One of the continuing issues I have in doing a flipped classroom is technology. I use a variety of software to record video lectures, and I have had problems with all of them at some point. The biggest issue has to do with choosing the software most appropriate for the task. Do I need to have images or slides with my lecture? Do I need only video and audio? Do I need to just demonstrate a skill using a document camera? Depending on what I want to accomplish, the style really varies. I constantly think about which delivery method will be the most effective for student understanding and retention.
Another big issue is internet speed. I often use Present.me to record. A couple of times there have been issues with connectivity…WiFi is not fast enough or I forget to hook up the cable(sigh). As a result, all of my work for the 7-15 minutes of filming has gone to waste. That is so frustrating, because as most teachers, I am so strapped for time. Just having to re-film one 10 minute video is time-consuming. But then I get an email from Present.me saying one of my video lectures was “liked” and is being featured on their front page. Maybe another teacher will watch it and think, “I’ll save myself some time and use this great video for my students”.
I’m actually getting ready to start trying out even more apps and software to use. One I’m really excited to explore is TouchCast. TouchCast is like media inside of media, inside of media inside…you get the picture. So, all I need now is some time!
Follow up:
I really don’t like TouchCast…hate to say it, but I had very little luck with it. The example ones look so slick and professional. Mine have been great when practicing, but when I actually go to record, there is a serious lag in response time for any text, arrows, or bells and whistles I try to add. The embedded video or URLs also don’t respond well when recording. Also, it is very difficult to share. In fact, my TouchCast link has often taken me and my students to an Italian car commercial! Argh!
I have found an app that I like a lot…Explain Everything. This is an app I bought for my iPad. It has been super intuitive to use both for me and my students. Editing in the app is quite easy, and you can upload images, presentations, documents, and videos. My 7th grade students used it to record the audio portion of a presentation they did about tissue types.
Another transition I have made is finding more videos on YouTube, TeacherTube, and other sites to use. This isn’t always going to work for me and my students, because sometimes the content is too difficult, too easy, or not comprehensive enough. I have found some channels on YouTube that provide some really good resources that allow me to save some time. I hope to learn how to remix various videos on YouTube to tailor them for my classes.
Flipping my classroom is truly an ongoing saga, but well worth the time and effort. More on that in future posts. Stay tuned.