete. Here’s a video from Screencastify that explains the process.

Wait, wait, here’s one more trick that often comes in handy.

Trick #3 – Flip that Video

Flipping video on Android using Google Photos – Edit the video, then tap on the ROTATE option at the bottom of screen,

“An epidemic at little kids’ sporting events, I refer to this as vertical video syndrome (VVS),” says Dawn Bradley. Ever start recording video on your phone and then realize you’re holding it wrong? Here’s an example. When recording video, you are supposed to hold it sideways (horizontally). Often, though, in the excitement of the moment, we forget and the phone is held in a vertical manner (a.k.a. portrait mode). There are several ways to flip the video so it displays in landscape mode.

  • Use an online tool like Clideo
  • iOS user? Try Video Rotate and Flip ($0.99 for cropping feature)
  • Android user? Use Google Photos app on your device to edit the video, then rotate it.

Wasn’t That Easy?

If you are saying to yourself, “Wow, that was less painful than I thought it would be,” you are right. Getting and flipping videos isn’t as hard as it once was. Much of the work can be done with no-cost tools. Give it a try. You never know when these tricks will save you, or maybe someone who needs your help, time and stress.

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Adobe Spark
iOS Tips and TricksOnline Tools and Apps

Free for Schools: Adobe Spark

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Have you done a cost analysis of infographic tools? The prices can be quite exorbitant. What if you could quickly create free infographics (or videos or websites) using a tool that is available at no cost to schools? Here are some free creativity tips for Adobe Spark, which now features an Adobe Spark for Schools version.

This new school version is available at no charge to schools. Before we explore all the exciting components and features of Adobe Spark for EDU, let’s take a moment to review some of the main points of Adobe Spark.

How Much Does Adobe Spark Cost?

Created with the desktop version of Adobe Spark

Before we even explore what Adobe Spark can do, let’s take a closer look at pricing. Adobe Spark for Schools may now be available for free, but it does have pricing plans for individuals and teams. While you can run the app on your mobile device (e.g. iOS, desktop) for free, you are unable to take advantage of the following features available for individuals and/or teams. Individual features available for $9.99 a month include the following:

  • Replace the Adobe Spark logo with your own
  • Add your brand to Spark graphics, web pages, and video stories
  • Select colors and fonts that reflect your brand
  • Leverage personalized branded templates
  • Manage your brand in one place
  • Update branding across templates in one click
  • Live phone and chat support

The Adobe Spark for Schools (no cost) version includes the following:

  • Students and teachers use existing logins, which means no additional accounts to manage or passwords to forget.
  • Your school/college manages and controls Spark access and data.
  • It is available to all ages and can be used consistent with COPPA and similar EU laws if you obtain parent consent.
  • All extra Premium features that usually cost $9.99/month per user (shown above) are included in the school version.

Ready to explore even more?

What Is Adobe Spark?

Adobe Spark is a “free online ‘sweet suite’ of tools to help you communicate ideas easily and beautifully,” says Dr. Roland Rios (@drrios). This sweet suite can be found online. The suite includes three apps, shown below:

Each app works on your mobile device, whether it’s your desktop device (e.g. Chromebook) or iOS device. As you can imagine, this makes this set of tools quite versatile for educators and students.

  • Post: “Enables you to create stunning social graphics in seconds. Start by remixing a design from the Inspiration Wall, or start from scratch to create a truly unique masterpiece. Either way, add an image, provide text, and beautiful typography will be applied on-the-fly. Transform your creation by applying design filters with a single tap.” (source).
  • Page: “Turns stories into modern, professional, attention-grabbing web pages. With Page, teachers and students can bring words and images together in fun ways, turning essays, assignments, reports, and more into engaging visual stories. Play with a variety of layouts, and add text. Use your own photos, or pick from thousands of free online images (with appropriate filtering applied)” (source).
  • Video: Makes it easy to combine images and text to create animated videos. You can also add music and narration.

Looking for Sample Products?

