Two companies, Blaze Media Pro and Hyperionics seemed to stand out among the increasing number of video and screen capture software that is available. Blaze looked to be a very comprehensive video capture package with a ton of editing tools, including the ability to not only insert audio files to video, but to change existing audio, or delete audio altogether and a file converter (DVD audio to wav, etc.). It looked very powerful as well as interesting and seems to be more advanced than Camtasia. I definitely think that it is worthy of future consideration, but only after mastery of an essentials software.
The two types of capture programs that are available from Hyperionics are Hypercam and Hypersnap, though both are for screen shots rather than actual video. Hypersnap includes editing tools to enhance screen photos and customization techniques for adding script, etc. while Hypercam not only offers screen capture, but a scientific data collection, presentation (Excel), and storage capability. Both are available for free trial download.
I don't know enough about this type of software yet to form a comparison opinion between what is available and what is best for individual application, but the fact remains that screen and video capture along with audio is a great way to create tutorials and enhance learning opportunities. I may not have reached expert status on this area, but I have progressed beyond novice!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Inserting Audio...
While unable to narrate my "movie," produced with Camtasia due to the lack of a microphone , I find myself nonetheless captivated by how much more powerful from an educational standpoint the video capture becomes when the user can not only see a tutorial but hear it as well. Inspired to a little searching on the effectiveness of adding narration to video learning projects, I came across a pretty good article from the University of Minnesota that approached this issue from several directions, one of which was how audio enhancement was extremely effective for learning foreign languages. It might be deduced that audio has the potential to enhance any new information, regardless of the subject matter. Another avenue was how audio has helped many disabled students.
I know from my own experiences in the UF Specialist program that the PowerPoints utilized for the different classes that usually introduce important concepts are much more quickly assimilated due to the narrative component that is embedded within. The key to enhanced learning must be utilizing a variety of modalities. The quote "We hear and we forget. We see and we remember. We do and we understand." might be amended to say that if we hear, see, and practice, we add knowledge and skills to our cognitive being and we can apply them to a variety of applicable situations without having to go back and learn all over again.
I know from my own experiences in the UF Specialist program that the PowerPoints utilized for the different classes that usually introduce important concepts are much more quickly assimilated due to the narrative component that is embedded within. The key to enhanced learning must be utilizing a variety of modalities. The quote "We hear and we forget. We see and we remember. We do and we understand." might be amended to say that if we hear, see, and practice, we add knowledge and skills to our cognitive being and we can apply them to a variety of applicable situations without having to go back and learn all over again.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Video Capture...
Just some thoughts on a recent video capture project.
My initial experience with Camtasia, while not a complete success, has piqued my interest. I can certainly see the value of capturing the screen and related movements as well as adding audio commentary. The main problems that I experienced were with audio (no microphone, but working on that!), transitions (couldn't get them to stick in all of the splits), and final production (the production window was so big that I could not access any of the control buttons at the bottom). Still, this is an intriguing subject to me and I look forward to working more with it and preparing some teacher training footage for use during planning days and what have you.
The microphone problem is fairly easily solved, but the other two are kind of perplexing. No answer still for the transitions not sticking (with the exception of the first and last). The production problem was overcome to a certain extent as I remembered that I could use the "enter" key on the keyboard to handle some of the tasks. I think that I actually produced the video but was unable to determine where it was saved. A little exploration will likely lead me to it, but I would still love to know how to get the production window to a size that the buttons are visible!
The subject matter of my first capture was internet research techniques and could be useful for students or others with little experience in this area. If I could re-do the project, I would capture a Google screen where I actually did a "key word search" to show what it looked like and the resulting "hits." I plan to purchase the software and learning as much as I can about it can only help me use it to my advantage and that of our teachers for future projects.
My initial experience with Camtasia, while not a complete success, has piqued my interest. I can certainly see the value of capturing the screen and related movements as well as adding audio commentary. The main problems that I experienced were with audio (no microphone, but working on that!), transitions (couldn't get them to stick in all of the splits), and final production (the production window was so big that I could not access any of the control buttons at the bottom). Still, this is an intriguing subject to me and I look forward to working more with it and preparing some teacher training footage for use during planning days and what have you.
