Going Google

Students in Forms 5-7 have been using Google for the last couple of years to save all their files with much success. It is a strategy that will be very helpful for teachers when we migrate to a new laptop in June. If you have not already "gone Google", here's an introduction into how Google Drive works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXEi1KbTyX8

In our faculty meetings we will be working together to make sure that everyone has been set up and is ready for their new laptops in June.


In case you miss(ed) the meeting, here are the general steps we will be following (notes are available in the What Is Google Drive link below the image):



What Is Google Drive? - Created with Haiku Deck, presentation software that inspires

Screencasting 101

Technology can be used to:

Consume content e.g. read, research, access multimedia

Create content e.g. share original writing, audio or video recordings

Curate content e.g. organize content created by yourself or others in a way that others can also access it

Screencasts are one way that both students and teachers can create online content.

What is a Screencast?

Screencast

noun
A screencast, also known as a screen capture, is a digital recording of what is happening on your computer screen and enhanced with audio narration to create a movie that can be shared with others to explain something.

Not to be confused with a screenshot which is just a picture of what is on your computer screen or podcast which is strictly audio.

Some examples of screencasts:

• A screencast created on a laptop for this blog to explain how to add a Chrome extension that removes distractions from YouTube windows:
  

   
• A screencast created by a grade 4 UCC student using an iPad to explain how to determine the area of a rectangle:
  

  
  

  
  
  
• A screencast created by a PD organization using an iPad to explain how Google Drive and iPads can be used as a Portfolio:

Screencasting in the Classroom

Possible uses of teacher-created screencasts in the classroom include:

• providing "just in time" lessons - students can watch videos that describe how to do something at the time that they need to know
• "flipping" the classroom - students could watch a screencast for homework and then discuss or apply it in class the next day
• differentiation by “cloning the teacher” - record a lesson for only part of the class to utilize while you work with another part of the class
• part of a “sub plan” - leave directions for students when you are away

Possible uses of student-created screencasts in the classroom include:

• demonstrating their understanding of a topic
• assisting peers with understanding a concept
• reviewing what has been learned

How to Create a Screencast

The easiest laptop application that we already have on our laptops to create a screencast is Quicktime Player - it's a misnomer, it's a recorder as well as a player. This video is a explains how to do it.

There are several iPad apps that make creating screencasts very easy. In general, they all look like a white board and allow you to write on them and record your voice at the same time. It all plays back like a movie. In addition some allow you to import images and other videos. In this review for Appolicious.com, Jennie Magiera compares some of the pros and cons of some popular screencasting apps. Some how-to videos and classroom examples can be found below for the following apps:

• Explain Everything
• DoodlecastPro
• Show Me
• Educreations
• ScreenChomp
• Knowmia Teach
• Doceri

As always, if you would like to explore any of these applications with someone, please do not hesitate to contact us. Also, feel free to add your thoughts about these applications, other screencasting apps you know or possible classroom uses in the comments section below.

The COWS are out!

The COWs are now all out and ready to go. Please use the Computer Sign Out schedule in FileMaker to reserve.

They are being stored in these locations:

• Red - 4F - E119
• Green - 6M - H128
• Yellow - 7L - E223
• Blue - 5C - E250 

A reminder of some guidelines when using the COWs:

• Whenever possible, teachers should be moving carts - not students.
• Remember to plug in the wireless router to power and ethernet when you use the cart. You will usually have to unplug one of the desktop computers to do this.
• Monitor students putting away the laptops ensuring they are put away on the correct shelf and plugged in. Hint - have the connection to the power supply facing toward the front of the computer when you put it away - it's less likely to get banged out when they are put away.
• Always do a final check once all laptops are put away - are they all charging? Check for the charging light visible on each shelf. This is important to make sure the laptops are ready for the next class. This is a great role for a student.
• Please return the COW to the home location when finished or soon thereafter. This avoids teachers interrupting all classes in the area to track down the COW when they have it reserved.

As always, if you need any help with this, please let me and/or Lara know.

- Sarah