Tech Savvy Teachers » Resources

Simple and Easy Screen Sharing – Chrome Remote Desktop

Jon — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 17:09:05 +0000

If you’re using Chrome as your everyday browser (if you’re not switch already!), the new extension Chrome Remote Desktop comes in very handy. Using the extension, you generate a one time code to give to who ever needs to see your screen. They enter the code and through the Googley magic, they have access to your desktop. Sure, there are other remote desktop products out there, but none that I’m aware of that work so smoothly with Macs, PCs and even Chromebooks.

While it’s still in beta, it’s another example of how the Chrome team is walking the line between features and minimalist simplicity.

Chrome Remote Desktop BETA

Bit Literacy – A must read for anyone using technology.

Jon — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:08:37 +0000

Bit Literacy Cover

Bit Literacy is an excellent book that explores how we can be masters of out technology, instead of the other way around. Do you know anyone who sits at the computer hitting send and receive constantly waiting for an email? This book goes over a lot of common sense tips and techniques on how to set up systems to get the most out of the flood of information. From email to backups this book covers the essentials without focusing on any soon-to-be outdated technology. It’s a classic on technology use if there ever was one.

Using YouTube in the Classroom – without filter hassles

Jon — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:14:37 +0000

YouTube is often blocked at schools due to the inappropriate content that is hosted on the site. However, there is a great wealth of educational content as well that you might wish to show to your classes.

We will be downloading a copy of the video that you can bring into class. You’ll find that while downloading the video does require some planning, it offers some great benefits:

The file you bring in can’t be blocked by the filter
You have the video for years to come in case it’s taken down from youtube
You can show the video anytime, no longer dependent on an internet connection
Students won’t be exposed to the little thumbnails and links to other videos on the youtube site, which might not be appropriate.
No more loading or buffering waits!

In order to make showing a youtube video a smooth experience for your class, please follow the following steps.

These steps will be preformed at home (or somewhere where youtube is not blocked)

1. Copy the youtube video’s URL (web address). Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4s9V8aQu4c

Zamzar

2. Go to zamzar.com. Click Download Videos. Paste the URL for the youtube video in Step 1. Choose the format to convert to. AVI is a good choice. Step 3 – Enter your email address. Hit Convert and wait while the video is converted.

3. After you file has uploaded, you should get this message. In a few minutes you should receive an email

4. When you view your email from zamzar, find the download link below the pitch for you to sign up

5. Click on the download link on the web page. You now have a copy of the video that you can copy to a USB drive or burn to a CD to bring to school.

At School

6. Open your video file with a video player, such as VLC or Windows Media Player.

Note: There are many different services that will allow you to download a youtube video. A quick search on google for “youtube downloader” will give you many other sites to use in case zamzar goes down or isn’t working for some reason.