Zamzar Makes Downloading YouTube Videos Easy

Talk about a great online service!  A teacher suggested Zamzar.com as an online service that converts pretty much any file on the web.  Especially works great with YouTube videos!  Here’s how:

1)  Visit Zamzar.com

2) Under Step 1 click on URL.

Click on URL

3) Open another tab or window and go to YouTube video you want to convert.

4) Copy the URL (web address) of the YouTube video you wish to convert.

YouTube URL

5) Go back to Zamzar & Paste the YouTube URL into Step 1.  It should look like this:

URL pasted in Step 1

6) In Step 2 you will need to select what type of file you want to convert to:

1. For Quictime Player select mp4, mov or mpg
2. For Windows Media Player select wmv

7) Enter your email address in Step 3 and click Convert.

You’re done.  You’ll receive an email address a few hours later with a link to download your converted file.  All you’ll have to do is click on Download Now and save it.

Download & Save

Enjoy it’s FREE!  No more waiting for the video to load on the internet.

Update:  Check your Junk Mail for the email you’ll receive with a link to your file.  Approve that sender if you’ll be converting several videos.

Thank you Mr. Labardee!

Cool 360 Panorama Of The Olympic Cube

A 360 Panorama is a cool web feature that almost replaces you actually being at a popular spot around the world.  We have some of our school grounds on our Virtual Map. 

Found this one on the NY Times website.  This is as close as I will ever come to that diving platform.

The Cube

Click Here To View

Clean That LCD Projector Filter

From time to time you will notice that your LCD Projector might be a little dim or the unit is running hot. This usually means it’s time to clean the foam filter located on the side of your unit.

How, you ask? With projector OFF, I clean it by running my fingers over the foam above a trash recepticle. If you have a small brush or dry cleaning towel, you can use that too. Don’t be so rough because you may tear foam. Slip back in the appropriate slot.

Can I use water? You can, but MAKE SURE foam is completely dry before inserting it back in slot!

Clean That Filter!

The unit pops up an automatic warning when it needs to be cleaned. Get in the habit of cleaning it once or twice a month. You will extend the life of the bulb and the unit.

Note: Some units have more than one filter.

MTG Tip #1 – Changing Grade Scale

How to change the grading scale for an individual student or class roster.

1) Open the class file and be in The Gradebook Window.

2) Got to Edit  - Set Up Info – Class Info – Grading Scales.

Grading Scale Menu

 

3) Click on Go To Scale #2.

4) Enter the New Scale.

5) Select the student from The Gradebook Window and change the scale number .

OR

5) You can go to the end of your roster and click on the last blank entry and view the entire roster and change the scale for any student or all students. 

 

In Roster View

Thank you Brenda Ugalde.

Share your cool tips by emailing: adalberto.rodriguez@tusd1.org 

New Copy Procedure

NEW THIS YEAR:

1) Please use the Copy Request forms at all times. This makes it so much easier for us. You can always download them ahead of time by visiting http://www.pueblowarriors.org/av

2) When submitting your order, please attach your name tag to your order. If you don’t have one, new and returning teachers, I will be making you one this week so that you don’t feel left out.

Place your Name Tag on copy order.

3) Make sure to fill out completely, you’d be surprised how many forget to write down the amount of copies needed.

4) When you pick up your copies, make sure to remove your tag and place in your departments slot and color code.

Return Name Tags to tray.

We always try to save paper! Please THINK BEFORE YOUR COPY! Write it on the board, use a transparency, LCD projector, limit single sided copies, 2 on sheet and class sets. (More tips on website)

How Do I Download Video From YouTube

Many of you have asked me this question: How can I download the videos from YouTube to use in my classroom? Keep in mind that YouTube is blocked at Pueblo and even if it wasn’t we would have difficulty streaming that video on our SLOW connection. Depending on what computer you have at home, there is software you can download that I have personally tested to make this possible.

For your information, FLV or Flash Video has become very popular for streaming video. We use it on our site as well. Only thing is that you have to take a few more steps to make it accesible on your desktop.

