Tag Archives: Video

General, School Media Specialist

Six tools for creating videos on Chromebooks

Flaming LightbulbHas your school made a switch to using Chromebooks? Wondering how to get the most out of the video features? This article features six video tools that work well with Chromebooks.

WeVideo is the most recommended tool of the six. It has the most features available, including templates for new users to follow, the ability to upload your own media clips, and an app that allows you to save your video projects in Google Drive. It even has apps for Android and iPhone so students can use their own images and videos in their projects.

Interested in using animation in your videos? Try Wideo or Powtoon. They also include user-friendly templates, slideshows, and the ability to add your own narration.

Finally, the article also includes two helpful how-to videos, one about Stupeflix (where you aren’t required to create an account!) and the other showing audio slideshow creation on YouTube.

If you are looking for classroom video tips in general, check out our earlier post here.

Image credit: http://tinyurl.com/q2demy8, licensed under CC BY 2.0
Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist

Tips and tricks for using video in the classroom

Uncertain CrossingFree Technology for Teachers recently published a great post that is sure to help any number of librarians rise to the “information guru” status they truly deserve. The article is geared toward using YouTube in the classroom, which more schools are now unblocking for teachers. Read the full post to get instructions and access to easy tools so you know how to:

  • Remove sidebar distractions,
  • Show just a portion of a video,
  • Create a playlist of videos to use at a moment’s notice!

Tip: If you have access to YouTube in your school, consider using tools like ViewPure and Watchkin to display videos without showing the “related” videos comments from YouTube.

Can’t use YouTube? No problem, check out this post with 40 alternatives to YouTube… Remember, where there is a will, there is a way!

Image credit: http://tinyurl.com/pa2wv2g, licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
General, School Media Specialist

School librarians: Embed this video now!

It is official, April is School Library Month! Need something snappy for your media site?

A new PSA featuring Megan McDonald, author of the beloved Judy Moody and Stink books and spokesperson for AASL’s 2016 celebration of School Library Month, is now available. In the PSA, McDonald speaks to how school librarians transform learning by inspiring and feeding the curiosity of their students. AASL offers instructions on how to embed the video on school library websites.

Did you miss our earlier post on School Library month? It’s not too late, click here to jump on the bandwagon now!

 

Check this out:, General, School Media Specialist

Producing Student Digital Storytellers

1 Comment
What is Digital Storytelling?
According to edSurge’s recent article, “digital storytelling uses video, audio, social media, blogging and other tools to convey ideas and information effectively. The emphasis is on empowering students to create authentic products that they can share with others beyond the classroom walls, and to allow for audience interaction and feedback.” A long definition but Digital Storytelling can be as simple as having students create a video poem or photo montage as a visual interpretation of an existing poem being studied by the class.
From English to Science, in the article they give some practical subject-specific ideas for digital storytelling. But why should we have students be digital storytellers? There are many reasons like improved writing and critical thinking, but these projects can also have impact, develop digital citizens, or even be used in student’s digital portfolios.
Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

School Libraries Matter Video

Here is a great chance to be proactive, and shine a spotlight on school libraries!

I would suggest you embed this School Libraries Matter video on your school website. It is well done and a great way to share the value of the school media program. You may want to also consider including a link to a previous CMLE post called 100 Things Kids Will Miss (if they don’t have a teacher/librarian in their school). Be proactive! If and when the school media program is on the cutting board, it will be too late!

Support 50,000+ school librarians making a difference every day. Join the conversation! #SchoolLibrariesMatter

To put the video on your school’s website:

  • Visit the video page on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eilZJp3_h8
  • Click on the “Share” link. Use the link or other options to share
    share_video
  • Click on the “Embed” link to get HTML code you can put into your website

YouTube blocked at your school? Consider using TubeChop. Still need help? Contact CMLE!

Other recent CMLE posts on this subject: