Just like all of your conferences, let me start with something good: BrainPOP has some new videos for you to watch, some revamped movies, and good ol’ standbys like Thanksgiving. If you want to read more about what is happening at BrainPOP, then click here for their November newsletter (oddly enough, it was just released today).
Did you notice that you can give the gift of BrainPOP? The company is offering you the opportunity to purchase a year-long subscription for a child or anyone else. You just need the recipient’s name and email address, a credit card, and $99.
On another note, have you tried to create a video lately? Windows MovieMaker is installed on all our computers, and it’s a wonderfully easy way to edit video to look like you’re an indie producer at Sundance. Unfortunately, we’re beginning to see the Format Wars at work in the district as some people try to upload video from DVD camcorders, HDD camcorders, and even digital cameras that record video.
If you want to shoot some video that you and your students can edit with MovieMaker, the best method is to use a video camera that uses a MiniDV tape and plugs into the camera with a FireWire cable. The comptuer will easily recognize the camera and make editing a snap.
Similarly easy is to use a Canon digital camera. Canon still cameras that also shoot video save the video in the AVI format which is easily edited with MovieMaker. Just copy the video clip into your H-Drive as if it were a still photo, and you can edit the video from there.
If you’re interested in using video, please let me know, and I’ll help you get set up and assist with the editing process.