TILT - Teachers Improving Learning with Technology

Videolicious - Free Voice Narrated Video Slideshow App

2011-12-05T21:49:00.001-07:00

Videolicious is a free (iTunes link) universal iOS app which allows users to easily create voice-narrated photo and video slideshows. The app walks users through a simple step-by-step process beginning with selecting photos or video clips, recording narration through the front video camera, and finishing with the selection of a background music track. The finished video shows the first and last couple seconds of the video narration, and then transitions to all the photos and video clips (no audio from imported video clips) which are fit automatically into the narration length. Unlike some other photo narration apps, the video is saved to the device camera roll for easy transfer to a computer. Some users don't like the fact that you can't directly narrate to specific photos, as you can't see them when you're narrating. What the app lacks in functionality it more than makes up for in ease of use and efficiency! A great tool for students of all ages!

Voicecards Are Not Flashcards - iPad/iPod App for Inclusive Classrooms

2011-12-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

Voicecards Are Not Flashcards ($0.99, iTunes universal iPad/iPod/iPhone app, Free lite version available) is remarkably different from most other flashcard apps in that users can both create and use flashcards auditorily! Quick and easy to create for students of all ages as well as a searchable online database of pre-made question sets, this app is a MUST for the inclusive, UDL classroom!

TILT - StopMotion Recorder App for iPhone & iPod Touch 4th Generation

2010-11-16T15:06:00.001-07:00

StopMotion Recorder ($0.99) allows users to create stop-motion ‘claymation-like’ videos using your iPod Touch 4th Generation camera! This is a simple, yet powerful app that can get students creating great stop-motion videos instantly!

Download Link (11.4MB .mp4)

Embed a YouTube Video into PowerPoint

2010-07-26T12:42:00.003-06:00

Many teachers see the value of viewing YouTube video content with their students but have concerns about some of the advertisements and the other 'wrapper' elements that often surround the YouTube video. Certainly using sites such as WatchKnow.org are an option, however not all YouTube videos are in WatchKnow. Some teachers use websites such as Zamzar.com or methods such as KissYouTube or PwnYouTube to convert and download YouTube videos, however some teachers are nervous about copyright and YouTube Terms of Service issues. Yet other teachers embed YouTube videos on their own blogs and wikis, but some teachers don't have their own easy web publishing spaces.

Recently, while reading Andrea's Blog I discovered that YouTube videos can be embedded into PowerPoint 2007 relatively easily. Below is a YouTube video describing the process, as well as a download link to a PowerPoint 2007 presentation which has the directions and a couple sample embedded YouTube videos as well.

Download sample PowerPoint 2007 presentation with emedded YouTube video and instructions (1.2 MB PPTX)

A picture is worth a thousand words so I encourage you to watch the YouTube video directions, however if you want the quick instructions the steps are:

In PowerPoint, enable the 'Developer' tab by choosing 'PowerPoint Options', then 'Show Developer tab in the Ribbon'
On a new slide, choose 'Developer' tab-->'More Controls'-->'Shockwave Flash Object' and click and drag a rectangle for your embedded YouTube video. It will look like a rectancle with an 'x' inside it.
Copy the url of the YouTube video you want embedded
Right-click the 'rectangle x' and choose 'Properties'
Copy/paste the YouTube url into the ‘Movie’ line.
E.g. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hChq5drjQl4
Remove the ‘watch?’, put a / after the ‘v’, and remove the ‘=‘ sign.
E.g. Before
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hChq5drjQl4
After
http://www.youtube.com/v/hChq5drjQl4
Exit the properties
Launch your PowerPoint presentation and your YouTube video will appear (*Requires live Internet connection)

Download sample PowerPoint 2007 presentation with emedded YouTube video and instructions (1.2 MB PPTX)

Using the Pecha Kucha Presentation Technique with Students

2010-06-24T17:47:00.000-06:00

The Pecha Kucha presentation essentially involves 20 media-rich slides with little or no text voice-narrated for no longer than 20 seconds per slide for a total presentation time of 6 minutes, 40 seconds. In this episode you'll see an overview of Pecha Kucha and how your students can create Pecha Kucha presentations of their own.

