Creating an Mp4 Video Using Screencastify and Wevideo

Have you ever wondered how to put together multi-format documents such as Google slide, audio and video files into an mp4 video?

Well, wonder no more. In this post, I will show you just how to do so. It came from the hassle of having to open multiple files at once; a slide presentation and a video or audio file on the other. 

There are two main steps to do this; first is to screen record the Google slides on presentation mode and then the next step is to put the multi-format documents together using Wevideo to create a desired mp4 video file. 

Report Comment the Less Daunting Way

Classroom teachers have a lot on their plate which, among others includes preparation of daily lesson plans, assessing, marking as well as recording and not to mention the most time consuming and mind wrecking; report writing!

Imagine having to create a progress report for 20 or more kids in your class, four times a year? That's a lot of hours! Would it be great if you have a tool that can make report commenting less daunting and takes only a fraction of your usual time preparing it? 

Enter the School Report Writer. It's an app or program that helps teachers create reports quicker and easier. It minimises typing, prevents mistakes and works on PC, Ipas or Mac. Other functions include Teachers Report Assistant; automatically replacing student names, his/her, she/he etc, plus new tools such as a 1-click thesaurus, spellcheck, name/pronoun toggle, Oooops! Detective and a powerful list feature. Oh, and did I mention that it's free! (at the time of publishing).

Fun, Interactive Learning Experience Using Nearpod and Pear Deck

Do you want to create an interactive and engaging learning experience in the classroom? Ensure students' participation or collaboration via various fun activities instead of just being a passive listener? Get immediate students feedback and having your assignment graded for you? Students get creative and have agency towards their own learning? 

All of the above can be achieved using two powerful learning platforms, namely Nearpod and Pear Deck. These tools are like Powerpoint or Google Slides presentation but so much better with interactivity features that get 100% students' participation with fun, interactive activities delivered synchronously on all devices.

Create a Device Booking System Using GSuite Products

This post will show you how to create a device booking system using Google Form, an add-on called Choice Eliminator, Google Sheet and add-on known as Event-O-Matic.

The idea is to book a device through Google form and using the Google form Choice Eliminator add-on to ensure that the checked-out device won't be available in the device choices for the next booking, hence preventing double booking.

Booking responses will be automatically recorded in the Google Sheet. An add-on called Event-O-Matic will help trigger and send a calendar invitation to the respondent and you.

Check out my video tutorial on how to create a device booking system using GSuite products.

Tools for a Quick Interactive Presentation

Have you ever attended a talk so boring, you wish it will end the minute it started or listened to a presentation that promotes zero participation from their audience? 

Yes, we've been there and yes, there are ways to change that situation. No doubt that creating a chance for peer or group work among the participants is a great way to increase engagement but there are other 'cooler' ways too! Here are three online tools to spice up your presentation. 

1) Q&A Feature in Google Slides

• It's a built-in feature in Google Slides that enables your audience to submit questions (anonymously too!) then present your favourites.
• Audience members can also view everyone's submissions and vote them up or down.

2) Poll Everywhere Extensions 

• A great live interactive audience participation extension which works in Powerpoint, Keynote and Google Slides.
• Choose from various activities that integrate seamlessly into your presentation.

3) Google Form, Sheets and Slides

• Another way to use GSuite core products is to incorporate a survey or feedback form in your presentation and display the results instantly for further discussion.

Step 1: Create a Google Form

Step 2: View responses in Google Sheets

Step 3: Select the correct data range and insert the chart

Step 4: Edit your chart in the chart editor

Step 5: In your slide presentation, insert a chart

Step 6: Insert a chart from the spreadsheet you created earlier

Step 7: Insert the correct spreadsheet

Step 8: Click update to show the real-time data

Empowering Students Voice Using FlipGrid

What's FlipGrid and why should you use it?

Flipgrid is a free web-based video discussions platform used widely by educators and students. Why should you use Flipgrid? Well, why shouldn't you?

With FlipGrid, you can create any topic with specialized resources and attachments, students can share and discuss each other's videos, educators are 100% in control with video moderation and other settings, students can get creative with the powerful, easy-to-use recording tools using any device, anywhere!

How to set up a grid?

If you've never used Flipgrid before, here's a quick video tutorial on how to set up your first ever grid.

Suggestions on how to use Flipgrid in Teaching and Learning

1. Beginning of school or classmates introduction

• Use it to introduce yourself and students can talk about themselves; hobbies, favourite subjects and their goals.

2. Assessment for Learning 

• As an alternative mode to assess their learning on a certain topic, for example, explain about the types of volcanoes.

3. Exit Ticket or Reflection

• A fun and engaging way to record what they've learned at the end of the unit.

4. Tips Sharing 

• A quick and effective way to share tips on a particular topic, for example how to create a good story.

5. School Events 

    (Book Week, Science Week, National Day and many more)

• A great way to get the whole school or community involved by sharing their favourite book, experience or story related to the event going on in school.

You can find out more ideas on how to use FlipGrid by following @Flipgrid via twitter or explore the Disco Library (on your Educator Dashboard) where you can find and use topic templates which can then be customized for your class. 

Make your picture talks using Morfo and Hp Reveal (previously Aurasma)

Introduction

You've assigned each student an ancient Egyptian pharaoh to present during their show and tell session with parents and teachers. They are free to use any form of presentation mode that they like. They've chosen to create a booklet, mini-poster, drawing, models, diorama and some even created a Google Slides presentation. 

All these are great, but what about taking it up a notch? Why don't we augment the reality? How about making their drawing talk? Make Tutankhamun or Cleopatra speak about themselves?        

The tools or app

There are two apps needed for this project. Let's just call the finished product as "aura" to make it easier.

HPReveal (Previously Aurasma)

The first app is called HPReveal, previously known as Aurasma. Aurasma is an augmented reality site which allows you to see and interact with the world in a new way. With this tool, every image, object and even place can have its own aura. 

Auras can be as simple as a video and a link to a web page or as complex as a lifelike 3D animation. It can be installed both on IOS and Android device. However, for some technical reason, depending on the compatibility of your IOS device, it may not work properly once installed. 

Morfo

Morfo is a simple, fun and flexible IOS compatible app that can turn your friend's face, pets or objects into fun, life-like 3D characters. It can also make your friends say anything you want in a silly voice and many other fun features.

How to create your own auras? 

Check out my video tutorial on how to create your own auras.

Suggested use in classrooms

Where shall we start? The possibilities are endless! Imagine the fun they'll have creating it! A far cry from the usual 2D presentation mode such as poster or mind map. 

Use it to make famous or inspirational people (dead or alive) by talking about themselves. Make Tesla talks about himself and his achievement or a Spanish poet reciting his poem and translating it into English. 

How about creating an aura of a character from a book that describes herself instead of you doing it! Or in Math, a shape, say a triangle explaining its own properties. Sounds fun? Now, what are you waiting for? Go and create your first aura!