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.

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.

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.

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.

The Right Technology in the Right Place, Right Time

I have put a lot of thought into why I still use Grandpa Young's old riding mower to mow my lawn. I could very easily upgrade to a new mower that is more efficient, cutting a better swath and in much less time. Most of the attachment to that old mower is nostalgia - it has sentimental value: I think of Grandpa and the good times while I mow. It makes me feel comfortable.

When I think back on some of my best lessons in my classroom, I consider the tools that I had available to facilitate those lessons. I fondly remember feeling cutting edge while I used a dry erase marker directly on an overhead projector for grammar lessons. I also enjoy thinking back on the audio clips from cassette tapes that were played during English class to make Shakespeare easier to understand.

I also recognize that those old, nostalgic tools have their place in the past, but new tools have come along that do a better job of improving student learning and understanding.

While we didn't used to have very many tools available to us in the past, we do have a wealth of tools to choose from today. We have so many tools available that sometimes it gets overwhelming about which tool to use for a group of students at a particular moment.

In choosing the right tool for the task, consider the following:

1. Your objectives for your lesson are the focal point.
2. The end product(s) that students create should demonstrate proficiency in those objectives.
3. Are there multiple means of demonstrating proficiency in the objectives? (differentiated instruction/assessment)
4. Technology is a tool that A) makes it easier for the teacher to teach the lesson, B) improves learning and understanding for the student, and (C) makes it easier for the student to demonstrate proficiency in the learning objectives.
5. Don't use a technology tool just because it is the latest fad - make sure it fulfills #4. If not, find the right tool.
6. Feedback should be consistent and productive throughout each step of the lesson. (formative assessments)
7. The pedagogy used to create the lesson and its assessments should allow for a meaningful experience for the students.

One of our greatest Pleasant Plains toolkits is our Google Apps for Education, which provide multiple means for students and teachers to collaborate, create, and produce their ideas. The summer professional development training sessions for Pleasant Plains CUSD8 have been designed around the pedagogy for 21st Century learning as well as integration of technology to facilitate that learning.

Grandpa's old lawn mower has its place in my heart and home, but new tools for a new generation are a necessity for education. Better tools are out there to help better prepare this generation of students. We'll find them together and share our successes and setbacks with each other along the way.

Share your successful lessons and the technology tools that you integrated to facilitate the lessons in the comments.