Thanks to the following people in my Twitter PLN, friends, and the blogosphere for their expertise and experience which helped me create this:

Aaron Ball, @MrAaronBall, Casual Teacher Blog
Jeff Johnson, @iLeadCommunity, @iPadEducators
Sylvia Tolisano, @Langwitches, Langwitches Blog Post "Presentation21 Make-Over"
Dean Shareski, @shareski, Ideas & Thoughts from an Edtech Blog Post "My First Crack at Keynote and Pecha Kucha"
Scott Walker, TeacherTechBlog Post "PowerPoint: Students Use Pecha Kucha to Streamline Presentations"
Joni Dunlap, Thoughts on Teaching Blog Post "Pecha Kucha, an alternative format for presentations"
Pecha Kucha 20 x 20

Here is the PowerPoint presentation I used in the screencast:

Using the Pecha Kucha Presentation Technique with Students (6.2MB PPTX File)

Right-click to download:
Windows Media Version (720 x 480, 31Mb)

TILT - Create a Classroom Magazine with PowerPoint

2010-03-04T18:36:00.001-07:00

Microsoft PowerPoint is software which is present in most of our schools, however it can be used for so much more than presentations. In this episode, you'll see how PowerPoint can be used to create a beautiful classroom magazine. While the screencast demonstrates PowerPoint 2007, 2003 can also be used.

Project ideas include:

Thematic articles (e.g. poetry magazine, global citizenship magazine)
Subject-specific (e.g. math magazine)
Student portfolio magazine for each student (e.g. work samples, reflections, interviews, etc.)
Cross-class magazine (e.g. collaborative project between two or more classes)

Publishing options include:

Print copies with services such as HP's MagCloud
Online publishing services such as Youblisher

Right-click to download:
iTunes Version (1280 x 720, 32Mb)
Windows Media Version (720 x 480, 13Mb)

Student-created Graphic Organizer Activities to Enhance Visual Literacy & Deepen Learning

2010-01-28T11:02:00.000-07:00

Having students create their own graphic organizers with key words or phrases, multimedia, connections, color, and layout can be a great way for them to develop visual literacy and thinking skills, construct and represent knowledge, and show the connections between their ideas and understandings.

In this episode, participants will be shown specific examples of three different types of graphic organizers for different purposes:

Compare and Contrast Map
Concept Map (in the form of an opinion composition)
Hierarchy/Classification Map (in the form of a decision tree)

These three graphic organizers will be demonstrated using three tools which are free or readily available for most students:

PowerPoint (not just a slide show tool anymore!)
Prezi zooming presentation tool
Glogster EDU multimedia poster tool

The ideas shared and discussed with participants will be consistent with the social constructivist classroom in a Universal Design for Learning environment.

Right-click to download:
iTunes Version (640 x 480, 29 MB)
Windows Media Version (640 x 480, 39 MB)

TILT - Multiple Unique Email Addresses for Student Web 2.0 Services Using a Single Gmail Account

2009-12-07T21:59:00.000-07:00

There are many excellent web 2.0 tools that can enhance learning and allow students to communicate what they know, such as Animoto.com/education, Prezi.com, and GoAnimate.com. One of the issues for teachers, however, is that some of these tools require unique email addresses for each user. In this episode, you'll learn how to create numerous unique email addresses for web 2.0 account registrations instantly using a single Gmail account.

Right-click to download:
iTunes Version (640 x 480, 9.4 MB)
Windows Media Version (640 x 480, 4.2 MB)

TILT - iPhones in Classrooms

2009-09-29T23:32:00.002-06:00

In this episode, we'll look at four elements of the iPhone which make it a great educational tool for a teacher and students:

Still/video camera and apps to edit/enhance photos (00:43)
Audio recorder (04:15)
iPod/iTunes (05:04)
Blogging apps (07:31)

Show links: None this episode

Right-click to download:
iTunes Version (320 x 240, 34 MB MPEG-4)
Windows Media Version (640 x 480, 47 MB WMV)

TILT - Slideshows and Video Projects to DVD the Easy (and Free) Way

2008-03-27T21:07:00.006-06:00

The thought of burning photo slide shows, PowerPoint presentations, and video projects to DVD as a way of sharing schoolwork with home is desirable to many teachers. With Windows XP however, too often it means having to buy software.

In this episode, you'll see options for converting these projects and burning them to DVD which are easy and which involve using free, trusted software.

Show Links:
DVD Flick Website
Microsoft Photo Story 3
Windows Media Encoder 9

Large Google Video Version
Right-click to download:
iTunes Version (320 x 240, 42 MB MPEG-4)
Windows Media Version (640 x 480, 38 MB WMV)

TILT Episode 16 - Multimedia Storybooks with PowerPoint 2003

2007-05-19T16:15:00.000-06:00

We know that our students learn better through multiple representations of the same idea, not to mention the engagement that multimedia can offer our students. With text, animation, narration, and the ability to insert video/audio clips, using PowerPoint to create multimedia storybooks is a natural! In this episode you'll see the basics of creating or retelling a story using PowerPoint 2003.

Show Links:
Rubistar - Online rubric creator
Sounddogs - Downloadable sound effects
Sample multimedia storybook rubric (9KB PDF)
Sample PowerPoint shown in this episode

Large Google Video Version
Right-click to download:
iTunes Version (320 x 240, 37 MB MPEG-4)
Windows Media Version (640 x 480, 36 MB WMV)

TILT Episode 15 - Creating a Timeline with Microsoft Excel

2007-01-15T21:15:00.000-07:00

Many of us in schools have access to Microsoft Excel, but finding a variety of uses for this powerful program can be challenging. In this tutorial episode, we will use Microsoft Excel to create a simple yet interactive and media-rich timeline.

Show Links:
Microsoft.com's online lesson
Excel template used in this episode (287 KB)

Large Google Video Version
Right-click to download:
iTunes Version (320 x 240, 19 MB MPEG-4)
Windows Media Version (640 x 480, 23 MB WMV)

TILT Episode 14 - So You Want to be a Vidcaster?

2006-10-22T20:49:00.000-06:00

Quite a few people have asked me about how I create TILT episodes. Some want to have their students create their own vidcasts/vodcasts/videoblogs/screencasts and some are interested in creating their own, either for their students, their staff, or for the blogosphere. In this episode, I'll show you how I create these video episodes for FREE. If/when you decide to 'take the plunge' with this type of thing, drop me an email so I can check it out!

Blogger
Wordpress
Windows Media Encoder (Free Windows Screen Recorder)
Snapz Pro X (Apple Screen Recorder)
*UPDATE* iShowU - Another highly-rated Mac Screen Recorder
OurMedia
FeedBurner

Large Google Video Version
Right-click to download:
MPEG-4 (320 x 240, 47 MB)
Windows Media (640 x 480, 65 MB)

TILT Episode 13 - Math Fact Websites are FUN!

2006-10-05T19:49:00.000-06:00

Students and teachers from grades 2-9 and beyond often struggle with learning basic math facts. As educators, we know how important memorizing these facts can be in learning numerous other math concepts, yet learning these facts can be a difficult, almost painful process for students. In this episode, we'll look at a few websites which will help students learn basic facts and teachers learn basic facts in a fun way.

Links in this episode:
Math Mayhem (00:29)
Multiflyer (02:14)
Multiplication.com (05:23)
Mathflash! (09:54)

Google Video Large Version
Right-click (Mac Command + click) to download this episode
Windows Media (640 x 480, 47.8 MB)
MPEG-4 (320 x 240) (35Mb)

TILT Episode 12 - Web Applications Part 2

2006-09-05T23:57:00.000-06:00

In this episode, we'll feature 4 fantastic web-based applications that can have you and your students using some incredibly-functioning, feature-rich applications without the need to install anything. As the episode title suggests, these applications and tools run right in your web browser and are all FREE.

Applications featured in this episode:
Writely - the web word processor
Gliffy - a web-based concept-mapping/diagram-creating tool similar to Inspiration
Protopage - create feature-rich web pages instantly without any programming (or program)
Gabbly - a chat application window that can appear with ANY website instantly (records your chat transcript too)
Mailinator - instant and disposable email addresses for those who love these web services but don't want to give an email address to register for these services with a real email address

Google Video - larger version
MPEG-4 Version (48MB, 320x240 - Right-click 'Save Target As...' to download)
Windows Media Version (59MB, 640x480)

TILT Episode 11 - Technology for Thinking

2006-06-01T13:40:00.000-06:00

Some say that technology does not improve student learning, and have plenty of data to back it up. Others say the reason for that is that teachers aren't teaching differently with technology than they do in their classrooms. I say that if we want to improve learning with technology, we need to understand the learning process. Once we do, we'll be better able to apply those beliefs about how learning should happen to any technology that comes our way.

