Chuck Neuschafer » Creating Videos

Wireless Microphone

Chuck — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 01:39:29 +0000

The Wireless Microphone will give you freedom to move around, especially if you are screencasting during class. There are wirless headset microphones, but those won’t be real convenient if you are using it in class (might be more of a disruption).

Examples include:

Logitech ClearChat Wireless Headset Microphone ($80 @ Amazon.com)
Revolabs xTag Wireless USB Microphone ($195 @ GoElectric.com)

Screencast-O-Matic

Chuck — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 01:37:49 +0000

Screencast-O-Matic is the original free and easy way to make a video recording of your screen (aka screencast) and upload it for free hosting all from your browser with no install!

Screencast-O-Matic uses a Java applet to record your screen. This means that your computer must have Java, however few computers do not. It is also web-based, so if you don’t have an internet connection, you cannot record your screen.

Screencast-O-Matic also has a Pro Version. This version allows you to edit your recordings, and it also allows a 1-hour recording time. The free version only allows 15-minute recording time. The pro version is only $5. This is very well worth spending $5.

Wireless Graphics Tablet

Chuck — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 01:36:52 +0000

Similar to the USB Graphics Tablets, the Wirless Graphics Tablets allow much more freedom if used in a classroom. These connect to your computer or laptop through a blue-tooth connection. Although they are much more expensive, they are well worth the cost.

I recently purchased a used Graphire Wireless Graphics Tablet on eBay for $50. This particular model sells for $225 new.

Examples of Wireless Graphics Tablets include:

Wacom Graphire Wireless Graphics Tablet ($225 @ Amazon.com)
Mimio Wireless Pad (Regular Price $459, but can be found for $375 for educational pricing)
Hitachi StarBoard BT-2G Wirless Tablet ($310 @ Provantage.com)

Camtasia Studio

Chuck — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 01:33:52 +0000

Some call Camtasia Studio the world’s smartest screen recording software. Why? Because it adapts to your workflow, not the other way around. It has a plugin for PowerPoint, so recording from PowerPoint is seamless. All you do is click one button in the powerpoint and you are recording. TechSmith (maker of Camtasia) also has some great training videos on their website showing how to use the many features Camtasia Studio has to offer.

Camtasia Studio comes with video editing software, as well as the ability to create your videos in many different formats.

Camtasia Studio is truly the Cadillac of screencasting software. The regular price for Camtasia Studio is $299, however they have a special price for educators: $179.

Sketchfu

Chuck — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:43:57 +0000

I introduced my students to a site called Sketchfu several weeks ago. Sketchfu allows you to create drawings and share them with others. It’s best feature is that you can watch the drawing unfold. Sketchfu remembers every brush stroke, so the drawing develops right before your eyes.

How can this apply to a math classroom? I have my students do math problems on Sketchfu. They can then go back and see how to do the problem when they forget how! Next, I will have them start embedding their sketches into their blog posts.

The bonus is that I am finding out that some of my students are very creative. One student actually created a little movie. Granted, it was a boxing match, but it was very creative nonetheless.

Creating Videos

Chuck — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:15:25 +0000

My 8th Grade Math class is creating videos about transformations. This is probably the most these kids have learned so far this year. It’s not because I am teaching my best lessons…it’s because these students are having to find pictures of the different types of transformations.

Some of my students, who prior to this week haven’t even opened their book to do homework, had their books open referring to them to make sure they understood what the different types of transformations are.

What a great day!!

Windows Movie Maker

Chuck — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:41:35 +0000

My 8th grade math class is making movies this week. We are using Windows Movie Maker. I will post samples later in the week.