Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Tech Talks Episode 05: Creating Tutorials with Snagit


Episode 05 of Tech Talks explores that dilemma we face when trying to explain something better. Sometimes textual instructions just aren't enough. That's where using a screenshot and/or screencasting tool comes in handy. The online tool that I have grown fond of is Snagit. While I have been using Snagit to make the episodes of Tech Talks, I did have to use a different screencasting program for a portion of this episode in order to demonstrate Snagit.

The cool thing about Snagit is that it connects with Google Drive to save your screenshots and screencasts in a folder in Drive. The screenshot images can be added to Google Docs or Slides (or emailed) to demonstrate a task, or the screencast video can be shared from a Drive folder, embedded on a website, or uploaded to YouTube. Not only is making visual tutorials handy for teachers, but making tutorials is an excellent demonstration tool for students. Outside of school projects, the tool is also a great way to capture or explain an error that is occurring on your computer so tech support better understands your issue. A win-win all around.

Monday, September 21, 2015

Tech Talks Episode 4: Opening an Incognito Window in Chrome so I Do Not Have to Log Out

This Tech Talk discusses opening an Incognito Window in a Google Chrome browser. This feature of Chrome enables you to stay logged in while a student uses your computer to access his/her email or TeacherEase without forcing you to log off. Since the incognito window functions separately from the Chrome browsers you are logged into, you can stay logged in without being affected.

The incognito feature is also really helpful if you have multiple students presenting from your laptop. You will not have to worry about multiple users clogging up your login page if you have them use an incognito window. If you have any questions, let me know.

Friday, September 4, 2015

Tech Talks Episode 3: Speeding Up/Slowing Down a YouTube Demonstration Video

This Tech Talks episode shows how you can speed up and slow down the playing speed of a YouTube video. There are times when the demonstration is going too fast for you, and there are times when the demonstration is going to slow because you may just need a refresher. Any time you need one-on-one assistance, schedule time with me.

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Tech Talks Episode 2: Photo Slideshow for a Google Site

This week's episode shows teachers how to create a Google Slideshow for photos so they can have a photo slideshow on their website. Remember to check in with the office to make sure that all students in the photos have parent permission to be represented on your classroom website.

As promised last week, watch for a short episode about how to slow down or speed up a YouTube video as you watch it.

Again, if you need one-on-one assistance, just ask.

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Tech Talks Episode 01: Photo Upload to Drive for Website

 
As a way to give quick lessons and advice about instructional technology, I will be doing short Tech Talk videos. Some of the videos will be talking points, but most will be step-by-step "how to" videos. The great thing about video lessons is that you can pause, rewind, slow down/speed up the YouTube video as you like (sounds like a 60 second or less lesson that I can post next week). As I always say, if you need one-on-one assistance after viewing a lesson, let me know.

Episode 01 is a follow-up to the creation of our classroom websites. Some teachers are ready to start adding photos to their sites. Next week I will add a lesson on creating a photo slideshow of students for the classroom sites.