Show DON'T Tell - Video Production for the Classroom #R10Tech Session Notes

Here are the notes from my session at #edcampdallas on uses for video production in the classroom.

But I can't afford a camera!

Do you have an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Android device? If so you already have a camera. You have an HD camera if you have a recent iPod touch, anything newer than iPhone 4, iPad 2, and most Android devices. If you feel you want to purchase a camera, there are a number of options...

• Pocket Camcorder - We started with a simple Flip camera and moved to the Kodak Zi8. Sadly neither is made anymore but you can still find them around. Shop around for pocket camcorders and read reviews. With cell phones and such the pocket camcorder market has all but died. You can get an iPod touch for the same price as a pocket camcorder these days. Look for something with external mic input as most of time the audio quality leaves a lot to be desired.
• Consumer Camcorder - We moved up to a full camcorder last year. We use the Canon Vixia HF R21 and LOVE it! I picked this camera because it records to SD cards and there is no need to worry about tape. It also has an input for external mics which is important for our productions. This is not a required feature by any means, but better audio goes a long way.
• Cell phone/iPod - Again, almost any cell phone these days has a camera and most have gone HD. Don't reinvent the wheel if you don't need to.

But how do I get the video off the camera?!

If you buy a camera it will most likely come with software to import the video. If you shoot to SD cards, just pop the card into any card reader and you should be able to pull the video off. If you have a mobile device such as a smart phone or iPod/iPad it is much easier; all you need is Dropbox. When you install the Dropbox app on your device, it will give you the ability to export your video to your Dropbox. The most recent version has automated this process (if you chose that option). You can set Dropbox to automatically upload any video taken on your device. You can then access the video via the Dropbox web interface OR  it will automatically sync if you have the desktop client installed. Similarly, Google Drive will allow recording directly from their app. The video will save to your Google Drive and can be synced with the desktop application as well.

I don't know anything about editing video!

You don't have to. You can make a simple video with no editing required. Just shoot it. It does not have to look like The Avengers as long as the message is conveyed.

But I want to edit my video! 

Awesome! There are a number of options available. If you are a Windows user you can simply use Windows Movie Maker. If you are on a Mac you can use iMovie. Both are simple, free video editing programs for basic videos. If you are feeling more ambitious, there are several editing programs out there...

• iMovie for iOS - If you are shooting with an iDevice there is a mobile version of iMovie availble in the app store. Users familiar with the Mac version will feel right at home. The mobile version provides templates and presets for quick editing and exporting. Cost: $4.99
• Adobe Premiere Elements - I use this program and LOVE it. It has the simplicity of Movie Maker or iMovie with the potential and flexibility to produce high-quality videos. Mac and Windows. Cost: less than $100
• Adobe Visual Communicator - This software streamlines the process of video production, especially for green screen work. It works on a "live-to-tape" concept where in you shoot the video and no editing is needed. This software includes a telepromoter function, live intros, live transitions, and live green screen effects.
• Pinnacle Studio -  I have used older versions of Pinnacle and it comes highly recommended. There is also an iPad version for iPad 2 or later that allows for exporting to the desktop version for continued editing. Windows only. Cost: $60-$130 MSRP depending on version
• Sony Vegas Family - Sony has a line of video editing software that ranges from basic editing to professional quality. I personally cannot speak to the quality of this product but it is well-reviewed and is the preferred software of several video production colleagues. Windows only. Cost: $50-$500 MSRP depending on version

But how can I use this in my class/at school?

If you have decided you want to make videos for you classroom, here are just a few examples what you can do...

• Daily announcements - This is what started it all for my school. We produce a daily announcement program with the pledges, moment of silence, important information, lunch menus, and birthdays.
• Record presentations - Your students work so hard on those posters, dioramas, speeches, etc. Why not video their presentation for posterity?
• Connect with parents - Share the above video with parents. They can't be there for the presentation but you can share the video with them so they can see the hard work their student did.
• Replace the poster/diorama - Why have the students spend time and money making something that will most likely get thrown away? Have your students create a video presentation instead. They could act out a skit, collect footage to go along with a speech/presentation, or demonstrate a concept. When they are done you and they have a tangible record of their work.
• Assist other students - Have your higher students create how-to videos for the lower students or perhaps for those who are absent. Having these available can free you up for one-on-one help. You could also create videos for lower grade levels. I have seen high school students make videos for kinder or 1st students to teach reading and math.
• Record of progress - At the beginning of the year make a short video demonstrating the skills of the students. At the end of the year make another. The students can now SEE how much progress they made over the course of the year. This can also be useful to document for an ARD and to pass along to their teacher the next year.
• Record a lesson - Set a camera up at the back of the room when you are teaching a lesson or giving a lecture. This creates a great resource if you need to be out.
• Flipped Classroom - While you are at it, since you are recording lessons, use this opportunity to create resources for a flipped classroom.
• Anything you can think of - This is just a small sample of the MANY ways video production can help you

So, I made a video. Now what?