In this episode, we'll look at 3 popular learning theories, and make connections to how technology can leverage the learning process.

Google Video - larger version
MPEG-4 Version - 64Mb, 320x240 (Right-click and 'Save target as' to download)
Windows Media Version - 83Mb, 640x480

Show Notes

Constructivism - 01:27
Social Cognition - 04:39
Brain-based Learning - 11:04

Show Links
Podomatic
Audacity
Q-Matrix Presentation
Big 6
Webquests
Class Blogmeister
Doing CL
Collaborative Learning Structures
Social Constructivism

Jigsaw Classroom
Crash Course in Learning Theory
Great Problem-Based Learning Article (3MB PDF) by Miguel Guhlin
Math game website shown in the video - Count On
FreePlayMusic - Free music for school-based projects (don't upload to the Internet)
Class Blogmeister
Pod-o-matic - Free online podcasting tool
Funderstanding - Brain-based Learning

TILT Episode 10 - Beginning Excel in the Classroom

2006-04-20T08:37:00.000-06:00

Most teachers I've talked to want to use Microsoft Excel with their students but don't know where to begin. This episode guides you through a simple but interesting project with Excel which involves doing a real-time survey, entering that data into Excel, and very quickly and easily turning that data into a pictograph.

Click here for large Google Flash Video
Right-Click to download Episode 10
MPEG-4 Version (320 x 240, 18.5MB)
Windows Media Version (640 x 480, 21.6MB)

TILT Episode 9 - Educational Blogging Part 2

2006-03-11T22:57:00.000-07:00

Teachers are doing many things with weblogs in their classrooms. In this episode, we feature some of those blogs as well as interview a Seattle teacher, Bre Pettis, about how he uses blogs with his art students.

Right-click to save MPEG-4 version (79 Mb)

Click here to watch a larger version of this Flash video on Google Video

Show Links:
Mrs. Polak's 4/6 Class Blog
Paul Gates' 2nd Grade Class
Willow Web
Simple Machine Blog
Dive Blog
Young Reader's Choice Awards Blog
Bre Pettis' Room 132 Blog

Episode 4 - Online Literature

2006-02-20T21:20:00.001-07:00

Episode 4 - Online Literature

Episode 3 - Educational Robotics

2006-02-20T21:20:00.000-07:00

Episode 3 - Educational Robotics

Episode 2 - Digital Pictures in the Classroom

2006-02-20T21:19:00.000-07:00

Episode 2 - Using Digital Pictures in the Classroom

Episode 1 - Using the Internet to Enhance Writing

2006-02-20T21:18:00.000-07:00

Episode 1 - Using the Internet to Enhance Writing

TILT Episode 8 - Teaching Area, Perimeter, and Scale Drawing with Microsoft Word

2006-02-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

In this episode, we look at how teaching the math concepts of area, perimeter, and/or scale drawing can be enhanced using a tool most of us have, Microsoft Word.

Right-click here to download the MPEG-4 Video (24 MB)

Click here to watch the Google Video full screen or click the play button below to watch now!

TILT Episode 7 - Multimedia Animation Using PowerPoint

2005-12-21T15:51:00.000-07:00

In this episode, we look at 3 techniques students (and teachers) can use to create animations in PowerPoint:
1) Custom animation built into PowerPoint (2:27)
2) Keyframe animation with 'Duplicate Slides' and/or with sprites (7:25)
3) 'Flash-once' animation (10:41)

I've used all 3 types of animation with kids for different purposes, but by and large the most effective activities I've done are ones that involve students explaining concepts or ideas with animations. Not present in this episode, students can also record their own voices or add music using tools built into PowerPoint.

Click here for the PowerPoint template used in this episode

Show Links:
The Spriter's Resource
Logitech Video Effects
Other Sprite Animation Websites:
The People's Sprites
Game Sprite Archives

Large Google Video Version

MPEG-4 Version (42 MB)

TILT Episode 6 - Educational Blogging Part 1

2005-12-01T18:21:00.000-07:00

In this episode we'll begin to examine the learning possiblilities with student blogging. We'll briefly look at some issues associated with student bloging and go for a quick tour of some free blogging platforms for educational blogging. We'll finish by taking a look at ways which parents, teachers, and students can view numerous updated blog entries (RSS Syndication) all in one place.

