| FCS Technology Times |
| Technology Tips, Tricks, and Tidbits |
The following are two links to videos I have created on how to convert a file to PDF format using Primo PDF. The first is the newer version found in some of our labs, the second is the older version found on many of the HP workstations throughout the district. I have also added a link to the text document found in the video for future reference.
Hi All,
Diane Zoellmer has created some video tutorials for the new blog system. If you have a question about how to do something, odds are, it’s right here. I also will be posting various videos as well.
Enjoy…
Photo Gadget Picture Resizer is a free program you can use to reduce the file size of a picture without harming the quality. This program is currently on all workstations in the district. You can view the video tutorial by clicking the link or download the program for home use by clicking that link.
The program is very user friendly, but two tips to keep in mind:
1. Make sure the box that reads “Overwrite Original Picture” is NOT checked so you can keep the original file as is.
2. Make sure the box that reads “Keep Aspect Ratio” IS checked so it looks the same as the original.
Those are default settings and should be set already, but this is just a “Heads-Up”
We discussed Google Docs in class today, here is a link to the video we watched on Youtube, ”Google Docs in Plain English”.
Enjoy!
I subscribe to an electronic newsletter from MACUL called the “Big Deal Book of Technology” and in the April 1, 2008 edition I noticed that Atomic Learning has created free video training sessions for Google Docs. It will only be free through May, so don’t hesitate to check it out. This quote is taken directly from the newsletter:
“Atomic Learning recently announced a free tutorial series on Google Docs, the free Web-based word-processing program that allows users to keep documents up to date and allows selected individuals to update files from their personal computers. The Atomic Learning series, titled “Google Docs—A Focus on Docs,” includes more that 60 short, show-and-tell movies that guide users through the creation, implementation and use of Google Docs. Topics include working with documents, organizing files, document options, sharing and publishing, working with collaboration, and utilizing the edit, insert and revision tab options. The series is being offered, free of charge, through May 1, 2008.”
In order to embed the video you have created into a Power Point presentation, you first need to convert it to a .wmv file. All movies need to be in that format to play well with Power Point.
I have created a video tutorial to show how to do that with a program I talked about earlier, VideoLAN.
Assuming you have downloaded that program, click the tutorial link below, there is also a .pdf file of the steps needed to convert a file using VideoLAN.
When that step is complete, you can simply go to the page in Power Point you want to embed the video and follow these steps.1. Select “Insert” then “Movies and Sounds” then “Movie From File”
2. Browse to the file you want to embed and select “OK”
3. it will ask if you want it to play automatically or when clicked, I suggest “When Clicked”.
4. Test your slide to make sure everything works!
If you would like to download Audacity at home, this link will bring you to the Audacity Download page. Audacity for Windows. Remember, if you want to export your file as an mp3, you will also need the Lame mp3 encoder, you can get that Here
After the Lame mp3 encoder is downloaded, you will want to copy and paste the lame_enc.dll file into your Audacity folder. The first time you use audacity and want to export as an mp3, it will ask you to browse to the location. You can then browse to your Audacity folder and click on the lame-enc.dll file. You only need to do this the first time, after that it will know where to go.
If you have questions, please e-mail or post a comment.
Now that you have your flash file, you can do a couple of things with it. If you want to simply view or show it, you need to have a flash video player installed on your computer. There are many good ones out there, the one I prefer is called VideoLAN. The reason I like this particular tool, is with it you can view many different types of video files, it’s Open Source (Read: FREE), and with it you can convert a flash video into a Windows Media File. You can read how to do that in part three of this post.
Here is the link to download VideoLAN.
This is the link that will take you to the page for installing the Del.icio.us buttons for Internet Explorer.
YouTube.com is a hugely popular site, as I’m sure you are aware. There are a lot of videos that aren’t really conducive to the classroom environment, but there are some that are worthwhile and could be used in an educational setting.
I was asked awhile ago if there was a way to take a YouTube video and show it in class, either by itself, or embedded in a Power Point presentation. The answer: Yes! It’s a interesting process and takes a few steps, but anyone can do it if you follow the directions.
As a district, we are also working on a way to allow you to log in to Youtube and show the videos via the projector right from your computer. (However, we need to be cognizant of bandwidth issues and the CIPA laws regarding Internet filtering for students.) But that will not allow you to embed the video in a Power Point presentation.
Check out the posts above!