If you’re ready to see some sample products, you need look no further than the Adobe Spark website. Some school appropriate examples appear below:

In the Classroom

Ready to take advantage of Adobe Spark in the classroom? Here are sixteen ideas to get you started. But don’t stop there! Adapt these ideas that have a STEM in the English/Language Arts (ELA) classroom from Ms. Bible .

  • “Design a tiny house for ANY character or author.” After designing the tiny house, have students use Adobe Spark to create a video featuring their tiny house design and who they designed it for (role-play and acting is fun).
  • “Design a theme park based on ANY novel, play, or short story.” Create a photo slideshow of theme parks that tell a story.
  • Build a shelter that adheres to geometric principles. After building a shelter, students can tell a story about what inspired their shelter and showcase other designs as a class.

How do you plan to use Adobe Spark in your classroom?

 

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Educational TrendsiOS Tips and Tricks

Augment Your Holiday with These iOS Apps

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

Many of us are getting in the holiday spirit right now, and what could create even more fun but to add some augmented reality to our gathering times? We’ve curated a list of iOS apps that you might enjoy. If you want to be even more nerdy as a gift giver, you can download the templates by Top Advertising and print/send augmented cards that will delight the receiver. But be sure they know how to download the ePrism app (iOS or Android) so they can enjoy your card to the fullest.

As you take a look at the apps below, consider how you can use them to make memories with your students and friends. And, as always, be sure to preview the app prior to sharing with your students/parents.

Augmented Christmas Tree
Free

Pico Christmas Tree AR
Free

Christmas AR Free
Free

Dr. Panda AR Christmas Tree
Free

ElfYourself by Office Depot
Free

Be sure to share which app you used to add fun and merriment as you are with your group. If you tweet out a photo, be sure to tag #TCEA so we can enjoy it, too. And, if you happen to find other augmented reality apps that are holiday-focused, don’t forget to share them in the comments below!

This blog has only scratched the surface of great tools that can enhance your classroom, school, and district using iPads. If you would like more assistance, contact me at bellis@tcea.org to discuss scheduling TCEA to come to your site to provide either a half-day, full-day, or two days of training. You’ll find our training is very customized, research-based, definitely hands-on, and reasonably priced.

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STEM Tools
RoboticsSTEM/STEAM

STEM Tools, DIY Projects, and Toys

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Looking for STEM tools and toys for young learners? In this blog entry, we explore some highly-rated toys and tools. We also discuss inspiring girls to get into STEM, Do It Yourself STEM projects, and video ideas. Designed to heighten STEM learning experiences for youngsters, each may be worth investigating further.

The Rationale for STEM Tools and Toys

Many future jobs require STEM skills. One approach for accomplishing that involves providing young learners with STEM tools and toys.

Beth Holloway, director of the Women in Engineering Program at Purdue University, says toys that help children figure out how to turn their ideas into reality – toys that let them design and build something, for instance – are a great first step in inspiring them to consider a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) career. “Toys like that will help children realize that they can make an impact on the world through their ideas,” she says. (source)

Holloways points out that STEM tools/toys can have an impact on young women, too. “Parents need to provide girls with toys that indulge their feminine side, but also those that allow them to feel the sense of accomplishment that comes from designing and building something,” says Holloway.  Let’s remember, though, that most STEM jobs are focused in the coding area. To engage girls, STEM activities need to 1) Make coding as a creative and collaborative activity; 2) Teach computational thinking; and 3) Add real-world problem solving (source).

Engaging Young Women

Want to inspire girls with real life stories from STEM women?  Introduce them to the 1,000 STEM Women project. The goal of the project is to provide an easy-to-access resource for K-12 learners that makes meeting amazing female STEM role models possible. Take a look at Engineer Girl for more inspiring women engineers sharing their stories.

Here are some examples from the 1,000 STEM Women Project:

STEM tools

From Left to Right: Rachel | Emily | Raychelle

Ready to explore some STEM tools and toys? Let’s get started with some Pinterest Do It Yourself (DIY) projects.

