Sunday, January 27, 2013

Recording and Sharing Video

How can you create and share a video? (updated 3/25/14)

 Step 1. Creating your video 

  •  Smartphone (iPhone, Android, iPod Touch, iPad, Android tablet )--If you have a newer device that has a camera facing each direction, open the Camera app, switch so that the camera is recording you. Record the video. It should be a .mov file. Make sure your video is one of the following formats: .wmv, .mov, .flv or mpeg4.  If you have the Google Drive app installed on your phone, you can upload the file to Drive.  Otherwise, send it to yourself an follow the instructions in Step 2 below. 
  • Computer WebCam --If you have a webcam on (or connected to) your computer, you can use iMovie (on a Mac) or Windows Movie Maker (on a PC), or WeVideo) to record directly from the webcam. Here’s how to do it on the school “minis”: 
    • Open Windows Movie Maker Click “Capture From Video Device” (under Capture Video). Click on the USB camera. 
    • Choose “Internal Microphone” under “Audio Device” and increase the input level (to about 80%). Click Next. 
    •  Name your project. Click Next through the following screens until you get to “Start Capture.” 
    • Click “Start Capture” to begin recording. 
    •  When you’re done, you will see your recording in Windows Movie Maker. Drag the clip onto the video timeline below. Edit, if necessary. 
    • Save as a movie (note- this is different than saving the project. Choose the option called “Save to My Computer”). 
  •  If you’re using a Mac at home and you use iMovie, choose Export using Quicktime (Share Menu) to create a .mov file. 
  •  Video Camera 
    •  Record on the camera. Use iMovie (on a Mac), Windows Movie Maker (on a PC), or WeVideo (on the web) to edit. See MovieMaker and iMovie tips above (under computer webcam). Next step...uploading your movie 


Step 2. Storing and Playing Video in Google Drive 

 Did you know that you can upload any kind of file to Google Drive, including video? When you upload video, the video plays right in the browser, just like YouTube. This is a big advantage over having to download it. This video explains how to do it (and is also an example of what it looks like when done):

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B1K_ByAqaFKGamdrajd6WXFUSEs0VHI4eTJHNHpPdw

Here’s how to do it:

  • See the previous page for how to record your video. ☞Make sure your video is one of the following formats: .wmv, .mov, .flv or mpeg4. Google accepts other types, as well, but these are the most common. 
  • Open your Google Drive and click on the Upload icon (next to Create). Choose “File,” browse for your video and upload. Note that the icon for the uploaded video file is different than other types of Google Docs. 
  • It will take a few minutes (sometimes longer) for your video to be processed. Once it is, you can click on the video and it will play right in the browser. 
  • Click “Share” ( on the upper right) and you can decide who can see the video: anyone at all, just specific people you name, or anyone who has the link. I usually go with “Anyone with the link,” as you can just post the link or send in an e-mail. 
  • When people watch your video, they won’t need to download it- instead, it will play in the browser, just like a YouTube video. iMovie- use the Share menu and choose “Quicktime” to save in mov or flv format. Movie Maker- choose “Save to My Computer” under “Finish Movie” (or “Save Movie File” in the File menu).

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Choosing how you receive messages in Groups

In Google Groups, you can choose how you receive and view messages.



Here is a document (in FAQ format) that explains how Groups work and
Here are instructions for setting up Google Groups to work best for you.

Remember, if you like all your info in one place, just leave everything the way it is, and messages will be delivered to your inbox.
If you don't like receiving lots of email, you can turn off email notification and check your messages on the Group page.

It is important to remember that REPLIES GO TO THE ENTIRE GROUP. 

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Sending grades at the end of semester 1

Teachers-- here are the instructions for sending grades from GradeQuick to MMS at the end of the first semester.  Please note the difference between semester and full-year courses.

How to print class lists

The easiest way to print a class list is via Moodle:
  1. Open your class page.
  2. Click "Gradebook" in the Administration block.
  3. If you have your class set up in groups, you can choose just the group desired, or all participants.
  4. From the "Choose an action" drop-down list, Choose "Export -- Excel" (you may have to scroll to see it).
  5. If you wish, you can specify exactly what data is exported, but it's easiest to just hit "Submit," then "Download."
  6. Open in Excel, then copy and paste the names from there.