Digital+Videos

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Like podcasts, digital videos provide students with a wide range of learning opportunities using familiar digital media. Students of all ages can not only learn from watching instructional videos, but also from the process of //making// their own videos. Using nothing more than still images from a scanner, digital camera or the Internet, students can be creating videos in a snap.

**Uses of Digital Video in Education**
Here are some ways digital video could be used in education. The following are videos that were created by various preservice teachers. Each sample provides an example of something teachers could make for students to watch and learn from or a sample of what a student could create to demonstrate his/her understanding of a topic or subject area. As you watch these, think about what knowledge a k-12 student would need in order to make a similar video. Obviously they would need to know how to use video editing software but what about the math, science, social studies, language arts or other content represented in the video? What kind of knowledge are students demonstrating and how might you assess this knowledge? How could the creation of digital videos replace other more traditional assignments and still allow us to effectively assess student learning?

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Educational Benefits of Digital Video
Students today are bombarded with visual media and messages and with the advent of [|YouTube], [|TeacherTube] and other video sharing sites it has become easier and easier for anyone to share videos with the world. You may also want to check out [|ScienceHack], which is a searchable database of videos related to science for the k-12 population. In addition, tools such as [|iMovie] and [|Windows Movie Maker] make it easy for anyone to create a professional looking video without purchasing high end video editing software. Being able to create and share their own videos allows students to express their creativity and imagination as they demonstrate their understanding of a particular content or subject matter. Students can also learn from their peers through the sharing of these videos, which can serve to stimulate discussions about the video's content.

Specific Ideas for using Digital Video in a k-12 Setting
Click here to add or view a lesson plan or idea for using this technology in the classroom. You may also want to check out the following resources to learn more about Digital Video and, in particular, Digital Storytelling.
 * The Center for Digital Storytelling has many helpful resources including a [[file:umdedtech/digitalstorytellingcookbook.pdf|Digital Storytelling cookbook.]]
 * Microsoft has created a [[file:umdedtech/digitalstorytellingebook.pdf|Digital Storytelling eBook]] that also has many great ideas on this topic.
 * Dr. Helen C. Barrett has put together a [[file:umdedtech/ResearchDesign.pdf|research design for Digital Storytelling]] that includes rubrics as well as a great literature review on Digital Storytelling.

**Relevant Tools**
Some video editing tools need to be installed directly on your computer while others are web-based and can be used simply through a browser. The online video editors are a bit more simplistic in what they allow you to do but they are improving all the time and some of them offer the option of being able to edit a video collaboratively with others, which is not possible with the "offline" editing tools.

Desktop Video Editing Tools
Each of these tools must be either downloaded or come pre-loaded on most new computers (depending on the operating system).
 * Windows Movie Maker[[image:http://shots.snap.com/images/v2.14.2/t.gif link="http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/moviemaker2.mspx"]] is the video editing tool from Microsoft. It should be loaded on all new Windows computers and can be downloaded from the Microsoft website if you don't have it.
 * [|MS Photo Story] is another Microsoft application that can be used to create slideshow movies from still pictures. You can add music, transitions and basic effects to your slideshows.
 * [|iMovie][[image:http://shots.snap.com/images/v2.14.2/t.gif link="http://www.apple.com/ilife/imovie/"]] is the movie editing tool that ships with all Apple computers. It only works on the Mac and is part of the [|iLife][[image:http://shots.snap.com/images/v2.14.2/t.gif link="http://www.apple.com/ilife/"]] suite of products. You can learn more about iMovie from the [|online tutorial][[image:http://shots.snap.com/images/v2.14.2/t.gif link="http://www.apple.com/support/imovie/tutorial/"]].
 * [|iPhoto] also comes standard on Apple computers and can be used to create slideshows quickly from a preset group of images.
 * [|Kids' Vid] isn't a video editing tool but it is a great resource for helping kids learn about creating their own videos.

