Dropcanvas: Share Stored Files Instantly

Dropcanvas is a very simple yet useful service. Go the the homepage, drag files onto the page and a url will be generated for sharing. Pass it on to whoever you want to and that's it! At the time of writing, there is no limit on how much you can store in total, although there is a healthy 5GB limit per canvas. Another great way to share files and folders with minimal hassle.

Integration:

• This is a really handy alternative to other forms of instant file sharing such as Bluetooth or shared servers; learners just need access to the Internet to share files so distance is no object.
• Use this to supplement file-sharing from other locations such as Google Drive or Dropbox.

Present.me - Slideshows with a Face!

Present.me allows you to record yourself via a webcam while presenting a slideshow. The guy in the video below has over 50 years of communications experience, so I'll let him explain the rest.

Integration:

• Use it to explain concepts for lessons and make it part of your flipped-classroom toolkit.
• Learners can use present.me to record digital presentations for current and future learners.
• Learners could also use it to present a portfolio of work evidencing their progress or talk their audience through the process of doing something e.g. the essay-drafting process.
• How about a project where older learners write stories for younger learners, illustrate slides to accompany their tales and then read them aloud before sharing across the school and perhaps even with other schools?

A Result! Thinglink Gadget for Google Sites

After a very frustrating couple of days, the kind Andrew of Thinglink has produced a gadget to embed Thinglink images into Google Sites.

>> Click here for the Thinglink gallery<<

Instructions (Open your Google page before reading):

1. Go to the Google Sites page where you want to place image and click 'edit'
2. Click 'insert' and choose add gadget.
3. Add a 'Gadget by URL'
4. Enter the URL: http://thinglink.s3.amazonaws.com/resources/tlGoogleGadgt.xml
5. Enter the embed code from the Thinglink image where the box is
6. Save the page to see what it looks like; you may have to fiddle with the height and width settings depending on your image dimensions

Integration:

• Use embedded Thinglinks as a navigation menu on the splash page of your site. (Thanks to Holly for this one.)
• Learners can use Thinglink to draw together information on a topic using a relevant image; as it's a collaborative tool, you can allow anyone to edit and add tags.
• Learners could make a map of place that a story takes place in and then embed different media at certain locations as a way to experiment with experiencing narrative in different ways.
• Science could set up a murder scene with tags leading to various clues or English/Language Arts teachers could do the same as a starting point for imaginative writing.

Dropbox Update: Publish Stored Files to the World

Dropbox has added a new feature to its service now allowing users to publish any file stored in an account, much like Google Docs. And about time too!

Integration:

• Dropbox is already used by many teachers to allow learners to send them files via DropItToMe so this addition will make it much simpler for teachers to share files too, without granting full access to their accounts.
• If your organisation does not use Google Apps, this could be a useful alternative for file sharing.

Go Google Drive - Even More Free Storage!

You could hardly have missed the recent hype surrounding Google Drive being launched last week, but just in case you missed it, here's a very quick introduction to Google's answer to Dropbox.

Synctube: Bring together Media from all over the Internet

 Synctube is a free service that enables users to create their own 'rooms' in which they can place media from all over the web, including videos, music, documents and more. You can make your room as private or public as you want, meaning you have control over how few or many people have access to your room. Once in the room, there is a chat box for viewers to discuss what they are watching. WARNING: Be very careful if directing learners to this site as there are chats taking place with highly inappropriate language. If your room is open to the public, anyone can access the chat feature so consider this before sharing.

Integration:

• Bring together media for a particular topic in one place, without having to worry about storage space; learners can then access the room and browse the contents.
• For explanatory media, the chat function will be most useful for learners asking questions or noting difficult points (much like a backchannel), whether in or out of the classroom.
• Synctube could be a good place to view Youtube content if it is blocked in your school; try and test before relying on it though!
• Build a channel of resources every time you teach a particular unit; ask learners to contribute and rate they find most useful.

Screenr: Screen Capture without Hassle

Screenr is another free screencasting tool, with no downloads or signups required. Record up to 5 minutes of on-screen action ad then embed and share on any sites, social networks or blogs of your choosing. The buzz about this tool is its simplicity of use with almost zero IT skills required to create successful screencasts.

Integration:

As per Screencast-O-Matic

Stupeflix: Online Video Editor

A couple of days ago, I blogged about WeVideo which allows online collaboration for video projects. Another tool to add to your video kit is Stupeflix, which offers a range of features for enhancing your video. From their theme gallery to adding text, overlaying your video from any one of their 130 music tracks to adding maps and text-to-speech, Stupeflix offers a variety of ways to make your videos more 'wow' before sharing them via social media sites or embedding them. This is a great service for those looking for a multi-feature video editor without the need for downloads.

Integration:

• Learners can use Stupeflix to enhance their video projects and easily bring in other tools such as maps
• The text-to-speech feature could be useful for SEN learners who would benefit from an audio experience of any on-screen text, or for those who prefer this to their own voiceover

WeVideo: Collaborative Video Editing

WeVideo offers the chance to upload clips from any device and not only share, but also edit, them with your friends. With a free account, you can invite up to 5 people to collaborate on your video project, and because it's all in the cloud, there's no need for any software; it can be accessed from any device with an Internet connection.

Integration:

• This is like the Google Docs of the video world - great for learners to work together on projects from different devices from any physical location with an Internet connection

Kadoo Private Video Sharing

Youtube is a great place for putting videos to share with the world, but if you cannot access it or require even more control over your privacy, Kadoo might be a good option. You could also use it to supplement the space provided by Google Video and have the ability to set your sharing preferences so only those you want to see the videos can do so. 

