Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Check it Out!

Be sure to check out my earlier blog titled, How to Incorporate Technology in The Classroom!

I have added a variety of new technology resources (many of which I got from Alan Levine, who is GREAT by the way). These resources are fantastic and so applicable and relevant to students in the classroom.

Remember, these resources are useful for ANY subject. Check them out and relate to today's 21st century learners!!

No YouTube? No Problem!

I was placed in the Dufferin-Peel District School Board at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School. Amazing board and such a fantastic school!! However, I reached a road block in the first week of teaching when I told my Associate Teacher I planned to use a YouTube video to get my classes minds on the lesson for that day.

UNFORTUNATELY, the board does not allow access to YouTube on any of the computers in the labs, libraries, or classrooms. So I paused ................................................ what will I do now? I knew I would want/need to use YouTube videos on a regular basis to attract the students via the media.

So, I went home that night and solved the problem! I hope this helps anyone else that fell into the same predicament.

  1. Go to YouTube and find your video of choice
  2. Click "Share" underneath the video
  3. Copy the link that is given
  4. Go to Media Converter
  5. Click "Enter a Link" and paste your link
  6. Hit "Go to Next Step"
  7. Pick conversion type (I usually use WMV for videos)
  8. CONVERT!

After you've converted the file, save it onto a USB stick and off you go! Your video can be accessed at your school regardless of the YouTube block! YAY! (I did this about 5 times, very useful process to remember!)

*Helpful hint: Sometimes the conversion website may only allow you a certain amount hours of conversion and that's when you switch over to another site and follow a similar process (e.g., Online-Convert)