Thursday, October 17, 2013

Server Error Message in Google Docs /Drive

If you see this while opening a Google doc:

Then do that in Chrome: 
1. 

2. Once the temporary window opens, choose SETTINGS. 
3. In settings, click on ADVANCE SETTINGS (at the very bottom of the new window)
4. In advance settings, scroll down to the very bottom and  click on RESET BROWSER SETTINGS

You are done.


Jude



Monday, June 24, 2013

Camtasia training - day 1 for Mac

When using Camtasia 2 for Mac, uploading with the built-in Youtube share function does not yield great results. Just like for Camtasia 8 for Windows, it is better to first save an MP4 file and then upload it:
- In Share, choose Advanced Export. 
- Then choose Export to MP4 and click on Options.
- In options, choose the following settings:













Note: the image size is standard to most school desktops, however, you may want to play with this setting.









Jude

Camtasia Training - Day 1

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The first issue was to determine the optimal settings for uploading a video to YouTube. It appears that the automatic sharing to YouTube  gives very mediocre results. Although you always seem to loose some of the definition, You can get a much better video quality by using these settings:

- Editing dimensions: 1280x1024
- In Produce and Share: Choose "Custom Production Settings" > MP4 Flash/Html5 Player>next>video settings: frame rate: 30 and slide from "smaller file" to "higher quality">next>next>finish.

Create a folder in your computer, as this last command will generate a number of files. However, the good news is that you will find among these files an MP4 file. Once you located it, just upload it to YouTube.

One more thing: it will take a few minutes for your youtube video to offer the highest definition option (HD720p) to viewer . As the default definition is of lower quality, you need to inform your viewers to select this option for optimal picture (see picture below).

See for instance this test. Never mind my voice comments, just look at the quality of the picture and compare with other formats, if you have the patience for that :)

Jude



Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Flipped classroom: no need to reinvent the wheel

Among the teachers communities where you can download screencasts for your curriculum,  one of the most important and organized is the Khan Academy.

I recommend listening to the TEDtalk by its founder,  and then go the the Khan Academy website.

Jude.

A low key way to start recording your screen for flipping your classroom

If you don't feel ready for a new software like Camtasia, why not giving a try, first, to a simple screen recorder already installed with your Smartboard software?
Not a lot of bells and whistles, but it will make you feel what it is like to create a screencast.
The screen recorder tool is on your floating toolbar. If it is not, just add it by clicking on the settings icon at the bottom of the toolbar. More questions? Don't hesitate to ask!

Jude


Experimenting with the flipped classroom

This summer at Profile,  five teachers and your dedicated librarian/tech integrator will explore what is currently the best tool for the flipped classroom, Camtasia Studio.  Following up on this previous post, take a look at these short introduction tutorials about Camtasia Studio. You will see and learn how to capture your screen and edit its content to tailor it to the needs of your students.
You may download the full version of Camtasia Studio here (Windows and Mac versions) and use it for an entire month. Should you be interested in useing it after that,  there are a few extra permanent  licences still availalble. Just contact me.

Jude