Screen Capture Software
media type="custom" key="6148979" align="right"These tools allow you to capture the activity on your screen so that you can make tutorials and other helpful videos while demonstrating different computer applications, websites and web-based tools.
 * [|CamTasia Studio] is a full featured screen capture/editing tool for Windows. It isn't free but there is an educational discount.
 * [|SnapzPro] is a Mac only tool that is much cheaper than [|CamTasia] but doesn't have any of the editing capabilities. The output file is a Quicktime movie that you can bring into other video editing applications but there are issues with resolution.
 * [|ScreenFlow] is another Mac only tool that is reasonably priced and very easy to use. You can add callouts, assemble multiple video/audio segments together and zoom and pan to different parts of the screen.
 * [|Jing] is a free screen capture (both for video capture and still image screen shots) tool that can be downloaded for either the Mac or Windows. You have limited editing capabilities and the videos you create are best shared online (they suggest using [|Screencast.com]) unless you have the capability to edit and manipulate Flash files. You can check out my current collection of video tutorials made with Jing by clicking on the videos to the right. One limitation of this free tool is that your videos can only be 5 minutes in length.
 * [|Screencast-O-Matic] is a web-based screen capture tool that is very simple to use. You can either embed the final video or download it as a Quicktime file.
 * ScreenSteps desktop allows you to take a series of static screenshots that you can easily assemble in whatever order you want. You can also add annotations to each image. The final output is a document file such as a PDF or Word file rather than a video-based tutorial. Therefore, there isn't a need to add audio narration to the tutorials you create. ScreenSteps works on both the Mac and PC but is isn't free (Academic Standard version $33.96, Academic Pro version $67.95). You can do a lot of the same things with a basic screen capture and photo editing tool but ScreenSteps does automate things nicely for you.

Online Video Editors/Tools
These online video editors do not require you to download or purchase any software. However, most of them are Flash based so it is necessary to have the free [|Flash player] software loaded on your computer in order to use the editor. As with anything, some of these editors are more advanced than others. In addition, the tools shared below provide access to many user generated "creations" that may not be suitable for k-12 students to see or experience. As with any website or tool of this nature, you will want to take necessary precautions to insure that children are not exposed to inappropriate content or you may decide that these types of tools are best used only by yourself or other adults to create artifiacts for use by students.
 * [|Kerpoof] is a web-based tool that allows you to create pictures, stories and animated movies online. It is designed for kids and fairly easy to use. You can share your creations online where others can view and edit your pictures, stories and videos to create new versions.
 * Stupeflix Studio has a wide range of features for editing video online. You can create a simple slideshow using one of their themes or even make a HD video with live action and more.
 * [|Movie Masher]allows you to add a video editor to your own website.
 * [|Viddler] allows you to record videos from a camera directly to your website without any third party software. It also allows you to tag and comment on different parts of a given video allowing you to draw attention to specific content and facilitate discussions around different aspects of the video.
 * [|Animoto] is an incredibly easy way to create a short (30 seconds or less) slideshow with great effects and animations. You simply upload your photos either from your computer or any one of the many photo sharing sites, pick some music from their library or upload your own and your photos are set to the beat and tempo of the music.
 * Flixtime is similar to Animoto in that it allows you to create slideshows quickly and easily but still gives you a decent range of options for editing.
 * [|PhotoShow] is a tool you can use for free online or purchase (for Windows) a desktop version that has more features. The free online tool allows you to create great slideshows from different templates and themes, add captions and music and embed your finished show in a website or blog. The tool is incredibly easy to use and customize.
 * [|GoAnimate] is a fairly comprehensive and easy to use animation tool. You can pick from their library of backgrounds, objects, characters, special FX, sounds and music to create your animation and even upload your own images to be used as objects or backgrounds in your projects.
 * [|Shidonni] is a great tool that allows you to create and animate your own characters. You can then play with them, feed them and have them interact with other characters.
 * [|UStream] allows you to easily stream video from a webcam. You can stream a presentation, demonstration or anything else you may want to share.
 * Zimmer Twins provides different movie starters to choose from in order to get you started on your own animation. You can also start from scratch if you don't want to use one of their starters.
 * Stykz is a multi-platform stick figure editing tool.
 * Shwup is an interesting twist on video editing. You can invite others to contribute images and media to your library and then create a simple slideshow using those items. You are then able to share it with others by providing the direct link and giving only those people you select access.
 * Embedr allows you to create a playlist of videos from multiple video sites and then embed that list anywhere online.
 * WeVideo is an online editor that allows you to easily upload and edit your video with a desktop or mobile device. You can also share video projects with others so that you can edit and produce videos collaboratively.