DIY STEM Projects

“Where did you get your idea for that project?” I asked a second grade teacher who was sharing a STEM project at a San Angelo, Tx TCEA area conference. “Pinterest!” she replied with a smile. “I find most of my ideas there.” To be honest, it had never occurred to me to look on Pinterest. Yet you can find many DIY STEM projects appropriate for home or classroom there.  Here are my top five favorite Pinterest boards:

STEM Videos for the Do It Yourself-er

You can also combine DIY projects with a video, similar to the updated versions of the practical learning Mr. Wizard television show introduced to some of us in our younger years. Who wouldn’t want to make their own electromagnet? Now you can catch videos via Instagram, too. Some of my favorite science-focused Instagram images and/or videos include:

Why not create your own Instagram sharing space? Or explore YouTube for STEM DIY projects, such as these from Lanakila Malua, Brittany Hogan, and Red Ted Art. You can find even more project ideas in video form. Check out Curiosity Machine, Exploratorium Video, and PBS Design Squad Videos (requires Flash).

STEM Activity Idea: Create Short Instagram Videos as a Student STEM Challenge by Ben Newsome
With a point of the camera and using some simple content creation apps, your students could be documenting the science experiments, challenges, and questions that are raised in your classroom for other classes to learn from, plus they’re a good reflection tool in their own right. By using InstagramTM as the medium, you could set a science communication challenge to your students whereby they have to explain a given concept to their peers. You could run this as a competition across your school in a similar way to Alan Alda’s Flame Challenge, whereby people from around the world compete to create a compelling explanation of a science topic that an 11-year-old could find interesting and entertaining (eg. What is energy?).

If you have your own Pinterest board or curated list, why not share it? More on how to share at the end of this blog entry.

STEM Tools and Toys

These toys and tools present various approaches. Often, parents and teachers are looking for “turnkey” solutions or kits. There are many kits that can be used in a home or classroom setting. Here are my top three favorite tools and/or toys, along with links to websites where you can find more ideas. What would you add or include that I haven’t?

  • Sunprint ($11.59): “The SunPrint Solar Paper lets you makes beautiful pictures by placing objects on the paper and exposing it to the sun. The paper undergoes a chemical change. The Sunprint paper can be used for a creative, solar art project,” says the Amazon description.
  • Cubetto ($222.95): TCEA’s Ashley Weiler introduced me to Cubetto.  Montessori-approved, this is a “coding toy for girls and boys ages 3 and up. It takes coding out of the screen and into the real world with a programming language you can touch. Children help Cubetto, a friendly wooden robot, navigate a magical world by writing their first programs using hands-on coding blocks.”
  • Tynker app + Parrot Mambo Minidrone ($): Learning to code with algorithms (sets of instructions that are repeated to automate and simplify coding) is fun with the Tynker app (Android/iOS) and the Mambo drone. Learners can “experience the thrill of flight and accomplishment as they learn to program Parrot drones using Tynker’s intuitive visual programming language. Children can pilot drones through extreme maneuvers, grasping objects and flying aerial combat missions, all with the power of code.”

Helping young children build a strong foundation in coding can build key future ready skills. What’s more, you can encourage participation in the annual STEM Video Game Challenge for middle and high school students.

Want to explore some more?

Check out these various sites recommending STEM tools and toys. Don’t forget, TCEA is curating a STEM-focused padlet with many more resources. Share your favorite STEM ideas, tools, toys and websites in this Padlet.

 

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Apple TV device and remote
Good TeachingiOS Tips and Tricks

TCEA Responds: Apple TV in the Classroom

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Dear TCEA Responds:

I am getting an Apple TV and I would like to learn more about using it in my classroom. Do you have any professional development classes on how to use the Apple TV and an iPad?

-Angie

Dear Angie:

As an early adopter of the Apple TV, I was thrilled about the possibilities. Let’s explore some of the ways Apple TVs can enhance teaching and learning in your classroom. We’ll also take a quick look at some alternatives to Apple TVs so you can save money, if that’s needed.