Once you have made the video, what you do with it is really up to you. You can make an archive, share it with parents/staff, or even upload to YouTube or TeacherTube/SchoolTube. I will suggest that if you decided to upload your video make sure you have ample permission from your students' parents. This is slightly more than the usual release for pictures in the paper or yearbook. I use a separate release form for students' work/likeness to be posted to the internet. I also remind the parents every time something is getting uploaded to make sure it is still okay.

Resources 

Below is a list of resources for your videos. Theses sites contain stock footage, music, tips, etc. Most are under Creative Commons and/or are fair use for education.

• Music
• http://freeplaymusic.com/ - This is a great resource for royalty-free music
• Video
• http://www.ignitemotion.com/ - Free Motion Backgrounds (HD)
• http://www.movietools.info/free-web-resources.html - various video elements including Background Loops and Lower Thirds. Some free, some pay. 
• http://thecliparchive.com/ - Collection of links to free video clips. Some are stock footage, others are backgrounds and such.
• http://www.videoediv.net/vj-loop/ - Free SD stock footage
• http://www.stockfootageforfree.com/table/stock-footage/ - "Free" stock footage. There are a few gems here. I only include it because I have found some useful things.
• https://www.videoblocks.com/ - subscription service for video, music, sound effects, and other video elements. Offers 7 day free trial. Unlimited access with paid subscription. Pricey but can be worth it. Or just spend that 7 days downloading everything you can ;)
• http://www.pond5.com/ - Pay site for video elements. I purchased the animated flags used for our announcements from this site.
• http://videohive.net/ - Pay site for video elements. Most are After Effects files. I have purchased the last two intro videos from them.

These are just the sites that I use regularly. There are any number of sites available, just Google it. I also use videos from YouTube. YouTube Downloader is a great program for downloading and converting YouTube videos.

Conclusion

I really hope this helps. I was so blown away by the response to the session and I hope you all get something out of this. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. I am on Twitter @chrisevans17 or you can email me chrisevans17@gmail.com I have a collection of sample videos available for download if you would like to see some of the work we have done. If you would like that link, please message me on Twitter or email me and I will send you the download link. Be warned, it is about 500mb so it might take some time to download.

Time to come clean...

I am a horrible blogger. Let's just establish that right now. I have great intentions I just never seem to make the time to do it. Sometimes I just don't have anything to say. I have used this blog as mostly a fitness type thing. That is part of the reason that I have not had a new post since January.* I said in the January post that {bleep} was about to get real. Well, hang on tight because it is confession time. This will be one of the most personal posts I have ever written, but I need to clear the air. So, without further adieu...

Hi, I'm Christopher and I'm a poser/phony/liar/hypocrite/fraud/{insert similar synonyms here}

Now, you may be asking yourself why I am being so hard on myself. Because someone has to, and it is true. A little over a year ago I decided, not really sure why, that it was way past time to get in shape (besides round). I did really well. I was running every day and working out almost every day. My progress is well-documented on this blog. I slacked off during the summer, which is where the downward slide began. I used the excuse that it was too hot but that was exactly what it was. An excuse. And one of many. If you follow this blog closely, and God love you if you do because I am not sure I follow this blog very closely, this may all sound like deja-vu. It is. I made a similar post almost a year ago. This is going to be much more personal. Fast forward to October 2012. I was all geared up to do the Might Mud Dash in November. I'd had a nagging knee injury for months but I just thought it was because I have been fat longer than I haven't.** Turns out it was a torn meniscus. I had surgery, could not do the run, blah, blah, blah poor me. Check the back logs if you want to whole whiny epic.

I let me knee beat me. I used it as the ultimate crutch and excuse. I was afraid to push it again. Yoda is absolutely right. Fear led to anger that I lost so much progress. Anger led to me hating myself for allowing it to happen. Hate led to suffering a lot of depression. I have lost the pride I had found in how great I had done. I have lost the new-found respect I have developed. I am disappointed in myself for allowing this setback to undo all my hard work.