Show Links:

Blogger
Blogging Legal Guide
Teachers' TV
Blogger in the Classroom - Pete McKay/Sandra Gluth
LearnerBlogs
SuprGlu
Blogmeister
21Publish
NetVibes
Google Reader
R-Mail

Large Google Video Version

MPEG-4 Version

TILT Quickie - Web-based Applications for Students and Teachers

2005-10-28T22:30:00.000-06:00

'Back in the day', we used to run programs and applications off of CDs. With the expansion of the Internet, we now are able to purchase, download, and install these programs, but they often cost a lot. What's worse, installating these programs requires special permissions on our school servers most of us don't have (or know how to use).

What we're now seeing is a growth in web-based applications - that is, programs that run right through our web browsers. I've featured a few in previous episodes (e.g. Pod-o-matic for example). The 'new' Internet (sometimes referred to as Web 2.0) is producing more and more of these interactive web-based applications. Featured in this 'Quickie' episode of TILT are 3 fantastic examples illustrating this growing phenomenon:

Think Free Office Online - (00:25) a web-based FREE word processor, presentation software, and spreadsheet that 'look and feel' very similar to Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
Project Cam - (04:06) a FREE, web-based communication application which features video, voice, and text chat as well as file sharing - perfect for communicating from classroom to classroom
Document Converter eXPress - (07:30) this web-based program converts files to .pdf Adobe Reader documents as well as numerous other file types online for FREE

Good news everyone - I believe I've fixed the audio distortion you may have heard on previous episodes. Now I no longer sound like Darth Vader's little brother :)

Click to view TILT Quickie - Web-based Applications for Students and Teachers(22Mb MPEG-4 Video) (To save video, right-click on the link and choose 'Save Target As...' or 'Save Link As')

TILT Episode 5 - Problem-based Learning With Technology

2005-10-07T14:11:00.000-06:00

Well, The Problem-based Learning (PBL) episode is ready and it's a large download (40+Mb). In this episode we begin with an overview of what Problem-based learning with technology is (to me). Next we look at going through the process of a PBL technology activity with the example of a science problem, 'How do we manage waste in our world?' The third segment features some example student end-products that can be created to show their understanding or solution to the PBL activity, and the episode wraps up showing 3 different online tools for assessing PBL activities.

It's a long episode and even at around 40 minutes I left out a lot of things. It's a big and important topic that I wanted to do justice to. Below are some show notes for those of you who'd like to skip ahead to certain parts of the episode as well as links to the websites mentioned in the episode. Thanks again to those who shared their great ideas and resouces for this episode - that is what TILT is all about. I encourage any teachers to send any tech-related ideas, resources, etc. to me for future show - tilttv@gmail.com

What is PBL with technology? (00:27-05:58)
Going through the PBL process with your students (05:59-13:03)
Ideas for creative end-products for PBL activities (13:04-30:59)
Assessing PBL activities (31:00-39:00)

Show Links:
Great educational websites repository - The Teacher List
Sample PBL Activity - How do we manage waste in our world?
To Excel in the Class is Elementary
To Excel in the Class is Elementary - Excel Timelines Section
Create-A-Graph
PowerPoint Games (Not Mark E. Damon's site, but access to his Millionaire and Jeopardy templates)
RadioWaves - Student-created radio programs (podcasts)
RadioWaves - Spokane Valley High School site
RadioWaves - BECTA site showing a video overview of RadioWaves
podOmatic - Online podcasting tool (no installations required - only a microphone/speakers)
PBWiki - free instant Wiki creation site
James Tubbs' Math Blog - The Future of Math
James Tubbs' Future of Math - Sample Student Blog
Rubistar - Online rubric maker
Quizstar - Autogradeable quizzes for your students to do online
Easy Test Maker - Website for making/editing paper test questions to print off

Large Google Video Version
MPEG-4 Version (48 MB)

TILT Quickie - Student-Created Science Lab Video Reports

2005-09-27T08:41:00.000-06:00

Not a complete episode of TILT, this video clip shows an example of how a student could create and document a science lab report using the digital video feature of a standard digital camera and a standard free video production suite such as Windows Movie Maker (used to create this video) or iMovie. This movie was created by me, but ideally we'd want the students to create these types of videos to show their knowledge of the science concepts.

Note to iTunes subscribers - for regular TILT episodes, see the TILT website for a full listing of links featured in the episodes so you don't have to scramble to find something to write down the urls while watching episodes.