Getting Organised

Evernote is a popular tool that allows people to create, edit and share notebooks with text, audio, video and other media. I've been using it for a while now and was surprised to find that I hadn't posted about it, so here we are. The fact that it can be accessed with any mobile device makes it a great way to keep things up-to-date. Although I don't use it with learners (yet!), I have found it invaluable as an alternative to Post-it Notes and a great way to organise bookmarks, digital media and other resources from around the web. Have a look at how teachers make use of it here. Fortunately, the helpful team at Evernote has also provided these resources so you can fully explore the applications of Evernote in the classroom.


Trello is another helpful tool that allows a group to organise the various elements of projects by assigning different responsibilities to individuals and then allowing them to update their progress in real time. This video gives a general (not very education orientated) introduction to the functionality but it's easy to see how it can be used for groups to collaborate, perhaps even providing a more modern take on Gantt charts?

Talking Pictures - Voicethread and Yodio

Voicethread has been around for quite a while and has a user-friendly interface. Learners can upload pictures and add voiceover, as well as doodling and other features. I've used it a few times with different groups as an alternative way to present and my learners have given positive feedback on the experience. Now you can also find inspiration on how to make the most of Voicethread from the project library which is organised by subject area. The resulting Voicethreads can be shared, embedded and commented upon. Additionally, there are lots of ideas of how to make the most of it in the presentation below.

(As an alternative, Yodio is another free, easy-to-use service that allows users to upload pictures and then add voice to them. Voice can be uploaded from MP3 files or you can call the (US) number to send your voice straight to your account.)

Crocodoc Document / Website Markup

Crocodoc allows users to upload documents and then "share and review" online. Collaborators can be invited to view and edit the document (or a webpage) with the original user and, if privacy is an issue, they can also be password protected. Documents can also be embedded in blogs, websites and wikis.
Another advantage of the service is the ability to fill out pdf forms online as you can simply write over the document to complete it.
The video below gives an overview of the service.

Integration:

• Crocodoc can be used to provide feedback on assignments; classmates can be invited to provide feedback on each others' work from a distance
• Rather than printing and annotating articles, learners can use Crocodoc to mark it up digitally and then store a version on their computer or online
• Teachers can provide guidance via the annotation and highlighting tools before sharing webpages; great for differentiation where some learners may need information to be more easily located
• The strikeout tool is useful for practising the art of abbreviation and note-taking by crossing out superfluous text and using the highlighter to identify key information; as this can be done collaboratively, learners can share and compare their attempts to support one another

Just Beam It!

Justbeamit.com is a very handy way of transferring large files up to 2GB. Simply drag the file onto the screen and a unique url is generated that you can share with whomever you like. The person you have shared with simply clicks the link to download the file. The video below shows you how to use the service.

Integration:

• Learners can use this to transfer homework to each other and to submit larger assignments to you, especially when a shared server is down or unavailable.

Tinypic Picture and Video Hosting

Tinypic offers a simple but invaluable service. You upload a picture or video to the site and a url is provided which you can then share as you please. Registration is optional for additional features but the basic sharing facility requires no sign-up.

Integration:

• Great for when you want to share videos for projects or other classwork but don't want to go via Youtube 
• Learners can use this service without worrying about logging in or signing up 
• Use to supplement space provided by your online hosting service

Dushare File Sharing

At least once a week I have the situation where a learner or colleague is trying to send me a file but can't find a memory stick or get Bluetooth to connect. Enter Dushare. Use the simple interface to select a file to share in real time. Send the provided code to the person/people you wish to receive the file and click send. It couldn't be easier. You can even chat while you're waiting for the transfer to complete. There is no hosting; the file is simply read from your computer, coded and sent over the web to the receiver as you wait. There is a 'password protect' option for added security. No limits on file sizes - very handy!

Integration:

• Direct learners to the site when they want to share files on a project
• Easily share files with learners in real time as and when needed

SugarSync

SugarSync is similar to Dropbox in that it synchronises folders on your computer with online storage, meaning they are backed up wherever you go. SugarSync is not to be missed as you get 5GB free (as opposed to Dropbox's 2GB) and there is an extra 500MB for every referral you make. The best part? There is no limit on the number of referrals you can get the free space from so get sharing!

Integration:
See Dropbox 

Dropbox

Dropbox is an online file storage system that many have already been using for years and with good reason. If you haven't heard the buzz then read this post which sets it out pretty clearly. Dropbox allows you to create a folder on your computer and anything in that folder can be accessed by multiple devices e.g. your computer, your laptop and your smartphone. No need to worry about forgetting that pen-drive or a computer crash, because everything is backed up online where you can access it easily. Many have taken advantage of the referral program to gain even more free space, but few seem to know that if you are a student or teacher, you can get double the free space for referrals - that's 250MB instead of 125MB for each person you refer. Not to be sniffed at! All you need to do is send a message to support from your school account asking for the upgrade and every referral will be appropriately rewarded. Join up using my referral link here and we both get extra free space.

If you already have a Google Site, check out this video on how to integrate Dropbox to your navigation.

Integration:

• Create a folder for a unit of work containing all the relevant resources. Share this with your groups so they always have access to the materials whether at home, in school or on-the-go.
• Learners can create their own shared folders to store files related to projects they are working on together. If they share this with you, it is then possible to drop in useful materials they might need.
• Create a folder for collecting homework assignments; learners can move their files directly into the folder without fiddling about with attachments.