How Apple TVs Enhance Teaching and Learning

The Apple TV enables either students or teachers to mirror their device to a large screen. Using AirPlay, which comes standard on Apple computers and tablets, you can share what you see on one device on a big screen. This makes highlighting student work on an iPad convenient. Some ideas for taking advantage of this in the classroom:

  • Model the brainstorming process using a whiteboard app (see this list)
  • Empower students to work as teachers for a day
  • Create a digital ebook (use Book Creator) and display it on the big screen
  • Make a document camera out of any iPad in your classroom
  • Annotate documents live (some apps include Annotable and Annotate)
  • Wander around the room wirelessly with your iPad connected to big screen
  • Facilitate collaboration between student creators so all can see what they are making
  • Watch YouTube or Vimeo videos or National Geographic content
  • Use apps like Appear.in, Skype, and Voxer on your iPad so that students can watch
  • Display student-generated or educational images (e.g. anchor charts, concept maps) as the screensaver

Some tips to avoid Apple TV distractions (use the free Apple TV Remote app so you don’t have to use an on-screen keyboard):

  • Hide TV channels
  • Hide movie previews. Enable restrictions to select the Purchase and Rental hide option.
  • Rename the Apple TV to reflect your classroom
  • Set an AirPlay password to prevent others from taking over your Apple TV to display their content

I encourage you to check out Tony Vincent’s illustrated guide to Apple TV. He has tons more tips and suggestions.

Apple TV Alternatives

If your school or district has not yet invested in an Apple TV, you might consider a software solution instead. Here are three software alternatives that cost less money than an Apple TV:

In most cases, both devices (teacher’s computer and student iOS device) must be on the same WiFi subnet. Also, in Bonjour and mDNS, multicast must be allowed on your network.

Ready to Get Started?

You have quite a few ideas to get started with the Apple TV in your classroom. While setting up may seem like a lot, you and your students will soon be doing things quite differently. If you’d like some help, TCEA offers onsite professional development on Apple TVs (and more) specifically tailored to your staff’s needs. Just email Dr. Bruce Ellis for more information. Each onsite workshop includes a year’s membership to TCEA, which allows participants to continue the learning all year long.

 

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animated GIFs
ChromebooksGoogle Tips and TricksiOS Tips and TricksMicrosoft

Animated GIFs: Education in Motion

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Animated GIFs function great as short picture tutorials. They play well on social media, like Twitter, too. Creating these engaging picture slideshows can range from easy to hard depending on the tools you choose. Let’s take a look at a few free iOS, Windows, Mac, and Chrome tools to create animated GIFs. We will also explore some animated GIFs focused on the Microsoft Education Community, featuring a few common tasks with which learners have problems.

Example #1 – Tech Tips in 15 Seconds

Looking for ideas on how to use animated GIFs? Educational technologists need look no further than John Bimmerle’s Tech Tips in 15 Seconds.

animated gifs

Here is one animated GIF shared via Twitter focused on OneNote sharing made easy. You can edit the images before placing them in an animated GIF sequence. Include instructions, helpful pointers, and more.

Example #2 – Spice Up Twitterchats

You can also use animated GIFs to spice up your Twitterchat/Tweetmeet questions, as shown below. You can imagine creating your images in Powerpoint (or Slides), exporting the images, then stitching them together using one of the free tools available.

Tools for Making Animated GIFs

Ready to make your own animated GIFs? If so, you may already have the tools on your device. The process involves recording a short step-by-step as a video and then converting that video into a series of pictures. The picture series is then animated and runs as a sequence known as an animated GIF. Here are my top picks for creating animated GIFs:

