Greetings, I hope everyone had a great labor day weekend vacation.
Today's "Tuesday Technology Tips" is a helpful one, if you are a person who likes to show classroom videos from YouTube to your class!
One problem that happens occasionally, is that perhaps wireless signal is not working well, or perhaps the network is slow because of high traffic within the building.
However, you can eliminate all the "need" and/or "worry" about showing YouTube videos, by downloading them to your computer.
There are several free websites that can help you do this, and they all work basically the same.
Follow these steps:
1. Go to the YouTube video you want to show and COPY the URL (Web address) of the video.
2. Go to your "preferred" YouTube download site. (there are several)
3. PASTE the YouTube address in the appropriate Box on the site
4. Click on the "command" or "enter" or the button that is next to the Text-box... the site will then convert the YouTube video to a downloadable file.
5. If you want to WATCH it as a video, you will want to select "MP4" format, and click "Download".
6. The file will download to your "download" folder...if you want to move somewhere else, you may do so, I would suggest placing them in your "Videos" folder, but that's me. If you are just going to show it once, and then delete the file when you are done showing it... go ahead and place it on your desktop.
7. This will allow you to show the video in Windows Media Player or the Movies and TV App (if you have Windows 10). Your video will run locally on your computer, and you won't have to rely on internet connection. (This will also save on bandwidth while school is in session for other users)
I saw this video about a year or so ago, and I thought it was quite good.
Enjoy "Kids React to Walkman"
When I was in HS (and early in college!) having a Walkman meant that you were cutting edge!
(Portable CD players did not become "common" until I was in college a few years)
It's funny to watch these kids look at this technology as something... well other than that.
A good reminder that while time is passing, the tools and devices we use are changing as well. Don't be afraid to embrace something new!
Like Google Docs... you will need a Microsoft account to access Sky Drive. (You need a google account to access Google docs.... and a Microsoft account to access Sky Drive.)
I should mention that although I can see where elementary teachers and classes could use edmodo for certain classes, this is going to be mainly geared toward MS and HS students and classes.
What is Edmodo?
Well, to put it simply, Edmodo is a Course Management System (CMS) that allows you to give assignments, set the calendar, collect assignments, give quizes, etc, etc...
Here is a short Youtube video that goes over some of the basics.
Why use it?
First off all, it is very simple and easy to use. I started using it last year in my High School PE classes for our Health/Assignment days, and was so happy with it, I started using it in all my MS Health classes.
Secondly, for me it was helpful in keeping all assignments, quizzes, discussions, in one central location. Instead of having students turn in one assignment here, and one assignment there, I had everything turned in via edmodo. There is even a quizmaker right on the edmodo site, so you can put your assessments on there.
Third, It looks like Facebook. What better way to connect with students, than to use a format that they are familiar with. In fact, that is what Edmodo calls itself, "an educational social network".
Edmodo's format is very similar to Facebook.
Fourth, Edmodo can be integrated throughout the school. Students only need to remember one username and password to get into Edmodo. Each class (or "group" in Edmodo terms) is assigned a specific code by Edmodo, the Teacher then shares that code with the students, and they join the group. So once a student is logged in to Edmodo, they can simply switch classes by clicking on the appropriate group. Multiple classes can be accessed with one simple log in.
Fifth, anything you want the students to do... visit a website, write a paper, listen to a podcast, can be linked to the class page. Basically any web based activity can be accessed from their class page, and it will remain there, until you decide to take it off, or not.
Sixth, you are in control. You can limit if the students can make public posts to the class. You can set cut off dates for assignments. You can re-set a student's password if they forget. If a student withdraws from your class, you can remove them.
7th, Parental Involvement. For each student, they have a code that can be given to their parents. Their parents can then see every assignment that has been given them through Edmodo. They can also see the assignment that their student has turned in. Parents will need to have their own login and password, and you can provide them with the code for their student. After that, it's easy.
8th Mobile Format. Edmodo has a mobile app, that allows Teachers/Students/Parents to access their Edmodo over their Smart Phones.
I only used Edmodo in the classroom for one school year. But only because I hadn't heard of it before then. I do see that the Elkton staff has been exposed to Edmodo (although I'm not sure as to how much), as it is a link included on the school's links page.
Before that I used the State's webct program (Which is now Blackboard). That worked fine, but I much preferred Edmodo. It was just easier to use, and the students enjoyed the edmodo format much more. In addition, the longer I used it, the more I was able to integrate it into what I was doing. It got to the point where my Health students were surprised and disappointed if we weren't working on Edmodo that day.
If you ever need help in getting started on Edmodo, send me an e-mail and I'd be glad to assist you. It's a really neat tool, and something that can be used throughout the curriculum.
Tuesday Teacher Tidbits? - not very original, I know. If you think up a better title, let me know, and I'll change it.
Today's topic is blogging.
What is blogging? Well according to dictionary.com a blog is - aWebsitecontainingthewriter'sorgroupofwriters'ownexperiences,observations,opinions,etc.,andoftenhavingimagesandlinkstootherWebsites.
One thing I have learned in the short time that I've had my blog (about 2 years) is that there is a hesitance among teachers to post things on the Internet that can be seen by others. A blog can be set up with many different privacy settings.
You can make your blog Public or Private.
You can allow comments, you can allow comments only for followers of the blog, or you can eliminate comments, altogether.
You can allow your blog to be found by search engines, or you can block it from search engines.
So there is no need to fear about your blog information "falling into the wrong hands" or having someone make rude or inappropriate comments on it. Your Privacy settings are up to you, and you can adjust them however you like.
So, why blog? What's the use or benefit in an educational setting? I'll give some of my thoughts, but first, I thought I'd include this video from YouTube.
So why did I create my blog? What do I use it for?
1. Information
I used to tell my students and parents that my blog was like an "online billboard" and I just posted stuff on there about upcoming events and things of that nature. "Chapter 5 Test on Friday" "Late Start next Thursday"
2. Community Building
I also use the blog to wish good luck to other people and groups in the school community. "Good Luck to the Girls Volleyball team as they host Duebrook tonight", that kind of thing. Also, Congratulations to various groups, teams, clubs, etc...
3. Recognizing Students
Everyone seems to like seeing their name, in a positive light, on the Internet. If you have a student or two who are really doing some great things, you can call attention to it on your blog. Depending on the material, you could also link to their work right off of the blog. This is one thing I did not do enough of as a classroom teacher. I should have done this more.
4. Special Dates
This is probably more geared toward elementary students and teachers, but recognizing a student's birthday on your blog is quick, and easy, and makes them feel special. I did this on my blog last year for my boys Marcus and Miles, and then I e-mailed the link to their classroom teachers, their teachers were kind enough to show the boys in school. You can do this for many things, and yes I include my own children on my blog, it is after all "MY" blog.
5. Recommendations
Are you using a new product that you love? Or dislike? Blog about it! Have you read a good book lately? Tell people about it. Find out about a new website for students? Put it on your blog. Anything and everything you want to share with the world is fair game.
If anyone is interested in blogging, starting a blog, etc, etc and would like some help in setting one up, just send me an e-mail and we'll set up a time to go over some things. It's really quick and easy, and you'll be up and going in no time.