This sample video answers the question "Does the temperature of water affect the rate that a jellybean will dissolve?". Another great website showcasing student-created science experiment videos comes from the Florida Center for Instructional Technology's 'The Science Connection' website .

The science lab format breaks from the traditional format and instead focuses around 4 questions:

What's Your Question?
What's Your Answer?
How do you Know You're Right?
Where do we go From Here?

By the way, I'd love some feedback on the shorter 'quickie' spots versus the polished, longer episodes. Ideally I'd like to keep doing both the regular episodes plus the shorter quick videos such as this one.

MPEG-4 Version

TILT Episode 4 (MPEG-4 Format) - Online Literature Websites

2005-09-01T16:48:00.000-06:00

In this episode of TILT, we take a look at some websites which contain literature online in some format. Some of the websites show interactive multimedia stories online, while others are meant to be downloaded or printed off. Some websites contain free online literature, while others require membership. All in all, these are some of the best online literature sites I've seen! Here are links to the websites in this episode.

Click to view TILT Episode 4 - Online Literature Websites (17Mb MPEG-4 Video)

TILT Episode 3 (MPEG-4 Format) - Educational Robotics

2005-08-24T17:13:00.000-06:00

In this Episode of TILT, we examine the potential of robotics programs as learning tools. Here is an overview of Episode 3:

Overview of Educational Robotics (1:04)
A Brief Review of the Literature on Educational Robotics (1:40)
Working With Lego Mindstorms and Robolab (3:09)
Web Resources Which Support Educational Robotics (10:02)
Teaching and Learning With Lego Robotics
Robotics in the Classroom
NASA Robotics Education Project - Matrix
Lego.com Educational Division - Mindstorms for Schools
Shambles.net Robotics - (Thanks to Chris Smith from the Education Project Asia)
Educational Robotics - Carnegie Mellon University
FIRST Lego League
Educational Weblog and Podcast Feature: OLDaily and Bernie Dodge at NECC (16:59)

Click to view TILT Episode 3 - Educational Robotics (22Mb MPEG-4 Video)

TILT Episode 2 (MPEG-4 Format) - Using Digital Pictures in the Classroom

2005-08-24T13:01:00.000-06:00

In this episode, we look at using digital pictures in the classroom. Topics covered in this episode are:

Digital literacy
Creating a digital photo album with PowerPoint
Creating a multimedia photo presentation with Photo Story 3
Ideas for using digital cameras in the classroom
Sharing photos with parents and students using Flickr.com
Extra viewer submissions : Star-w and The EdTech Posse

Click to view TILT Episode 2 - Digital Pictures in the Classroom.

TILT Episode 1 (MPEG-4 Format) - Using the Internet to Enhance Writing

2005-08-23T23:02:00.000-06:00

What I'm hoping is that by publishing in MPEG-4 format, iTunes users will be able to subscribe to this eduvlog and will be able to view episodes right in iTunes and eventually a video iPod. Also, Mac and Windows users with Quicktime Player and Real Player will be both be able to view episodes.

I used River Past Video Cleaner Pro to convert the original Windows Media files, and in my attempt to keep the file size as low as possible, the audio isn't the greatest. I sort of sound like Darth Vader only stranger - my apologies. Episode 4 on Problem-Based Learning with Technology is almost finished!

Cheers,
Danny Maas
TILT Founder/Producer

Click to view TILT Episode 1 (MPEG-4 Format)- Using the Internet to Enhance Writing.

TILT Episode 3 - Educational Robotics

2005-07-27T16:01:00.000-06:00

In this Episode of TILT, we examine the potential of robotics programs as learning tools. Here is an overview of Episode 3:

Overview of Educational Robotics (1:04)
A Brief Review of the Literature on Educational Robotics (1:40)
Working With Lego Mindstorms and Robolab (3:09)
Web Resources Which Support Educational Robotics (10:02)
Teaching and Learning With Lego Robotics
Robotics in the Classroom
NASA Robotics Education Project - Matrix
Lego.com Educational Division - Mindstorms for Schools
Shambles.net Robotics - (Thanks to Chris Smith from the Education Project Asia)
Educational Robotics - Carnegie Mellon University
FIRST Lego League
Educational Weblog and Podcast Feature: OLDaily and Bernie Dodge at NECC (16:59)

Click to view TILT Episode 3 - Educational Robotics (19Mb Windows Media Video)

