Using Google Slides to View YouTube Videos in Class

I've found a much better, easier way to show videos in class without the annoying or inappropriate advertisements, upcoming videos and comments.  You simply copy and paste the YouTube link and insert the video into a Google Slide.  Super easy!  Your videos will be automatically saved to your Google Drive for easy access when you want to show it again in class.  Check it out!

Flipped Classroom...Zaption might be for you!!

Whenever I have my students watch a flipped video I want to make sure that they are engaged. That is why I have started using Zaption not only on all of my flipped videos, but any YouTube or Vimeo videos I may use to teach about culture or language.  Zaption's free version has quite a few engagement elements including the ability to add text to give more information about a topic or emphasize a specific point.  You can also embed open response, multiple choice and check box questions into the video.  Here is an example of a Zaption video I am using in class this week about kids who are bullfighters.

Zaption is super easy to use! Check out the video below for details on how to get started!!

Scanning ANY Image Made EASY!!

In my second language classroom I'm always in search of new interesting reading materials that pertain to the topic we are studying in class.  These could be actual texts from textbook, signs I see out on the street, menus...you name it!  I have always just used the camera on my iPhone to take pictures of these objects and then email them to myself to be able to use in our LMS Schoology.  The images have to reduced in size and quality because otherwise I can't email them.  Book pages especially usually turned out looking bad.

In comes an easy and FREE solution....Camscanner!!

I downloaded Camscanner for my phone and in a few clicks I was taking pictures that were converted into high quality resolution PDF's that I could easily use in my class.  Camscanner also has a website that you log into and can find all of the scans that you have made making it easy to download from a desktop computer!  Check out the video below for my quick tutorial!!

Schoology Setup in 3 Easy Steps

Getting started with any learning management system can be intimidating.  The reason why I love Schoology so much is that you can pick up a lot of the functionality in three easy steps! Check out the video that I created and start your journey with Schoology!!

Turn off the Lights Chrome Extension

If you show YouTube videos in class this is an extension for you! The Turn Off the Lights Extension allows you to darken the areas outside of the video window in YouTube. This means you can avoid any inappropriate videos and ads that show up and also black out the comments below the video.
It is super easy to use and install. First you will need to download this link at the Google Chrome Extension store for free.  A light bulb icon will appear in your website address bar that looks like this

Now simply click the icon and it will "turn off the lights."  Right-click the icon for options and teh ability to darken the screen even further.  Watch the video below for details on this and more!