Subscription-Based Tools

  • Screencastify Premium (Free for 10 minutes; subscription service available): This awesome screencasting tool (view tutorials) works great on Chromebooks or the Chrome browser. You can save your recordings as MP4 videos or as animated GIFs. These can be saved to either your device or directly to Google Drive. There’s even an education version worth investigating. A few features of Screencastify include a focus mouse, draw with pen, embed webcam, and my favorite, crop and trim.  You can also record your desktop screen (e.g. Windows, Mac, GNU/Linux) or a particular tab on your Chrome browser.
  • Gyazo GIF (Free for seven seconds; subscription service available): Gyazo GIF enables you to capture screenshots (pictures of your screen) and then share them online as animated GIFs or save them. You instantly share screenshots faster than any other service by uploading the image and copying the link to your clipboard instantly. Fellow Texan and TCEA member Kasey Bell has a wonderful tutorial worth reading on this resource.

animated gifs

Animated GIF of Storyboarder was created with Screencastify’s Save to Animated GIF feature

No-Cost Tools

  • Storyboarder (Free): This powerful storyboarding tool makes it easy to create animated GIFs (and a lot more). You can export creations to Adobe Premiere, Final Cut, Avid, PDF, and animated GIF formats. You can even print out storyboard worksheets and then draw on them. When done, snap a picture with your phone. Storyboarder will import the boards into your project.
  • GifMaker.me (Free): You can use this web-based tool to create animated GIFs. You can also create video animations with free, online music. Another benefit is that GifMaker does not require an account, which makes it perfect for use in a classroom situation. An alternative browser-based gifmaker is EzGIF.com.
  • GIF Toaster (iOS; Free): Looking for a way to create animated GIFs on the go? Look no further than GIF Toaster. You can take a series of photos (or screenshots on your iOS device), then arrange them as an animated GIF. You can then copy them to your computer using WiFi sharing from within the GIF Toaster app. It will also take a recorded video and save it as an animated GIF. Additional customization is possible with built-in filters, etc.
  • DataGIFMaker: Although not strictly speaking an animated GIF maker useful for tutorials, if you need to play with data, you will want to check out this offering from Google. It allows you to enter a few values and then display them as an animated GIF. You simply enter data points, type in short names for data point clusters, select colors, and then save the animated GIF. See example.

There are many other tools (like Flipgrid!) available for creating animated GIFs. Share your favorite and what you’ve made with it in the comments.

Animated GIFs in the Classroom

Austin Houp recommends students create stop-motion animations as part of their learning activities. He suggests using Google Slides (you could also use MS PowerPoint). Students create a stop-motion slide deck and then export images using the Slides 2 Drive* add on. Then, as a final step, they can combine the entire series of pictures as an animated GIF using GifMaker.me.

*Note: Slides2Drive will kick up some security warnings when you add it since it’s not an official add-on. You need it because creating stop-motion animation will result in numerous slides. Google Slides only allows you to export one slide at a time. With Slides2Drive, you can export all slides as images to Google Drive.

Aside from stop-motion animations, students can create short explanations using animated GIFs. Be sure to check out the Twitter Takeaways blog entries for some examples.

Microsoft Education Animated GIFs

As promised, here are a few animated GIFs featuring Microsoft’s Education Community.

Get a Printable Version of a Certificate in PDF Version

Completed a face-to-face or online course? If you need to get your certificate, you can rely on the animated GIF to walk you through the process. It was created with Screencastify Premium version’s tab recording option.

Get Your Microsoft Public Profile URL

animated gifs

Your public profile URL is often required when you are applying to participate in MIE programs. This animated GIF will walk you through the process of obtaining it.

animated gifs

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Twitter takeaways
iOS Tips and Tricks

Twitter Takeaways: Five iOS Special Effects Apps

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Looking for Twitter takeaways focused on iOS special effects apps? You have come to the right place. Apple’s iOS devices offer incredible apps you can carry around with you on your mobile device. This list expands on a previous blog entry,  iOS Movie Effects, that I wrote back in 2016. Here are a few that awesome Twitterers have shared more recently.

#1 – Add Holograms to Real Life

The Holo app (@thisisholo), which John Bimmerle (@j_bimmerle) introduced me to brings virtual reality alive. Put a hologram of a favorite character (300 characters/animal holograms to choose from) into the world around you as if they were there. The holograms are life-size. You can resize, rotate, and move holograms to set things up.