Now what does this have to do with my declaration of being a phony? Well I talk a big game about working out and training for runs and such and a year ago it was all true. Now, that is all it is. Talk. And cheap talk to boot. I a member of LoseIt, Fitocracy, Nexercise, Runkeeper, and MapMyRun. I have all these apps including Zombies, RUN! (in my defense of that one I am on the 5K Trainer version so no runs to track yet) on my phone and I don't use any of them. I drink 2 protein shakes a day and have a protein bar as a snack. That alone is almost 75 grams of protein a day not counting whatever else is in my food. You would think I work out three times a day with that much protein intake. You would be so wrong. I barely work out three time a WEEK. I have not had a decent workout really since before my surgery. I have tried and gone through the motions but my head and my heart have not been in it. I am letting a lot of external forces in that are zapping my motivation and drive.

Lets look at then vs now:

Then: worked out almost every day -- Now: barely workout at all

Then: watched what I ate very closely -- Now: eat whatever, whenever

Then: did not snack much if at all -- Now: munch off and on most of the night

Then: tracked everything I ate and all activities -- Now: barely keep track of anything

And that is just the tip of the iceberg. I could go on and on. So what changed? My state of mind did. I used to come home from work, get in a quick run on the treadmill, make dinner, then go work out for an hour. Now I come home, make a snack, sit on my butt, make dinner, sit on my butt some more, and pretty much eat off and on until I decide to go to bed. I would have chips and salsa, candy, graze dinner leftovers, fruit (not often enough), ice cream. Hell, sometimes I will make a small sandwich at 11pm just because I am bored, my stomach growls, I can't find anything on TV to watch, and I just do not want to go to bed (that is a whole different issue). I know this all stems from my depression. I allowed my knee injury and surgery to get inside my head. Between the injury, the lost momentum, the stress over how much the surgery cost (my insurance sucks), and the usual stresses I deal with (work, money, etc.) I have stopped trying and accepted defeat. I have put on most, if not all the weight I lost last year. I am taking the easy way out of things. Such as I was going to do a 5K this month and I was all too happy to back out of it for a "family conflict."***

The point of all this is if I "walked" as much as I "talked" I would look like Ryan Reynolds by now. Every day I look at myself in the mirror and hate what I see because I know I let all of this happen. I tell myself that I should get back on track but then I start with all the reasons not to. It feels like a little voice in my head that keeps talking me out of doing anything. I have a skinny angel and a fat devil on my shoulders. The skinny angel says "Hey, stop feeling sorry for yourself and do something about it!" The fat devil says "Or...you could get some chips and salsa and marathon Firefly." The fat devil usually wins. Here is a glimpse into my psyche when I think about working out. Warning: this is pretty much stream of consciousnesses...

i really should go for a run but it is cold outside cant run in the cold it makes my lungs hurt if i try to run too much i will hurt my knee more and it will be really bad i could go box in the fortress it is not that cold out there but it is kind of late and i ate a big dinner and i will get sick i could do the tires but again it is cold and it just rained so it is wet and it might rain again so better not risk it if i push myself too hard my knee with hurt again my knee hurts right now i better not push it i can start doing rushfit again on monday that will not work because i will not be home tuesday because james has a game and i wont be able to workout on thursday because i have to work late so why even start if i cant do it everyday i can try to adapt the program since i have completed it once before already and just do certain workouts and mix tires and boxing in around it i am really tired i have a cold my knee hurts i have to post the podcast i have to work on the yearbook i should really clean the kitchen and the boys room and the bathroom i think i need to cut my hair i need to see if there is an update on twitter or facebook look there is a new trailer for a comic book movie on youtube man i am hungry and really do not have anything else to do but i am not sure if i am really hungry or just bored but i really dont care because it will give me something to do i really hope steph does not hear the microwave go off because i dont want to explain that i am eating again since it is so late maybe i will just wait for her to go to bed but i really should not eat at 11 at night but if i am hungry i should eat something right

That is just a little bit about how my evening runs most of the time. I have gotten REALLY good at convincing myself that I should not work out. I love watching UFC and The Ultimate Fighter and I find inspiration in their training sessions as I sit on my butt and eat some more. I really do not like myself right now. The great irony is that my depression and stress are why I am allowing myself to not workout and eat all the time and the consequences of those actions are making me more depressed. I am hoping by airing all of this publicly it will help. I am not really sure what to do to get out of this current mental and emotional funk I am in but something needs to happen and happen soon. I just feel grey right now, much like the rain cloud about this paragraph. I'm a little black rain cloud but not in the cute Pooh kind of way. This is not a cry for help, this is not sympathy ploy, and this is not a pity party (at least I don't mean it to be). This is my coming clean with the {bleep} I have been slinging for the last 4 months. This is also about holding myself accountable.