The microphone problem is fairly easily solved, but the other two are kind of perplexing. No answer still for the transitions not sticking (with the exception of the first and last). The production problem was overcome to a certain extent as I remembered that I could use the "enter" key on the keyboard to handle some of the tasks. I think that I actually produced the video but was unable to determine where it was saved. A little exploration will likely lead me to it, but I would still love to know how to get the production window to a size that the buttons are visible!
The subject matter of my first capture was internet research techniques and could be useful for students or others with little experience in this area. If I could re-do the project, I would capture a Google screen where I actually did a "key word search" to show what it looked like and the resulting "hits." I plan to purchase the software and learning as much as I can about it can only help me use it to my advantage and that of our teachers for future projects.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
AP Examinations...
I'll share a couple of interesting items that I have learned in my brief research of Advanced Placement in high schools. One is that the AP classes generally have an AP exam associated with them and the benefit is that with a high enough score, many colleges will grant undergraduate credit (to varying degrees). So now, not only can students increase their likelihood of acceptance by the college of their choice, but they also may be able to begin with some college credit already accumulated.
Sounds great, right? Well, perhaps in the public school setting, but what about private schools? It seems that there is a trend starting among some private schools to do away with AP courses. One explanation for this phenomenon given by a private school administrator in an article in the UCLA school newspaper was that there are some concerns that even AP curriculum does not reach the depth that many high-achieving students need (or want, as the case may be). The article also points out that many graduate schools will not accept AP credit, so there is fertile ground for debate on the merits of AP to a certain degree. An interesting sidebar is that College Board has had to institute thorough and regular audits of AP courses nationally because, it seems, that some of what is being passed off as AP isn't really! It is amazing how some professionals often will jump on a bandwagon with less than acceptable means!
If I had to concisely encapsulate what I have learned about AP, it would be that if you can offer it and are willing to do it correctly (train motivated teachers, certify the curriculum, and allow only those that are really qualified access), it can be a rewarding situation for many college-bound students. Half-done...well, we get the picture!
Sounds great, right? Well, perhaps in the public school setting, but what about private schools? It seems that there is a trend starting among some private schools to do away with AP courses. One explanation for this phenomenon given by a private school administrator in an article in the UCLA school newspaper was that there are some concerns that even AP curriculum does not reach the depth that many high-achieving students need (or want, as the case may be). The article also points out that many graduate schools will not accept AP credit, so there is fertile ground for debate on the merits of AP to a certain degree. An interesting sidebar is that College Board has had to institute thorough and regular audits of AP courses nationally because, it seems, that some of what is being passed off as AP isn't really! It is amazing how some professionals often will jump on a bandwagon with less than acceptable means!
If I had to concisely encapsulate what I have learned about AP, it would be that if you can offer it and are willing to do it correctly (train motivated teachers, certify the curriculum, and allow only those that are really qualified access), it can be a rewarding situation for many college-bound students. Half-done...well, we get the picture!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
More Advanced Placement...
In searching for more online information regarding AP courses, specifically teacher training and course development, I came across a site by College Board (responsible for AP) called AP Central that included developmental guides (for purchase) for all of the educational disciplines that are offered as AP classes. One specific feature highlighted was vertical teaming. Briefly, the idea behind this concept is to align the curriculum of a particular subject area among different grade levels so that the students learn overlapping terminology, methodology, and concepts that enable the educational process to become more efficient. Obviously, enriched learning is an intended outcome. Here in Georgia, we know this process as "vertical alignment."
It is interesting that primary to secondary education is widely held as a sequential process, but due to the way we construct our schools, there are natural barriers to this sequencing (K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 schools, for example) wherein the educators tend to remain and not stray outside of their boundaries. Vertical teaming is reminiscent of what took place in the old one-room school houses (I have read this, not experienced it, despite my age!). It makes perfect sense to me and falls right in with the concept that many larger schools are exploring called "small learning communities." The goal, of course, being increased student achievement.
