Promethean Training with the Recorder Tool

[tcampbell]

It seems hard to get everyone together for technology training sessions at times. It is also hard to train about something when everyone doesn't have the ability to have their computer right there with them. The Promethean ActivTips are great for many answers, so is the forum. Yet, I have wondered about the individuals who are just learning how to use the ActivStudio software. I have also wondered about what teachers at my school should do when there is not a tip training video out there yet. I have found that the recorder tool is great for that. I just record a quick tutorial, and put it on our server. Then, I place a link in our website so that our staff can access it. I even used Google services to create a form for teachers to fill out to request the quick video tip. It is a great way to train the teachers, without holding another meeting. The best part is that they can watch the answer to their question anywhere they have computer and internet access. I've just started this, but more will definitely be added. Thanks for the tips, which led to the spark of a great idea. The school site where my tips are available is: http://heritage.washk12.org/Pages/HowToTips.htm

[Kaylea]

Tony, I love your idea. I work with the teachers in my parish who have boards. Yes, it's hard for us to have training too. We had a two day training session in August and plan monthly activuser meetings when the other boards are installed. Thanks for sharing your brillant idea. Would like to start the activtips in my parish. Keep up the great work...

[ictfacilitator]

hear you on training. We are having afterschool sessions with a free cooked tea (or takeaways) provided by the school. If we are not using up reliever dollars but doing our own training in our extra time I got the head of the school to agree to fund the food!

[davidlloyd]

Don't forget the free online tutorials on Prometheanlearning.com

[tcampbell]

David,

The first tutorial I did showed teachers how to access the asesome videos that Promethean has already made. I even made sure to show them how to access them in iTunes. Thanks for the awesome advice.

[cwallace]

Tony,

Could you share how to access them in iTunes? I guess I am searching incorrectly.

Also, does anyone know if there is an Active user group that does videoconferencing for professional development? I saw a collaboration group for another company and would be interested in exhanging ideas with others using this technology.

Cindy

[markrobinson]

Tony,

Could you share how to access them in iTunes? I guess I am searching incorrectly.

Also, does anyone know if there is an Active user group that does videoconferencing for professional development? I saw a collaboration group for another company and would be interested in exhanging ideas with others using this technology.

Cindy

I think your local Promethean TLCs can help coordinate online/videoconferencing PD.


Search the Apple store with "Promethean" for the podcast episodes.

If you have iTunes installed... Click the links below and it should launch and take you there directly.

CLICK HERE TO LAUNCH ITUNES ACTIVTIPS (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=260527899)

If you subscribe - they should all update on your iPod video or iPhone/iPod touch automatically...

There are also the teacher features online and a few other things on iTunes.

[tcampbell]

Cindy,

Here is the link: http://www.prometheanplanet.com/server.php?show=nav.1147 . The iTunes link is on the bottom left of that page. Promethean has some awesome tutorials there.

[nmcamgor]

Cindy,
Teaching and Learning Consultant support can be requested via Promethean Planet.
http://www.prometheanplanet.com/server.php?show=ConForm.17
Please complete the form and the TLC who serves your area will get in touch with you.
Nancy

[SevenOfNine2008]

Hi,
I really like your tutorials. I am trying to do the same thing, but I am noticing two things. First I notice that my video can't be played for everyone who doesn't have Activstudio. Second I notice that if I convert it to a WMV file, the video is blurry. What do you do to keep your video clear and visible to everyone? Could you please tell me the steps you follow from recording to getting it on your Heritage How-to?

Thanks

[cmansell]

Hi,
I really like your tutorials. I am trying to do the same thing, but I am noticing two things. First I notice that my video can't be played for everyone who doesn't have Activstudio. Second I notice that if I convert it to a WMV file, the video is blurry. What do you do to keep your video clear and visible to everyone? Could you please tell me the steps you follow from recording to getting it on your Heritage How-to?

Thanks



I created some video tutorials for collegues in my school, but had problems using the flipchart recorder. I later bought a copy of Camtasia Studio, which I have found to be fantastic - allowing editing at a level I had never realised before. Highlighting, changing sounds, recording narration, picture in picture, etc.

The only issue I have with Camtasia is the size of the files.

I was also able to convert the output into m4v format, allowing podcasting to both teachers' and students' iPods. I had to use a free software called Videora for this, as I am not allowed to install Quicktime Pro (which Camtasia can use directly) on my school laptop.

Cheers

Craig

[tcampbell]

The difference could be that I am using the full screen recorder and not the flipchart recorder tool. I also changed the recorder settings under menu, customize, recordings. I have snapped an image and added it as an attachment. It shows the settings I have chosen. Hope this helps.

[SevenOfNine2008]

Thank you to both Craig and Tony. I will try both ways. I will look for the Camtasia and Videora. In the meantime, I will take a look at the settings when recording. Tony, when you put the files onto the Heritage How To do you convert the files or do you have them as the .avi files?

[tcampbell]

I just use the ActivStudio software and save them as movie files.