#2 – Create Looping Mini Videos

Boomerang from Instagram (@boomerangfromIG) enables you to create engaging mini videos that loop back and forth. Find a person or object that is moving; then Boomerang will take a burst of ten photos, looping them into a short video. You can share your creation via Facebook, Instagram, or to your iOS camera roll.

#3 – Show Off Your Super Powers

Try Super Powers FX – Superpowers (@superpowerfx). This app makes it a cinch to shoot lightning/fireballs from your hands, “lasers from your eyes, or control the elements, teleport, and more!” Zap those veggies.

#4 – Transform the World Around You

Transform the world around you with Anime Power FX. It lets you record and add a wide variety of anime effects. You can exert your influence over everything and everyone around you, adding special effects to classroom skits and more.

twitter takeaways

#5 – Add Dinosaurs and Other Critters to Your Videos

Ever wanted to add Hollywood CGI special effects to your iOS captured photos or videos? Efexio (@efexio)  in the free version offers five different effts. Up to 100 effects are available in the paid version. Effects include dinosaurs, dragons, penguins, skeletons, robots, zombies, and unicorns, as well as fire, rain, and lighting.

 

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hand holding ipad screen
AndroidiOS Tips and Tricks

Four Tools for iOS Screen Sharing

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

“How are you sharing your iPad’s screen?” asked a session participant. The question comes up every time I present and need to show off my iOS device’s screen. Whether it’s an iPad or iPhone, the ability to share my iOS screen with the audience is critical. Before we explore various solutions available, let’s revisit why screen sharing remains important.

Why Share Your Screen?

“Most human behavior is learned observationally through modeling: from observing others, one forms an idea of how new behaviors are performed, and on later occasion,s this coded information serves as a guide for action,” says Albert Bandura, social learning theorist. Screen sharing facilitates teacher modeling. Research, as pointed out in various studies, has shown that “modeling is an effective instructional strategy in that it allows students to observe the teacher’s thought processes” (source).

When showing others how to use technology in the classroom, whether for PreK-12 or adult learners, the learning facilitator (a.k.a. teacher) engages in task or performance modeling. The purpose of this is to allow students to first observe what is expected of them. The goal is to increase their level of comfort when it is time for them to engage in a new task or performance.

When modeling how to use an app, such as Seesaw, Nearpod, Voxer, Shadow Puppet EDU, or Doodle Buddy, the teacher makes actual steps taken to operate an app visible for the students. Modeling also serves as a way to scaffold students’ own efforts. When they master their own approach to a technique or use of technology (e.g. green screen weather forecast or lesson), then they can engage in student-centered modeling.

Tools You Can Use

In each of these approaches, including task or performance modeling, student-centered modeling, and/or modeling as a scaffolding technique, being able to share the screen of your mobile device remains important. An important consideration for each of these is that both your laptop and iOS/Android device must be on the same wireless (a.k.a. WiFi) network. Keep in mind that the speed of that WiFi network will affect your ability to connect.

Aside from having the $49 Apple dongle (e.g. lightning to VGA or HDMI) for your iOS device as a backup, let’s take a look at three solutions that make screen sharing possible. The process for each of these tools is the same:

  1. Purchase the screen sharing solution of choice for your Mac or Windows laptop.
  2. Start the screen sharing program on your laptop (which is connected to the digital projector or large screen television monitor).
  3. Turn AirPlay on your iOS device and look for your laptop’s name (you can also set the name in the preferences for each program).
  4. Select your laptop via Airplay Mirroring (swipe up from the bottom of your screen).
  5. Screen sharing is now enabled and available with the mobile device screen shared.

Technical Note: In most cases, both devices (teacher’s computer and student iOS device) must be on the same WiFi subnet. Also, in Bonjour and mDNS multicast must be allowed on your network.