Episode 2 - Using Digital Pictures in the Classroom

2005-07-14T16:21:00.003-06:00

In this episode, we look at using digital pictures in the classroom. Topics covered in this episode are:

Digital literacy
Creating a digital photo album with PowerPoint
Creating a multimedia photo presentation with Photo Story 3
Ideas for using digital cameras in the classroom
Sharing photos with parents and students using Flickr.com
Extra viewer submissions : Star-w and The EdTech Posse

The download is a 19Mb .wmv file. Tomorrow I will be posting a .divx version of this episode which will has a chapter links menu similar to a DVD. This should make viewing TILT episodes a bit easier for the Mac crowd. I'm also looking at publishing a Quicktime format. If anyone has suggestions for a good application to convert .wmv to Quicktime please let me know via the comments section here or email tilttv@gmail.com .

Click here for Windows Media Video (WMV) Version

Click here to view large Google Video version

New Episodes Coming - Call for Submissions

2005-07-07T09:05:00.000-06:00

2 new episodes of TILT will be published within the next week or two and we'd love to share your good experiences/ideas/resources around the following topics:

Robotics in the classroom
Digital pictures in the classroom

Email TILT with your submissions at tilttv@gmail.com!
Danny Maas, TILT TV

TILT Episode 1 - Enhancing the Writing Process Using the Internet

2005-06-27T09:43:00.000-06:00

TILT Episode 1 is ready and I can't wait for feedback! In this episode we review some websites which can help students and teachers plan their writing, learn new writing techniques and structures, share their writing with others, and generate excitement and enthusiasm for the writing process in meaningful ways.

Educationally, I purposely chose websites as the main form of content for the reason that activities involving the Internet are highly accessable for average teachers - no installs, no versions of software or platform issues, no highly technical knowledge required, etc.

Technically, I made a conscious effort to keep the filesize down (approximately 13 Mb Windows Media Video (.wmv) file). The result, however, is some blurriness and a small screen size. Again, please offer feedback as it's easy for me to create a larger or better-quality video, however file size will increase. I was listening to Leo Laporte's 'This Week in Tech' podcast yesterday and related to this I heard a great quote which applies here: "You can have it good, quick, and easy - pick any 2."

Anyhow, please send us your knowledge, experiences, advice, and resources! Send it in text, audio, video, photos, screenshots - send it all! This is an interactive broadcast that is created from and shaped by the educational community for the benefit of our students' learning! Email tilttv@gmail.com

Click to view TILT Episode 1 - Using the Internet to Enhance Writing.

Episodes: Themes versus Segments, Quick versus Full

2005-06-16T21:48:00.000-06:00

I've gone back and forth with this issue and am wondering how we should shape TILT (yes I said WE). Do we offer episodes that are based around a theme (say, for example a whole episode on problem-based learning with technology which is currently in production set to be released next week) or should we have a few different segments in each episode (for example, a bit on great educational websites, a bit on project ideas, a bit on software tutorials, etc.)? I think what I'll do is start with a themed episode on PBL with technology and then do a segmented episode on a few different things and see what viewers think. Chuck it against the wall and see what sticks so to speak.

Another issue - do I offer quick 2-5 minute episodes which I could pump out weekly or do I make a larger 10-15 minute show which might take 2-3 weeks to produce? Let us know.

Send your feedback, show ideas, etc. through the 'Comments' section of this blog or email tilttv@gmail.com .

Thanks all!
Danny Maas
TILT TV

TILT TV Welcomes You!

2005-06-15T13:24:00.000-06:00

Well, my first experience with vidcasting is just complete with the production of a short welcome video for viewers of TILT TV. I used the demo version of Serious Magic's Visual Communicator 2 to produce the 1-minute segment.

This segment gives viewers an overview of what to expect from TILT TV and provides more details on submitting content to future episodes!

Click to view TILT TV's Welcome video segment.

Submissions for TILT Episodes

2005-06-03T11:34:00.000-06:00

In addition to posting comments about TILT episodes you've watched, I invite you to submit content to be broadcast in future TILT episodes! Links, student project ideas, tutorials/lesson plans - we welcome any content that will further student learning across all subject areas using technology! Text, photos/graphics, audio, video - send it in!

Email your submissions to tilttv@gmail.com .

*Note - please do not send pictures or video that contains specific identifying information.

Yours in learning,
Danny Maas
Founder and producer of TILT