Course Information
Technical Workshops
February 26, 2008 - iMovie Workshop
Import Content
DV camera - grant participants can borrow the grants DVD camcorder, or you can check one out from the ESD's Media Center.
From your DVD - import from your home movies on DVD by importing from your DVD players or connecting from your camcorder. Basically you need a digital output, as most older software will not import directly from DVDs.
Digital cameras can input still images, or you can use a scanner to make your old photos digital.
Plenty of storage - about a minute of video takes up about 1 GB of space. External hard drives help upgrade your space easily.
Export Content
Camcorder, VHS (from camcorder), DVD (need iDVD and DVD burner), iPod (may require QuickTime Pro - at about $30), QuickTime (web, PowerPoint, email)
Software options
For Macs:
iPhoto, iTunes, and iMovie all speak to each other to load the separate components of your piece.
iDVD allows you to burn your project to a disc and QuickTime will create a digital file to share with others.
For both platforms:
Gimp - freeware version of Photoshop, which allows you to heavily edit images.
Photo to Movie - for $50, you can do all of the fancy effects to make your photos into a movie.
To convert audio from your digital voice recorder to import into iTunes:
The digital voice recorder records audio as .wma files - for iTunes, you need an .mp3. Freeware programs Switch (scroll down the page for Windows and Mac OS downloads) or dBpoweramp (Windows only) will convert the files for you.
Online examples
Primary and Secondary Social Studies examples from Apple's Learning Exchange.
The University of Wisconsin's School of Education offers some examples of multimedia rubrics online.
Where to get help:
iMovie tutorials on YouTube, or support and tutorials from Apple.
October 21, 2008 - Google Earth and Google Maps
We explored Google Earth and Google Maps and talked about ways to use these applications in the classroom.
Google Earth
Download the free software at online.
Learn how to use the software at the online User Guide, and see what educators are doing with Google Earth at the Educator page.
If you have any problems with blurry or incomplete content after you download the software, use the online help page to troubleshoot.
Google Maps
To create your own Google Map, you will need to sign up for a Google account and go to the Google Maps site.
Check out the User Guide and Educator page for ideas on how to use the application. The My Maps walkthrough is particularly helpful, and includes step-by-step instructions on how to add content (including images) to your own Google Map.
Additional Google Information
Google has a wealth of online applications available for free, with a comprehensive Educator page that helps connect these tools to classroom instruction.
Additionally, YouTube has a wealth of tutorials and classroom suggestions for Google Earth and Google Maps (search for "Google Earth (or Maps) Education").
