Tag: Tech Tools
Streaming Software
In light of the fact that Google Hangouts on Air is being moved to YouTube Live as of this month, it’s good to know that there are some alternatives that make live streaming possible. While Google Hangouts on Air is certainly one way to stream, for those looking for a bit more features, here are some other alternatives.
XSplit
Usability: XSplit is a free and fairly easy to use program, once you get the hang of it. It allows different options to record desktop screen, gameplay, webcam, text, and images. It also allows the user to have multiple scenes allowing, smoother transitions. For example, a user can put up a kind of “stand-by” background while they set up on their computer.
Motivation: XSplit can be utilized by teachers looking to do a flipped classroom or do tutorials. It’s also nice because with screen capture, it only captures what has been selected, so any windows or notifications that may pop up within that boundary are never recorded. It’s also nice not to get that “mirroring” effect that some screencast programs have.
Pros: XSplit can stream to many different platforms like YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and Twitch. Has a whiteboard feature, where the user can draw inside program. Allows you to input sources from Skype, videos, URLs, and even slideshows.
Cons: Google’s “Hardware acceleration” option interferes with screen recording, resulting in a black screen. For me, it cut off at about 40 minutes.
Open Broadcasting Software
Usability: Open Broadcasting Software (OBS) is an open-source free streaming software. I have personally used this program more than once and have found it a bit frustrating, because I could never get it to stream to any site, YouTube and otherwise. The interface is simple and straightforward. Like XSplit it has the capability of capturing the desktop, images, and slideshows.
Motivation: If teachers can figure out how to use it (because it might be that I’ve been doing something wrong), I think OBS is a good way to start streaming. With the simple interface, isn’t too hard, but I would take care to read the instructions or watch tutorials on getting set up.
Pros: Simple, clean layout. It’s free, and looks pretty easy to use.
Cons: Frustrating if it doesn’t work or you don’t know what you’re doing. I think that’s with any software, though.
Video Editing Software
OpenShot
Usability: OpenShot is a free video editing soft
ware designed for Linux but usable for any platform. In line with the Linux OS’s simple layout, OpenShot has a clean interface and a wealth of useful features.
Motivation: Teachers and students do not have to spend hours trying to figure out this user-friendly software. There are also short tutorials on YouTube on how to use certain features within the program, one of them being green screening, which is great for teachers looking to upgrade flipped classroom lessons with overlayed videos or images.
Pros: OpenShot is surprisingly packed with a lot of great features for a free program. With features such as audio editing and mixing, drag-and-drop, video effects, green screen/blue screen, and more makes this a pretty nice software. Also, the fact that it won’t take hours to learn make it great for use in classrooms.
Cons: None.
Filmora
Usability: Filmora is a user-friendly program with a minimalistic yet beautiful and 
organized layout. Filmora offers a variety of features for basic
editing and adding effects.
Motivation: Teachers and students can expand their creativity through Filmora’s editing features and effects. Filmora’s interface is very straight-forward, making the software easy to navigate. Also, Filmora discounts up to 60% for schools and educational institutions wanting to buy their software.
Pros: Filmora has a beautiful layout and a lot of different visual effects and text to make videos feel like masterpieces. Additional effects are updated monthly and can be purchased from their store. The program also allows you to upload directly to social media, mobile devices, and DVDs. It does the work for you as far as making videos compatible with these devices. Filmora also has an app for mobile recording and editing.
Cons: It’s not free, but it’s worth the small price.
Reimagining PowerPoint: SlideShow Tools
For seemingly ages, PowerPoint has always been the go-to program for creating presentations. As an old-school player on the block–being almost as old as me–it’s understandable because many of us have grown up using PowerPoint or have used it at one point in our lives. And while it does have its advantages, it is not without its limitations. Today, I would like highlight several programs that will hopefully allow you and your students more freedom to be creative and inspire you to take your presentations and lessons to the next level. Continue reading “Reimagining PowerPoint: SlideShow Tools”
How to Integrate Technology (EduTopia)
A short guide from Edutopia on how to seamlessly integrate technology into your classroom. The article lists a some great tools to get started and get kids creating!
Also check out How to Bring Technology into Your Classroom: The quick and easy guide for teachers by Jessica Sanders. Available on Kindle for $2.99.
Tech Girl 