Although we have just recently become an AP school (this year), we have employed vertical teaming in some subjects prior. Naturally, the plan is to employ this across the board. It is nice to think that not only the AP students, but essentially all will benefit from this emphasis as we have no educators that teach only AP.
It is interesting that primary to secondary education is widely held as a sequential process, but due to the way we construct our schools, there are natural barriers to this sequencing (K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 schools, for example) wherein the educators tend to remain and not stray outside of their boundaries. Vertical teaming is reminiscent of what took place in the old one-room school houses (I have read this, not experienced it, despite my age!). It makes perfect sense to me and falls right in with the concept that many larger schools are exploring called "small learning communities." The goal, of course, being increased student achievement.
Although we have just recently become an AP school (this year), we have employed vertical teaming in some subjects prior. Naturally, the plan is to employ this across the board. It is nice to think that not only the AP students, but essentially all will benefit from this emphasis as we have no educators that teach only AP.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
AP Courses...
The previous posts concerning college entrance tests, coupled with my discussions last week with the faculty I'll be working with next year, have got me thinking about the transition our students make from high school to college. The school I am at now started offering AP courses this year in an effort to better equip our college-bound students, or at least give them an opportunity for an advantage when they apply for the school of their choice.
Since this has become one of the important indicators that many colleges use to gauge academic fitness of potential incoming freshmen, a lot of schools have jumped on the bandwagon. What seems to have happened is the development of some discrepancies in the rigor associated with AP courses from one school to the next. Accordingly, College Board, the organization responsible for AP certification and oversight has had to consider strengthening their standards.
I suppose that in addition to adding a higher layer of education provided to our students, AP classes are likely necessary due to the increases we have seen over the last several years in the numbers of students seeking a college education. In this day and time, it might likely be argued that AP is not fair because all students do not have access to (and in some cases do not want or cannot survive in) these courses. But then again, college was not initially meant to be for everybody! An interesting conundrum this AP business, eh?! Kind of flies in the face of our PC world!
Since this has become one of the important indicators that many colleges use to gauge academic fitness of potential incoming freshmen, a lot of schools have jumped on the bandwagon. What seems to have happened is the development of some discrepancies in the rigor associated with AP courses from one school to the next. Accordingly, College Board, the organization responsible for AP certification and oversight has had to consider strengthening their standards.
I suppose that in addition to adding a higher layer of education provided to our students, AP classes are likely necessary due to the increases we have seen over the last several years in the numbers of students seeking a college education. In this day and time, it might likely be argued that AP is not fair because all students do not have access to (and in some cases do not want or cannot survive in) these courses. But then again, college was not initially meant to be for everybody! An interesting conundrum this AP business, eh?! Kind of flies in the face of our PC world!
Saturday, April 7, 2007
College Entrance Exam Prep...Conclusion
This has been a good subject for me to research this week as I have fielded many questions over the past few weeks from parents of prospective college students regarding the ACT and SAT (is one better than the other, etc.?). It has been great to find that there are so many sites available that students can access to give them ideas about testing as well as provide some practice materials with no cost involved. If there is a problem, it is determining which are the "best of the best" and this research has allowed me to make some headway toward that end.
I did find another test prep site that was very comprehensive. Studyworks offers some free sample tests and problems and is very similar to Kaplan (referenced in a preceding post) in that they offer more in-depth services for a fee. One large part of Studyworks is that they offer test preparation in three different ways: classes at central locations; individual tutoring; and online classes. Their website is also very visually appealing and easy to maneuver with a lot of information (FAQ's, student testimonials by state and school, and teacher biographies, for example).
I will conclude this week with a really useful site I came upon that I think every 8th and 9th grader ought to be exposed to, particularly if they and/or their parents are considering college. AIE, or Adventures in Education, has a FAQ page that deals with planning for college and covers not only specific questions regarding entrance tests but also what they need to do as far as deciding on classes for high school and other aspects of becoming prepared to apply when the time arrives. Obviously, these questions can be answered by counselors, but this site can allow the students and their parents to refer to this information at any time and as frequently as they feel the need. This is another reminder that a little technology can go a long way to help our students be better prepared for their futures.