For PC Users
If you are running any Windows Operating System, your options are a little more limited. First, you will have to install Firefox Internet Browser. As a side note, Firefox offers a better web experience and offers better security on the web than Explorer. I highly recommend that you make the conversion. Visit the Firefox site to download and install this free software.

The easiest software to capture FLV video is called Web Video Downloader and can be purchased for $19.95 at www.sothinkmedia.com. Once you install this software you will have a special icon on the Toolbar of your browser that will allow you to complete the capturing process. (Screenshot below) It was very easy to use and effective.

SoThinkMedia Screenshot

Icon that appears in Firefox BrowserThere are several video tutorials and manuals on the site that will guide you through the steps. There is a trial period for this software so download it and check it out.

For Mac Users (The Smart Ones)
There seems to be more software for this service on a Mac. For $8.00, the one I am recommending and currently using, is called Videobox and you can download it at www.tastyapps.com. It’s very and I mean really simple to use.

Once you download and install, you copy the url (web address) of the video you are watching on YouTube and paste it in the program window. The program automatically detects the FLV video you are trying to capture and Done! That easy! (Screenshot below)

Videobox Screenshot

Easy drag and drop of url for conversionVideobox offers a trial period too. So you can try it and see if it will work for you. Chances are you will fall in love with this little program as fast as I did.

Once you have the video converted, all you need is a Flash Drive (If you don’t have one, get one) to bring to school and project on your screen. Let me know if you have any problems or if you are currently using a program that is easier to use. There are freebies out there, but those don’t offer as many options and they are not user-friendly.

This software not only works with Youtube, but with all streaming video sites out there. (Google, MSN, Myspace and others.)

How Do I Get Copies?

Teachers and Student Aide’s are not permitted use of Copy Machines. Only Teacher Assistants and A/V Aides are allowed use of machines.

WHAT WE CAN’T COPY

We are not allowed to duplicate copyrighted material. That means no books, workbooks and magazines in general. (With Few Exceptions) Please provide a hard copy of the material to expedite the order.

To keep the machine in working order, requests with dark pictures and edges will be returned so they can be covered or cut. Such dark pictures and edges wear out the fuser and consume more dry ink. This is the number one cause of machine failure.

HOW TO MAKE OUR JOB EASIER

Please keep your copy orders simple by avoiding bulky packets and limiting yourself to 1-4 sheets per job. This cuts back on machine wear and tear. We understand that packets will be needed from time to time. Longer turn-around time on orders bigger than four pages.

When submitting your order, you must use ”Official Copy Request”. Paper clip your form to your originals along with your name tag. Orders with out proper form will be returned incomplete.

Have your originals in good condition. You may want to retype some originals or recopy some maps that have started to fade.

Sometimes a small part of your work goes to a third sheet when using normal margins in Microsoft Word. By adjusting your margins you make better use of a full sheet. You can also decrease your font size by one to make it fit.

When you pick up order, please return your name tag to tray.

HELP US SAVE PAPER

Before submitting your order ask yourself:

• Can I write it on the board?
• Can I use an overhead sheet?
• Can I use my LCD projector?
• Did I fill out the Request Form properly?
• Can I put two on a page?
• Can I run a class set only?

Our policy is not to compromise your teaching techniques. All we ask is that you be more conscientious about your copying needs. Thank you for your cooperation and patience! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Copy Room hours will be from 8:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Teachers will have access to Copy Room to drop off or pick up orders all day.

(Machine will be off after 11:30 a.m.)

Cut-off time for daily requests is 11:00 a.m. Anything turned in after that will be done the next business day. We usually run a 24 hour turn-around time.

During open hours:
Students can drop-off or pick-up copies
* A note will be placed at door of approximate return time and location if I’m not available.
* Don’t send students with keys or have them ask someone to open door.

During closed hours:
Don’t send any students to drop off or pick-up copies after those hours.
* Only Teachers & Staff will have access

Only EXTREME EMERGENCIES will be done after those hours.
* Teacher has to leave campus
* Administration requests

This will allow me the time to do other assigned duties. Suggestions on how we can improve our service are always welcomed.

AV requests will be handled all day and this includes: Overhead bulbs, Overhead/LCD Projector Problems, TV/DVD/VCR Units, Mobile Computer Lab.