Here’s a quick listing of the tools available:

Tool #1 – Air Squirrels’ Reflector

Air Squirrels’ Reflector  ($14.99 with education pricing available) serves as a low-cost alternative to the $49 cable. Most of us, when we present, treat our mobile device as a special guest star, on for a few minutes and then turned off after the explanation is over. With Reflector Teacher, I have had several students simultaneously display their iPads on the big screen that is projected. Reflector  also features screen recording, and shares the sound from your device via your laptop’s sound system. This is ideal when screen-casting. Supported mobile devices include iOS and Android. Newer versions of Reflector are available in various modes, such as:

  • Reflector Teacher ($14.99): Use your computer to mirror student devices to a connected digital projector
  • Reflector Director($6.99): Control Reflector Teacher from a mobile device. Reflector Director enables you to remotely manage your Reflector Teacher program on your computer, making it easy for you to be away from your computer.
  • Reflector Student(Free): Connects student mobile devices to Reflector Teacher on protected networks. This app on the students’ device works as a signal enhancer. It makes finding the teacher’s Reflector Teacher computer easier in a multiple wireless access point (WAP) environment.

Tool #2 – Splashtop’s Mirroring 360

This robust solution offers many features. You can use Mirroring360 to “wirelessly mirror & record your Chromebook, iPad, iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac screens to your PC or Mac without the need for hardware or cables” (Source). You are also able to broadcast your computer screen to up to forty recipients’ devices via a shared web link. Mirroring360 also comes with a product, Mirroring Assist, that you can use to lock in the signal on a protected network. This is the equivalent feature to Reflector Student. It is quite a rich solution provider with a variety of custom features and costs.

Let’s take a look at some simpler tools you may want to also consider.

Tool #3 – X-Mirage

Another tool that works well for iOS devices is X-Mirage ($16). Although sporting fewer features than Reflector 2, it does a great job with a simple interface.

airplay

X-Mirage recently added a feature to record the microphone to enable voice-overs for tutorial videos.

 

Tool #4 – LonelyScreen

At the Elementary Technology Conference in Galveston recently, Matt Montez made me aware of this no-cost tool, LonelyScreen. Like the other solutions, it offers these features:

  • Cast AirPlay to PC/MAC.
  • Share on the big screen.
  • Capture and save.

LonelyScreen does work, if not quite as elegantly as the other AirPlay receivers on this list. Of course, that makes it a free alternative for schools to use in lieu of Reflectors 2 or X-Mirage.

Modeling Made Simple

Are you ready to model the use of mobile devices for instructional purposes in your classroom? Then take a look at the three solutions for sharing your iOS screen mentioned above and let me know which one is your favorite in the Comments below.

 

Update: This blog was updated with new content on 04/12/2018.

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subtitles
Microsoft

New PowerPoint Translator Makes Captioning Possible

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

New web-based translation services make captioning easier. Microsoft now includes captioning in its Office suite as Powerpoint combines with Microsoft Translator to create powerful learning opportunities for students.

Why Captioning Matters

While Powerpoint Translator has great features, let’s reflect on the reasons why captioning is a PreK-12 education necessity.

  • Captioning is required by law. Relevant law includes Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act . Both require captioning on student-available educational video. This can be critical for hearing-impaired learners. For PreK-12 public school students, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires equal access to education. This makes captioning educational video a requirement. (source).
  • Captioning helps non-native speakers. There are 4.6 million English Language Learners (ELL) in public schools.
  • Captioning improves reading comprehension, retention, and focus. Same language subtitling can improve student attitude, engagement, and reading proficiency levels (source).
  • Captioning makes your presentation more searchable. Adding subtitles to your work makes content searchable on the web as search engines index your subtitles. This makes it easy for others to find ideas matched to their search terms.

Let’s discuss the changes Microsoft has made to PowerPoint.

Key Features

The PowerPoint Translator add-in has these features:

Subtitles

  • Real-time subtitles to presentations in any of the 10 supported speech languages. Supported languages include Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
  • Subtitles can be shown in the presenter’s language. This supports accessibility scenarios.
  • Subtitles may be seen in any of the 60+ languages.