I have been a member of Nerd Fitness for along time and thanks to the Facebook page I have discovered Project Reroll and have found a lot of inspiration from both sites. Steve has some really good articles and I need to go back and re-read some of them. Seriously, you need to check out the site. It is a great way to look at fitness, especially for the nerd community. If you like it, join the forums. I have tried completing the 6-week challenge and have not had the best luck with that. Quick shout-out to forum members surge_supra and jstanlick. They have been my biggest supporters in the challenges and I feel like I have let them down. They are good people. I have gone through the motions on most of it.  I need pull the cartridge, blow on it, push it up and down, and try again. Baby steps...

Step 1: I actually quit drinking sodas (or cokes as we call it in Texas, even if it is not Coke). Not sure why, just did. I have not had a soft drink in over a month. Coffee, tea, and water. And non-sweetened tea when possible****

Step 2: I am actively running again and I am working on running with proper form this time. As of this writing I have run once, but I did it with proper form and it was a major difference. My legs hurt like never before from running but I am a big fan of the benefits this new form is bringing.

So, in closing, I am going to evaluate things, find my mojo/inspiration/motivation/etc. and try to live up to the persona I am trying to convey. Honestly, part of my disliking of myself right now is related to the fact that I feel like I am deceiving everyone. I am going to come up with a new plan and will post my strategy for "Project Reset Button". Huzzah!

\m/ IS NO TRY \m/

*I REALLY need to stop posting about posting more often. It seems the more I do that the less I end up actually posting anything.

**Yes, I am using the word FAT. I am not using obese, overweight, or any other PC term... I AM FAT. And yes this is self-deprecating but it is tough love on my part. Just go with it.

***This is a legit conflict, don't get me wrong. But I still could have said I had a 5K to do that morning.

****There is no such thing as UNsweet tea. It comes that way. There is not process that removes the sweet from tea. It is tea or sweet tea. If you need a distiction say NON-sweetened tea.

*BLEEP* just got real

I have decided to take this blog in a much more personal direction. When I launched it I did not intend on it being a fitness blog, but it has become that. That will most likely be its primary function with other stuff sprinkled it. As it relates to the fitness stuff I am going to stop pulling punches, so to speak, and start being more honest and open about everything. I am shooting for one post per week right now. I really want to post more often but I have a lot of things on my plate right now. Stay tuned and bring the tissues.

\m/ IS NO TRY \m/

Don't Call It A Come Back...

I'm back! I have let this blog get away from me over the last few months, but there is a reason. I have been recovering from injury/surgery. In case you have not been following, here's the story...

I was training for an obstacle course 5K that was to take place in November. All Through my training U was fighting a nagging knee pain. Turns out that pain was actually a somewhat serious injury. I broke down and went to the doctor when I fell off the treadmill in pain. I had an MRI done and it was revealed that I had a "compound tear of the left medial meniscus  and that was going to require surgery. That took me out of my race. I was very upset, to say the lest. Over two months of training and I was sidelined two weeks before the event. I had surgery on November 30th and everything went fine.

The surgery may have fixed my knee, but it broke something else...my spirit. Sorry if that sounds overly dramatic but it is the truth. I spent most of 2012 working out a eating better and I was fianlly going to prove to myself that I was not just the fat nerd that makes everyone laugh and that opportunity was taken away. I did more in 2012 than I have in my entire life up to that point combined. I lost about 50 lbs, lost several inches all over, dropped a shirt size, my belt did nto fit anymore, and my wedding ring fell off. The I hit the brick wall of this frakking knee.

I was very concerned that I would backslide during my recovery and I dd just that. I took my "do or do not" mantra a bit too literally and "did not." With the exception of eat all the things. I threw myself a fully catered pity party and ate the whole spread. Never let it be said that I don't have feeling...I have 20 lbs of them. And none of them tasted like happy. I have spent the last few months feeling sorry for myself and letting myself get  lazy. I have noticed that my clothes are not loose like they were getting and I can see where I have put weight back on. Well I am here to declare NO MORE! This is not about a New Year's Resolution, it is about me getting off my lazy bum and getting back at it (it just happens to be January).

Now that you are up to speed.... where to go from here. I was scheduled for the Run For Your Lives Zombie 5K (my first 5K since I did not get to do my original first 5K) in March, but it was moved to the only weekend in June I have a conflict. Turns out that may not be a bad thing. I tried running last night for the first time: big mistake! About 45 seconds in to the run my knee let me know I was not ready for that. And it has continued to remind me not to try that again any time soon. For now I am focusing on body weight strength training. I am using a bike and walking to build up my knee and lower body work for strength. I bought a new punching bag over Christmas I am ready to try out and I am doing the RUSHFIT thing again. GSP is currently in training camp for his March 16th fight with Nick Diaz so I am doing Battle Camp and "training along with him". I am better than my knee injury and I will win.

\m/ TRY NOT. DO. OR DO NOT. THERE IS NO TRY \m/