How-To Videos for the
technology classroom

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

How to comment on a class blog post and start conversations

A popular TV game show wonders if you are smarter than a 5th-grader, but this video may have you re-thinking this and lowering the grade significantly.

Thanks to Mrs. Yollis' remarkable 2nd and 3rd graders, who produced the video, we not only wonder if we're smarter than these precocious youngsters, we also learn some amazing tips for commenting on classroom blog posts. These kids provide solid advice for both student and teacher bloggers.

Thanks to Mrs. Yollis and her stupendous students for this very cool video.

Permalink | 0 comments | Add Comment

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Math rap great for engaging reluctant learners

There are many ways to excite students about learning -- even learning something that many students don't love, like math. It's likely no surprise that I've always been a big fan of using video for learning. Teachers are using video in a variety of creative ways to engage students.

Although it may take time and some advanced production skills, creating a video like this one will benefit students for many years. This video, courtesy of SchoolTube.com, was produced by a group of enterprising teachers at Westerville South High School.

Although I don't know what tools they used to produce the video, it could be done with any digital video tool and an application like CamasiaStudio. Enjoy this creative video, and consider creating something like it for your students.

Permalink | 0 comments | Add Comment

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Massive drought has trickle-down effect on the economy

Okay, so it's hot. Sure, the farmers and their crops across Midwest America are suffering.

Why, though, is this so hard on our economy? Why are the dairy and beef markets also effected? What are the ramifications of 4.5-5 percent increases in sales of meat and dairy?

This brief video, courtesy of CBSNewsOnline, is a marvelous discussion starter about the hottest year in history and how the excessive heat is impacting America's economy.

NOTE to teachers: After running the video once, you can refresh without showing the advertisement.

Permalink | 0 comments | Add Comment

Friday, July 20, 2012

Surviving without devices, comforts and even a job

What if you had to live off of the land? Completely separate from civilization? Could you do it?

This brief History Channel video, about giving up the civilized life and living off of what a mountain provides, makes for a wonderful discussion starter for just about any class. Imagine the thoughts of today's youth about the prospect of surviving daily without mobile devices and the Internet.

So, could you do it?

Permalink | 0 comments | Add Comment

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Have you experienced the beauty of China?

The Great Wall, The Forbidden City, The Ming Tombs. These are just a few of the splendors of China.

Take students on a quick tour of the world's most densely populated country. Watch their jaws drop at the wonders of Shangai, the Terracotta Warriors, the Grand Canal and the acrobatics shows.

It's likely that students of any age will not appreciate the marvels of China, until they see it. This remarkable, brief video is a fantastic launching point to a discussion of China.

Permalink | 0 comments | Add Comment

Monday, July 9, 2012

Powerful Patriot Day videos

Not long into the school year, Patriot Day arrives. For many students, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, over a decade old, are mainly mythology. The videos here provide excellent talking points for a Patriot Day lesson.

Permalink | 1 comment | Add Comment

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Amputee to compete in 2012 Olympic Games

Jumping off point: Surprisingly, many people feel that runners with two good legs have a disadvantage against South African amputee Oscar Pistorious, suggesting that the prosthetic devices (blades) Pistorious uses create a bouncing effect that make him run faster.

Is this a legitimate claim? Should Pistorious be allowed to compete? Learn more about Oscar Pistorious in the video above, prior to your discussion.

Thanks to @larryferlazzo for sharing this story on Twitter.

Permalink | 0 comments | Add Comment