I did find another test prep site that was very comprehensive. Studyworks offers some free sample tests and problems and is very similar to Kaplan (referenced in a preceding post) in that they offer more in-depth services for a fee. One large part of Studyworks is that they offer test preparation in three different ways: classes at central locations; individual tutoring; and online classes. Their website is also very visually appealing and easy to maneuver with a lot of information (FAQ's, student testimonials by state and school, and teacher biographies, for example).
I will conclude this week with a really useful site I came upon that I think every 8th and 9th grader ought to be exposed to, particularly if they and/or their parents are considering college. AIE, or Adventures in Education, has a FAQ page that deals with planning for college and covers not only specific questions regarding entrance tests but also what they need to do as far as deciding on classes for high school and other aspects of becoming prepared to apply when the time arrives. Obviously, these questions can be answered by counselors, but this site can allow the students and their parents to refer to this information at any time and as frequently as they feel the need. This is another reminder that a little technology can go a long way to help our students be better prepared for their futures.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Preparing For College Entrance Tests...Part II
While continuing my search for easily-accessible test preparation, I am learning more and more about college entrance tests, specifically the ACT and SAT. For instance, I had always understood that given the option, many students prefer the ACT because it is less math intensive (I alluded to this last post). I really did not know the specifics and since I took only the SAT (way back in 1978), I only had the word of others to go on. I found a brief article that neatly explained the differences in the tests and improved my personal understanding, especially where math was concerned.
The article from Lakeland College by Sally Wood explained that where math was concerned, the SAT required "two 25-minute sections and one 20-minute section; questions cover algebra, geometry, statistics, probability, and data analysis" while the ACT required "60 questions covering algebra, geometry, and trigonometry (60 minutes)," confirming what I have previously understood about the differences.
The site also contained a link to the Kaplan site. I was pleased to find that along with some good general test information as well as the obligatory sales pitch to enroll, there were also some free sample test questions. Additionally, there is info on selecting a school, applications, financial matters and college life. Obviously, if you sign up for the course, more and more is made available, but I was impressed that Kaplan offered as much for free as it did. That might have to do with the proliferation of sites dedicated to test prep! Hooray for the free enterprise system! It is nice to know that there are a variety of sites dedicated to improving student achievement on these tests. Getting that information to the students is definitely the key and the earlier the better.
The article from Lakeland College by Sally Wood explained that where math was concerned, the SAT required "two 25-minute sections and one 20-minute section; questions cover algebra, geometry, statistics, probability, and data analysis" while the ACT required "60 questions covering algebra, geometry, and trigonometry (60 minutes)," confirming what I have previously understood about the differences.
The site also contained a link to the Kaplan site. I was pleased to find that along with some good general test information as well as the obligatory sales pitch to enroll, there were also some free sample test questions. Additionally, there is info on selecting a school, applications, financial matters and college life. Obviously, if you sign up for the course, more and more is made available, but I was impressed that Kaplan offered as much for free as it did. That might have to do with the proliferation of sites dedicated to test prep! Hooray for the free enterprise system! It is nice to know that there are a variety of sites dedicated to improving student achievement on these tests. Getting that information to the students is definitely the key and the earlier the better.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Preparing for College Entrance Tests...Part I
I have spent the week thus far at my new destination for next year. One thing I have found as I interview teachers and field questions and comments from parents and students is that all have concerns regarding ACT and SAT preparation and testing. The school tends to encourage the ACT (less math intensive, I believe), so I have chosen to blog today about internet test prep sites as not every student wants to take or can afford a Kaplan course!
One of the first sites I looked into was testprepreview. I found it to be very comprehensive, breaking the test down into its basic components and offering practice questions with evaluations for each. There was also basic ACT info including test dates by state and an online study guide. A unique feature was an email test prep course offered free of charge that contains strategies for English, Reading, Science, and Math problems.