Audience Interaction

  • The audience can use their own device as long as it is equipped with the Microsoft Translator app (Android | iOS).
  • The audience can follow along. Presenters can use a QR or five letter conversation code. This allows them to participate in a multi-language Q&A.
  • The add-in learns technical terms, acronyms, and special names. It does this by scanning the content of slides/notes. The add-in presents jargon to the audience.
  • Up to 100 audience members in the room can follow along in their own language. They may use their own phone, tablet, or computer.

 Translation

  • Translate the text of PowerPoint. This preserves the original formatting,
  • Languages (left-to-right, right-to-left) can be translated from one to the other.

Make Learning Accessible

Powerpoint Translator makes subtitling automatic and closed captioning possible. How will you use these Microsoft tools to transform learning in your classroom?

 

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Good Teaching

Even More Classroom Icebreakers for Back to School

by Diana Benner
written by Diana Benner

Last year, I wrote a blog about classroom icebreakers that could help students and teachers break the ice the first day or the first week of school. Find even more icebreaker activities below to try with your students in order to start the year off right.

Two Truths and a Lie Flipgrid

If you haven’t caught the Flipgrid Fever (#FlipgridFever), you should! Flipgrid is a video discussion board service that will allow your students to respond to a question you ask. Teachers can create a grid for free just by signing up for an account. It’s a great way to capture your student’s voices and ideas.

A fantastic icebreaker would be to create a Two Truths and a Lie Flipgrid. Give students the URL to your Flipgrid or they can scan the QR code to access it. Your students would then click on the green plus sign and record themselves telling two truths and one lie about themselves. You could even pair students up and have them record each other. After all the students have finished, you can pull the Flipgrid up on the screen and the class can take turns guessing which statement is a lie. It’s a great way for the class to get to know one another. Want to try it? Test it out on this sample Flipgrid I created.

icebreakers

Create Your Own Emoji

Emojis are so popular these days that students are using them all the time. So why not have your students create their own Emoji and then write a paragraph about themselves as an icebreaker activity? Try it out for yourself by following the steps below:

Step 1:

Step 2:icebreakers

  • Read the directions on Slide #1 and pick a slide that doesn’t already have an emoji created on it.
  • Create your emoji by dragging and dropping the images on the side of the slide or by inserting new images.

Step 3:

  • Write a paragraph about yourself and/or why you created your emoji the way you did.

Once again, after all your students have created their emoji, you could display them on the projector and let the students talk about their emoji. Get your own copy of the About Me Emoji template here: “About Me Emoji Google Slide” Template – Google Slide link.

Green Screen LEGO Puppets

Another idea for an icebreaker is to have students use green screen technology while recording a video introduction of themselves.

First, have your students design a LEGO mini figure of themselves. You can give your students this template to use as a starting point.

Next, purchase a green tablecloth at the Dollar store, which you will then tape up on the wall. Then download a green screen app, such as the Doink app. It only costs $2.99 and is very easy to use. For a free option, you can try Touchcast (iPad) or Free Photo Green Screen Tool (iOS). Use your iPad to take a picture that you will use as a background for the green screen. You could take pictures of the front of the school, the playground, or a spot in your classroom. Upload the picture to the app.

Then attach the LEGO puppet to either a green ruler or a green straw (usually available at Starbucks) and place it in front of the green tablecloth. Use the app to record a short video introduction with groups of students. See the example video below:

icebreakers

Animated Fidget Spinner

Fidget spinners are especially popular with our students today. Therefore, why not try using them as an instructional tool in the classroom?

For the icebreaker below, I used animations in Microsoft PowerPoint to allow the spinner to spin and land on different parts of the color wheel. For this particular icebreaker, you can pull the spinner up on the screen and group students into teams in order for them to discuss the topic the spinner lands on. This is great way to connect with students while allowing them to get to know one another.

Get your own copy of the Fidget Spinner Icebreaker template here: “Fidget Spinner Icebreaker” Template – Microsoft PowerPoint Template.

Try one of these icebreakers during the first week of school and give your students and you a chance to get to know one another. Leave a comment below with some of the icebreakers that have worked well for your students.

 

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