Mission Update 002

Mission Update 002

I am dropping the theme for this post because I need to clear the air. February was crazy. January was intended to be a building month. Changing old habits, building new ones, getting into a rhythm. That rhythm never really solidified unfortunately and the old habits proved they would not go away without a fight. There were a number of things the universe decided to throw in my way over the last month and as a result I have gotten WAY off track and need to get back to it.

Grown-up Insurance

If you recall in the Rebirth series my wife and I got a life insurance policy. This is what I call our “grown-up insurance.” To remind you there could possibly be an issue with my weight. Well we finally got the results back from our blood work and everything was good for both of us. We even got a call from our agent (remember he was the one who asked how quickly I could get below 300 lbs) and he said everything was fine. He even specified that everything was fine with me. Turns out that was premature. The premium we were quoted was approved for my wife, but not for me. My premium was going to be about $20/month higher. In order to maintain the quoted premium, my coverage had to be lowered. When all the paperwork came in I had to sign an acknowledgment that my premium was higher. It even said the premium was higher because of my weight. I have never had to actually sign something acknowledging that I am overweight. I signed their paper and sent it back so now I have grown-up insurance and a lot of self loathing.

Knee Problems

I went to Austin for week for a work conference at the beginning of February. I had a challenge of having to eat out for every meal for 5 days. I am proud to say that I made a number of very good choices for food. I also walked A LOT. Our hotel was about .75 miles from the convention center and the convention center is stupid huge so I walked constantly all week. I almost hit a record 20k steps in a single day. At the end of the week I had walked over 30 miles. This is all well and good but my knees paid for it. Between walking everywhere and the all-over-the-place weather Texas has had my knees were done for when I got home. I made sure to take it easy that weekend to recover. I was very motivated to take the momentum of having logged so much walking to get my running program going. Monday morning came and I got on the treadmill to do C25K Day 1 for the umpteenth time. This was not a good idea. I pushed myself a bit too hard and my knees (especially the right knee) have been killing me ever since. I have not done anything in 2 weeks.

More Knee Problems

Given the state of my knees I wear knee braces regularly. I have worn out all but 1 of them. The 1 I have is really good but it is wearing out, and I have 2 knees. This is where things get ridiculous. I ordered 2 knee braces that should have fit according to the product page. I got excited when they showed up until they did not fit. They would not go around my fat ass thighs. I sent them back. I ordered 2 more that also should have fit, this time they were name brand and heavy duty. I was all excited when they came in until once again they would not go around my stupid fat thighs. I have sent that pair back as well. I began searching the Internet for a knee brace that would fit. The only search parameter I could come up with that seemed fitting was “plus size knee brace.” That actually found me exactly what I needed. Unfortunately the size I need is only available through medical supply. That being the case, the “plus-sized knee brace” is to treat knee pain caused by obesity. It’s even call that: Bariatric Knee Brace and/or Obesity Pain Knee Brace. So I have an order ready to go as soon as Amazon processes my return of the 2nd pair that does not fit. The icing on this soul-crushing cake...the interweb’s algorithm that makes custom ads based on your browsing got 1 last good shot in. The text ads on the Amazon page for the Bariatric Knee Brace offered me an orthopedic specialist and 2 weight loss surgery centers. Frak you very much.

Emotional Baskin Robbins

Remember how I said old habits were not going down without a fight? Well my habit of eating my feelings is a combination of Clubber Lang and Ivan Drago. I have not been doing well at all on my goal of not bored/stress/emotional eating. I am doing ok with taking a healthy lunch to work and not overeating at meals but between meals, late night, and my morning drive not so much. I have gotten 2nd breakfast on my way to work a couple of times a week lately, a habit I have really been working on breaking. I won’t lie, it has not been pretty at times. I am working on it but sometimes depression voice wins out.

A New Work Stress

Sometimes the downside of doing your job well is more work. I have had a good year thus far and everyone is happy with me. Of course this means we get to add to my plate. Next year I will be adding Foundations of Computer Science to my list of classes I am teaching. That is great. As of right now it is just replacing a class I am currently teaching so it is not more work in that sense. There is a small problem with this plan. We are offering this course for high school credit. In order to do so I have to get a new teaching certificate. This means I get a new project: learn the overall basics of every aspect of computer science….and some basic coding. Luckily I have some basic coding background from working on my Google Scripts project. The rest, however, will be a challenge. Now I get to spend my free time prepping for a test and learning the content I have to teach next year. The plus side is I have all summer to learn the actual class stuff I will be teaching but I have to be ready for the test in May. I wasn’t busy enough, right?

A New Plan

Clearly the original mission needs to be reworked. I am currently working on that and will have and update hopefully March 1st. Until then may the Force be with you and may the Power protect you.

\m/ THERE IS NO TRY \m/

PS -- I went a bit GIF happy. Sorry not sorry.

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.

Video Production for the Classroom. Notes from #EdCampDallas

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.

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...

• 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.
• 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 at gmail dot 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.