Webcams in the Classroom - Part 2

The stands for the webcams are finished, so I thought I would post the final product.



The webcam slides in the slot of the wooden arm and the wing nut tightens to hold it securely in place.  The camera is then plugged into the computer.

A special thanks to Jamie Redden, technology education teacher, for designing and building these stands!

Webcams in the Classroom

Recently I heard about people using webcams as document cameras.  We decided to give it a shot on campus in the 7th grade math classrooms.

We purchased the Logitech 9000 webcam and the Tech Ed teacher is building a stand for the camera so it can be stationary wherever the teacher wants to place it (within reach of the USB cord of course).  The teachers and I participated in a half-day hands-on training/brainstorming session.  Here is the results of that time.

The teachers took a comp test that they gave and solved each problem for the students so they can study to retake the test for a higher grade.  They also used the avatar feature of the webcam to film an introduction to the video.  Movie maker was used to bring the entire product together.

Special thanks to Rich Thomas, Natalie Ortega, Patrice Barlow and Siri Ralph for sharing their work!  (The video below is only part of the final product.)





I have gathered all ideas I could find online for other uses of webcams in the classroom and have placed them on my wiki: http://teachwiki.wikispaces.com/Webcams.  Please feel free to add any ideas on the wiki or in the comment section below.

Computer to TV Instructions - Going Through Displays (NVIDIA)

If your desktop does not list the ATI Catalyst Control or it is not available when right clicking on your screen, chances are you have a different graphics card and will set the TV settings through the displays menu - or desktop properties.    This video covers the steps needed to get everything talking to each other.

Embedding YouTube in Powerpoint 2002

In the past few weeks I have seen several good lessons that include showing video clips from YouTube. Sometimes switching from a website, back to a powerpoint or other file can be a little confusing while you are also trying to teach and keep the kids engaged.

Embedding the YouTube video into your Powerpoint allows it play right in the powerpoint instead of having to open another window for the internet.  Here is a quick video tutorial on how to do this:



Here are the written directions from a previous posting:

Find the movie you want to embed and find the URL:

• 
  
  In the address bar is the url  - highlight that info and copy it.
  Ex. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcqJoE_78a0


• 
  
  You must change the url by deleting the “watch?” and replace the “=” with a “/” |
  Ex. http://www.youtube.com/ v/YcqJoE_78a0


• 
  
  Note: http://www.youtube.com/ - will always be the same
  The end string “YcqJoE_78a0” is specific for each video.

To Embed it into PowerPoint:

1.   Open a Slide

2.   Go to View – Tools – Control Toolbox

3.   Click on the more controls button (hammer) and scroll down to find Shockwave Flash Object.

4.   A cross-hairs will appear for the cursor – so click and drag a box where you want the video to appear.

5.   Right click in the box and choose “properties”

6.   A properties box will appear  - scroll down to the item titled “Movie” and paste in the URL for the video.

7.   Save – view show.  The video will play once you double click on it, just like embedding on a website.

Laptop Cart Basics

Having the laptop carts can be a little overwhelming at times if you are not familiar with how to get them started.  Here is a quick video that covers what to plug in, what to look for and what to do when things don’t work!

Computer to TV Instructions - ATI Catalyst Control Center

Getting your computer to connect to your TV is not difficult when you know the steps.  This video covers all the information you need to complete this when your computer has an ATI graphics card.

New Look - New Efforts

I was looking over my blog tonight and realized how LONG my posts have gotten lately.  So along with a new appearance I want to try to get back to short and sweet tips on using technology in the classroom.  The ideas are there, but I need to slow down and break them into smaller chunks.  At least I think so.

Any comments or input?  :)