Remote Learning @ NTC

 One of the issues you may face when creating/publishing video is the size of file generated. Video can consume a large amount of storage space and prevent quick access. Fortunately, a neat app ' Handbrake ' exists that will allow you to make your video files manageable. Use the link above to download. The short video guide takes you through the steps involved in using the app.

Recording of Getting Started with GCSEPod - 18 June 2020

Here are a series of short videos showcasing how staff are encouraging students and developing remote learning. The journey is an exciting one ....   

Now anyone can be a sound engineer! One of the questions I have been asked is "how do I add sound to a movie?" You may need to do this to explain a process or describe events over several clips. Here's a quick and simple method using Google Meet. When recording a narration, do remember to mute the sound on your original movie. Below are 2 movie clips: "How to narrate a movie" takes you through the process using Google Meet Narrated Movie gives you the finished product as produced by using the present and record tools in Google Meet.

Just what would the English language be without computers? Being 'pwned' happens when your details, eg email address, password, likes and dislikes are illegally downloaded. Many organisations suffer data breaches. This is not because their security is weak (this can of course be a reason). In the past Edmodo and Canva had user details stolen. Recently, mathway had 25,000,000 user details stolen. So what's the problem? Stolen user details are more often than not sold on the Dark Web. Once your details are traded they may be used to create accounts masquerading as you. An email loaded with a virus might be sent out in your name. That compromises a school system. Chances are that you use the same password for a range of accounts? If I know your password for an email account I might spend some time trying to break into your other accounts. If I can spot you on Facebook, for example, I might have a go at using your password. If I'm succesful I might just post an outrageous c

The ability to produce neat looking, and correct, equations crosses a number of subjects not least maths, science and engineering. Google Docs has a useful and easy to use equation builder that will enable you and your students to create equations rapidly that could look something like this:

One of the issues that you may come against in demonstrating a techniques live is that the text is mirrored. This happens when you are using what os called a 'facing camera". Simple fix for this is Google Chrome plug in called "VideoMirror". The app can be accessed here:  https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/videomirror/lgknkdljklhkafjfekjjbldfcdnmdpkh Once installed, the plugin will appear in your browser similar to this (look for the red VM): Click on the VM to toggle between mirrored and non-mirrored. Good luck Mike

One of the issues oyu may face when using Google meet to deliver live lessons is the issue of reversed text. This means that what you write looks reversed. Luckily, there is a chrome extension that removes that problem, go here: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/videomirror/lgknkdljklhkafjfekjjbldfcdnmdpkh At the top of your Chrome browser you will see a view icon. Hit that to turn the image on screen back or forward. Good luck!

Recording of a webinar looking at managing online assessments

A useful link to the EAL journal here Article is accessible and not toolong

The two videos below deal with using Google meet. The first video deals with creating a Google meet in real time and getting the meeting details. Video 2 looks at using Google Meet in more depth:      Scheduling a meeting      Recording a meeting      Presenting content      Checking settings

As we move towards Term 5, think about how you will track student progress. NTC's Google Forms area has 5 templates which can be used to develop your own tests: Open the template Rename it to fit your subject/test Modify the questions to your subject/test Send students a link or place it in your Google Classroom area as an assignment  Link to Google Form Testing  Templates Question types covered: Multiple Choice Short answer Paragraph Dropdown Checkbox Upload files

There are a number of ways in which students can provide evidence of learning. Voice, ie them answering questions in audio format, are a useful way of checking understanding and giving a more creative way of showcasing. There are a number of apps available, notable amongst them is Audacity Audacity is free and easy to use. Even better than that are the range of online voice recorders such as https://online-voice-recorder.com/ This online platform requires no installation, no sign-up and no conversion. Simply hit the microphone icon to start and stop and then download. Even has a pause facility for those coughs and squeaks. Ideal for a podcast. Here's a short video on how to use it:

One of the massive benefits of Google applications is the way in which the features are designed to be used fluidly. Google Forms os an excellent way in which to create tests and quizzes for your students. There are a wide range of question types  The most common that you are likely to use are paragraph (for written answers), multiple choice and drop down. These are useful for building confidence. The first allows for some test of application, the latter two allow for recall and testing of method. Google Forms provides an automatic collection and analysis of data - excellent for getting a whole class picture alongside individual performance. The questions allow for feedback to be provided - this overcomes some of the issues involved in repeatedly addressing the same errors and misconceptions. In the video tutorial I take you through the setting up of a quiz and process for creating the 3 major question types.  Do use the comment section in the post to highlight further

Google Classroom has rapidly become the 'go to' platform for many teachers.  One of the greatest features is the ability to create assignments that can be viewed in real time as students develop their evidence. Great for working remotely as you are able to see progress being made, level of engagement and areas where intervention might be needed. There are features such as the ability to add comments, if you use Google Documents, and provide advice that is emailed to the student. Top Tips: Plan your assignment resources - you can only issue a file to every student when you create the assignment. If you want to add further files for student completion after the initial assignment creation you cannot issue a file per student. Wherever possible, create the files using Google documents such as Sheets, Docs, Slides or Forms. These have almost identical features to the Microsoft equivalents but there are some differences. If all else fails convert your file to its Google equ

Hi Most newish Windows machines have a little known tool to help record your screen activity to video. Hit the Windows and G keys at the same time (Windows key is bottom row on the left) This will open a dialogue that looks something like this: Check the settings for your microphone and make a note of where the video is saved. The video created might be quite large. I use a program called handbrake to shrink the size of my videos. https://handbrake.fr/downloads.php

A useful technique is to turn your PowerPoint into a video. This allows you to narrate over the top of your slides, providing opportunity to explain techniques and processes. To help you on your way, use the ' Recording a PowerPoint Presentation' PDF. I've included a sample recording to illustrate what this might look and sound like in practice.

Hello All One of the questions that have been asked is "How do I use PowerPoint in my Google Classroom?" There are features in your PPTX file that may not be compatible with Google Classroom. In this instance it would be better to use Google Slides. Luckily, there is a straightforward method of converting PPTX to Google Slides. Take a look at the short video - under 5 minutes. Hit the full scree n icon (bottom left) to expand the video.