Software & Apps

April 5, 2017, Filed Under: Media & A/V, Software & Apps, Teaching & Learning

Converting Web Pages to PDF

Most of the time, the readings you assign to your students will be found in a textbook or journal. But sometimes, you may want them to read an article or other content that’s part of a Web page. And, one way you can make saving and storing that Web page’s content easier for you (and your students) is to convert it to a PDF.

Or maybe your students have asked you to do just that for one of the websites in your “recommended reading” list. Well, now you can share instructions with them so they can do it themselves.

March 24, 2017, Filed Under: Canvas, Software & Apps

Google Apps in Canvas

Like most people, you’ve probably been using Google for ages now. And, I guarantee your students have been too. It’s also likely that your students are not just using Google to search for things, but they’re probably also using Google Apps and Google Drive to create and share documents.

The good news is, that now you and your students share documents, without ever leaving your Canvas course.

March 23, 2017, Filed Under: Media & A/V, Software & Apps, Teaching & Learning

Getting Started with YouTube

If you’re anything like me, when you think of YouTube you probably think of cat videos and other sorts of general silliness.

But over the last few years, YouTube has grown by leaps and bounds and become the third most-visited Website (after Google and Facebook). It’s also quickly outpacing both network and cable television, especially with younger viewers.

Learn more here.

March 19, 2017, Filed Under: Media & A/V, Software & Apps

Adding Narration to PowerPoint Slideshows

There are lots of ways you can record things for future use. And, there are just as many reasons you might want to.

For example, you can record audio or video directly into you Canvas course. This would be a great way to add a human touch to the instructions for an assignment.

March 18, 2017, Filed Under: Media & A/V, Software & Apps

Getting Started with Adobe Connect

Adobe Connect is one of the remote conferencing tools available for use by UT faculty and staff. It does not directly integrate with Canvas, but you can use it to conduct virtual lectures, conference calls, virtual offices hours, and more.

The first thing you’ll need to do is register via UT’s Service Now website.

March 15, 2017, Filed Under: Media & A/V, Software & Apps, Testing

Getting Started with Kahoot!

One thing instructors frequently mention is a lack of student engagement in their classes. Or, they’re looking for ways to increase interaction with and between students.

Maybe instead, you’re looking for a way to “check in” with your students during a long lecture and check their understanding; or, you just want to break up the monotony of a 3-hour lecture (as much for yourself as for your students). Or maybe you just want to liven things up in your course and help students relax a little before a stressful exam.

AND, what if on top of all that, you’re looking for a tool that’s not only easy to use, by free?

March 10, 2017, Filed Under: Canvas, Software & Apps

Dynamic Content in Canvas

What is dynamic content?
And why should you consider using it (if you’re not already)?
How can it make your Canvas course more enjoyable for your students?
And maybe most importantly… how can it make your life easier?

March 4, 2017, Filed Under: Software & Apps, Teaching & Learning

Word Clouds are (still) Cool

Word clouds have been around for years now and have been used in every level of education and probably every conceivable subject area.

Though they may sometimes be overused or even seem a little hokey, they are also a REALLY easy way to add a little visual flare to your class or lecture. Plus, they’re super easy to make and completely free!

If you’re looking for a tool that will let you create word clouds in any shape you like (like an apple!), with your choice of colors, and as many words as you like, then check out WordArt.com.

March 3, 2017, Filed Under: Media & A/V, Software & Apps

Screencasting – Beyond the Basics

So you’ve been creating short screencast videos using Screencast-O-Matic or some other free option and now you’re ready to take your videos to the next level.

Or maybe you’re just tired of being limited to 15 minutes and so few editing options.

In that case, now it’s time to think about paying for one of the numerous options out there.

March 2, 2017, Filed Under: Media & A/V, Software & Apps

Screencasting Basics

One of the easiest ways you can create student-centered, engaging materials for your in-person, hybrid, or online courses is with screencasts.

Wikipedia defines “screencast” as a digital recording of a computer screen, often containing audio narration.

But you might be thinking that the software is hard to learn or that you don’t have time for editing and so on.