Tech & Video Tips

I tend to share the following quick tips often AND they are always most appreciated.


  1. Nearpod.Com - the best integration and engagement platform with real-time formative assessment. If I was back in the classroom I wouldn't be without Nearpod!


  1. Great articles, the best for Educators and Parents ... Stay on top of news in Education with Edutopia.


  1. Google Photos - the answer to "help, I'm running out of room on my phone!". Google Photos offers free unlimited backup from your phone to your Google Drive with the new Google Photos app! Android, iPhone


  1. Got Chrome? Take a look at your Google Docs, go to Tools, and check out the new "Voice Typing"! Pretty cool!


  1. Are you changing districts or your job? Are you graduating from high school and you want your Google Drive? Are you changing school districts and want all of your files? Here is the answer! It's called Google Takeout!


  1. Add a Google Dictionary to your Chrome Browser and you can highlight any word to see the meaning!!


  1. Did you know that Google Earth now works on a Chromebook? It Does!!


  1. Can't draw? Use AutoDraw! Google's way of helping the non-artists of the world!


  1. Need to show something in 3D? This Google site has many examples for several different subject areas!

Before you show a video in class ...

How long should your videos be in the classroom or a meeting? Here's the research! Use the YouTube or Google filter to find SHORT and CURRENT videos. And consider my suggested 4P model:

PAUSE, PONDER, PROCESS, PRACTICE(c)

A Video Presentation Model

Many facilitators show videos in their classroom and I have observed this personally too many times. What I see are typically seven to ten-minute videos where a statement is made, click play and many aren't engaged. During this time some participants are watching, sleeping, doing other work, checking their phone, and/or daydreaming.

Explicit direction for video presentations in a class or training should include:

  • sharing the purpose of the video

  • reviewing prior knowledge

  • listing, defining, image/example of new topics, trends, or vocab

  • providing students with a specific number of bullet points to listen for and/or discover

I recommend that the facilitator watch the video and carefully monitor effective "pausing" points, typically two minutes, with a one-two minute "ponder/process" depending upon the task.

Engaging the participants

IN

the video adds to the learning experience.