Powerprep was another prep site for the ACT, but included no practice questions/tests. There was, however, an "ACT Laboratory" section that contained some pretty good prep and testing strategies.
Lastly, ACT hosts a site similar to testprepreview that includes some practice test questions, test descriptions, and tips for success. Of course, they also offer a more comprehensive guide for purchase.
Depending on a student's level of test-taking skill, confidence, and willingness to prepare, there seems to be some good samples and strategies available at no cost.
One of the first sites I looked into was testprepreview. I found it to be very comprehensive, breaking the test down into its basic components and offering practice questions with evaluations for each. There was also basic ACT info including test dates by state and an online study guide. A unique feature was an email test prep course offered free of charge that contains strategies for English, Reading, Science, and Math problems.
Powerprep was another prep site for the ACT, but included no practice questions/tests. There was, however, an "ACT Laboratory" section that contained some pretty good prep and testing strategies.
Lastly, ACT hosts a site similar to testprepreview that includes some practice test questions, test descriptions, and tips for success. Of course, they also offer a more comprehensive guide for purchase.
Depending on a student's level of test-taking skill, confidence, and willingness to prepare, there seems to be some good samples and strategies available at no cost.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
iPod Horizon
Now that I have researched some of the fundamental operations and capabilities of the iPod (and let me just say that podcasts alone make these items a viable educational tool in my opinion), I am left wondering 'what's next?'
For the iPod, a little research led to a site appropriately titled 'AppleInsider' that featured an article on the immediate future of the iPod and related technology. I am sad to say that what they report is that there is no urgency to release a next generation of iPods (with enhanced capabilities). That is not to say that a '6th' generation won't arise at some point, just not yet. One question that comes to mind would be, has Apple gone as far as they can with the iPod? The answer likely would be 'doubtful,' if other forms of technology are any indication as virtually every tech-based appliance is seemingly continuously updated or replaced by something that does its job better, faster, and more cost-efficient.
Actually, any iPod improvements are likely still on the drawing board or are waiting for the release of Apple's latest tech gadget, the iPhone (due out in June, according to AppleInsider). The iPhone seems to be a hybrid (iPod, phone, internet connection) with a wide-screen (3.5 in.) that is controlled by a unique touch display. Et tu Blackberry?! (with apologies to Julius Caesar). Early price estimates are around the $500 mark on the high end, but a phone contract from certain providers can probably make one of these available for a little less than half that amount. After our redesign project of a week ago, I am impressed by the utility and educational capabilities of these multi-function devices (research on the go, for instance). Not being a gizmo person, I find myself strangely attracted to the inherent educational power of this (and similar) devices. My catharsis continues!
For the iPod, a little research led to a site appropriately titled 'AppleInsider' that featured an article on the immediate future of the iPod and related technology. I am sad to say that what they report is that there is no urgency to release a next generation of iPods (with enhanced capabilities). That is not to say that a '6th' generation won't arise at some point, just not yet. One question that comes to mind would be, has Apple gone as far as they can with the iPod? The answer likely would be 'doubtful,' if other forms of technology are any indication as virtually every tech-based appliance is seemingly continuously updated or replaced by something that does its job better, faster, and more cost-efficient.
Actually, any iPod improvements are likely still on the drawing board or are waiting for the release of Apple's latest tech gadget, the iPhone (due out in June, according to AppleInsider). The iPhone seems to be a hybrid (iPod, phone, internet connection) with a wide-screen (3.5 in.) that is controlled by a unique touch display. Et tu Blackberry?! (with apologies to Julius Caesar). Early price estimates are around the $500 mark on the high end, but a phone contract from certain providers can probably make one of these available for a little less than half that amount. After our redesign project of a week ago, I am impressed by the utility and educational capabilities of these multi-function devices (research on the go, for instance). Not being a gizmo person, I find myself strangely attracted to the inherent educational power of this (and similar) devices. My catharsis continues!
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