Digital Video Sites/Sources
Many districts block access to services such as [|YouTube] so it's not possible to show videos from these types of sites in your classroom. However, by using a free file conversion tool called [|Zamzar] you can take the URL of a video off [|YouTube] and get it converted into the actual movie file, which then can be stored locally on your computer and played for your students without having to go through the network or any filters.
 * [|ScienceHack] has a large collection of science videos that have been pulled from other online sources such as [|YouTube] and [|TeacherTube]. The videos are searchable and have been previewed by scientists for accuracy and appropriateness.
 * The [|BBC website][[image:http://shots.snap.com/images/v2.14.2/t.gif link="http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/capturewales/tg/family.shtml"]] has a large collection of videos that are great examples of [|digital storytelling][[image:http://shots.snap.com/images/v2.14.2/t.gif link="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_storytelling"]]. Many of these do a wonderful job of repres
 * [|BrainPop][[image:http://shots.snap.com/images/v2.14.2/t.gif link="http://brainpop/"]] has a variety of animated Flash movies that are short but educational. Some of them are free but to view all the videos you have to pay for a subscription.
 * [|United Streaming][[image:http://shots.snap.com/images/v2.14.2/t.gif link="http://www.unitedstreaming.com/"]] has a large collection of videos available for streaming. Many states pay for the subscription for this service for their respective school districts so ask around to see if you can get United Streaming in your building.
 * [|TeacherTube][[image:http://shots.snap.com/images/v2.14.2/t.gif link="http://www.teachertube.com/"]] is similar to YouTube but dedicated to educational videos that are appropriate for students and teachers. They rely on the community of users to help flag inappropriate videos and the selection is a bit limited but it's worth checking out when you need a video.
 * [|SchoolTube] is another video moderated site that is geared specifically towards student created content.
 * [|AFI Screen Nation] is a tool created b the American Film Institute that has video tutorials for k-12 students. The selection is a bit small but hopefully it will grow over time.
 * [|TestToob] is a video site centered around scientific content. The site consists of student created content only and is moderated for appropriateness.
 * [|Studio 4 Learning] has a variety of educational videos on different topics related to American Government and social studies. It is geared towards 5th-12th grade students.
 * [|WatchKnow] pulls together educational videos from all over the web and puts them together in one location for you to search and view.
 * [|Teacher.tv] has a collection of educational TV and online programs for viewing.
 * The National Archives Experience allows you to search through a large library of digital media and then assemble that media into either a poster or movie.
 * That's Not Cool has a nice collection of videos on bullying that students will find entertaining and informational.
 * Wildlife Filmaker is a tool from National Geographic that allows you to use their collection of animal images, sounds and video clips to make your own video mash-up. This would be a great way for students to create a short documentary about a particular animal.
 * The Periodic Table of Videos provides a short video on each of the elements in the Periodic Table.
 * StudyJams is a site created by Scholastic that provides a variety of animations with tips on how to study.

Sound Effects & Music
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 * [|Freeplay Music] This link was listed on the video we watched for June 22nd blog. I found lots of nice music that might be used in an educational setting. I checked copyrights and emailed organization to verify acceptable use of site content.
 * [|Royalty Free Music] has music that is royalty free meaning it isn't restricted by copyright law. However, some of the music is free, meaning it doesn't cost anything, and some is for purchase.
 * [|Partners in Rhyme] also has royalty free music that is both for purchase and some that is completely free to use.
 * [|PacDV] has free sound effects as well as free music.
 * [|Wikimedia Commons] does have some audio files that are categorized as being part of the public domain and are free to use. It is a little more time consuming to search through the files and the selection isn't always that great but it's free.
 * [|GarageBand.com] has a large collection of Podcast safe music. The basic rule is that if you can download it from the site it's okay to use in your podcasts or other digital projects. This site features a lot of independent bands and new artists and is a great place to look for songs for your projects.
 * [|The Freesound Project] has a collection of sounds that are freely available under Creative Commons licensing. There are many great sounds for your projects but don't expect any music on this site.
 * [|ccMixter] has a great collection of remixes that are also licensed under Creative Commons. You can listen to different samples, download remix and upload your own samples and use what is available on the site for free and legally.
 * [|Jamendo] has a great collection of music from independent artists who have agreed to make their songs available free of copyright restrictions. You can use music downloaded from this site in it's entirety without fear of breaking the law!